Vernon Toews was born on June 11, 1940, to Abe K and Elisabeth Toews in Grande Prairie, AB. He passed away at Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, SK, on September 3, 2024, due to complications from a stroke.

When Dad was 7 years old, he and his family moved to the Linden, AB, area. He attended various schools, including Oras, Alhambra, and Antler.

He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, at about 15 years of age. He remained true to his vows until the end, although life was not without its struggles.

On September 27, 1964, he married Mary Bueckert. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for 53 years. God blessed them with 3 sons and 2 daughters.

Dad worked as a welder and repairman from a young age, and his vision for how things should be built proved valuable in his drafting career at Linden Machine Works. His desire to farm led the family to Dewberry, AB, in 1979, where he dairy farmed, did custom baling, and often repaired machinery.

Dad's sense of humor often came through in conversation. He enjoyed visiting, especially with youth boys. Going to church was important to him, and he always appreciated a good Sunday school discussion.

Dad and Mom spent a year in Albuquerque, NM, as house parents in the boys' unit. They also spent time in the mission in Smithers, BC, where they made lifelong friends.

Mom passed away in 2017, leaving Dad very lonely. He suffered a stroke 10 months later. He moved to Vermilion and District Housing Foundation and later to Pioneer House in Lloydminster.

He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his children: Marilyn of Lloydminster, AB, Ray & Andrea of Dewberry, AB (Alana & Marcel [Asher], Isaac, Carly & Kyle [Eloise] Giesbrecht, Micah, Lindsey), Heather & Mike Trask of Edmonton, AB (Krista, Emilie, Taylor); Lewy & Rhea of Welsford, NS (Bryce & Leslie, Rochelle, Sharilynn, Rylan), and Brad & Kimberly of Edmonton, AB (Samuel, Margot); his sisters Margaret Evans and Lillian Loewen; and brothers Harvey & Eileen Toews and Dennis & Hannah Toews; sisters-in-law Mae Toews, Anne Toews, Anna Karpetz, and Helen Bueckert.

Preceding him in death were his wife, parents, parents-in-law, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 brothers-in-law, and 1 sister-in-law.

Appreciation

We, as a family, wish to express our gratitude for your kindness evidenced through thoughts, deeds, prayers, and your presence at this funeral service.