April 1, 1927 - Dec. 4, 2003
John Fehr was the sixth child born to Jacob and Sarah Fehr in Rhineland, Saskatchewan, April 1, 1927. He was raised in a small Mennonite farming community and spent his later teen years working for other farmers in Saskatchewan.
Work was scarce in winter on the Prairies, so at 21 Dad and some of his friends travelled by train to Burns Lake to look for work. Upon his arrival to Takysie Lake, he worked in sawmilling operations for several winters. In his first winter Dad was introduced to the George Wiebe family, where he picked his bride before she knew about it. After several winters of courting he married Mary Wiebe on April 1, 1951.
Dad was baptized in his early twenties at Cheslatta.
Dad purchased some property and then went into business for himself. Sawmilling in the winter and farming in the summer. In 1962, Dad and Mom moved from Cheslatta to Decker Lake where he was employed by George Hemp until his retirement. During those years, Dad bought property at Rose Lake; logged and sawmilled it with his sons.
Dad and Mom were blessed with twelve children; five daughters and seven sons.
Dad enjoyed spending time with family, music, gardening, animals and birds.
In 2002 Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. After courageously battling cancer for one year and seven months he went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2003.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Mary, two grandsons and four brothers. Dad is loving remembered by: Helen (John) Froese - Riverton, MB; Tina (Glenn) Martin - Three Hills, Alta; Trudy (Ray) Boldt - Glenbush, Sask; Joe - Burns Lake, BC; Ann (Mark) VanderGriend - Edmonton, Alta; Jake - Campbell River, BC; Martin (Nora) - Burns Lake, BC; Martha (Tom) Philips - Calgary, Alta; Menno - Vernon, BC; George (Rhoda) - Burns Lake, BC; David - Campbell River, BC; Dan - Burns Lake, BC.
Twenty-four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters: (Grace) Fehr, Pete Fehr, (Anne) Fehr, Helen Janzen, Sarah Klassen, Ike (Kathy) Fehr, (Helen) Fehr, (Helen) Ulrich, Nettie (Jake) Penner, Henry (Sophie) Fehr, Abe (Helen) Fehr, Cathy (Aaron) Peters, Frank (Ruth) Fehr.
We greatly appreciate the kindness and support of the Decker Lake community, Pastor Henry Plett, the Island Gospel Fellowship, the Lakes District Medical Staff, and his many friends and family.
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.”