John Bestvater
- John Bestvater
- Date of Passing: December 16, 2024
- Born: September 2, 1936
Obituary
John Bestvater was the youngest child born to Abram and Margareta (Martens) Bestvater, who had immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1930. He was a happy, optimistic child who brought joy even in difficult times.
At the age of 18, John graduated from high school in Grunthal and went to Normal School to become a teacher. He would later complete two university degrees through diligent summer and winter classes. John spent over 40 years in education in Steinbach. Most of that time was as an elementary principal. Former students recall the good times they had playing ball with their teacher. He was respected and much appreciated by the parents and students in his schools.
In 1965 John married Shirley (nee Hiebert) and they set up their home and raised their family in Steinbach where they lived until 2003. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage.
John participated in different sports including volleyball, baseball and curling, winning medals and trophies.
He had a sense of adventure and curiosity and earned his pilot’s license in the 1970’s. John and several friends owned a small Cessna plane for some time.
John had a fine tenor voice and enjoyed singing. He sang in various groups over the years, including the Four Flats Quartet who were often invited to entertain, Grace Mennonite Church Choir, Steinbach Community Choir, Bethel Men of Song, and the Faith and Life Male Choir. He was a member of this choir from its inception until quite recently.
John’s interest in life included travel to many international destinations, including China, India, Europe, Russia, Peru, Portugal and South America. He also travelled coast to coast in Canada and much of the USA. After his retirement, he was involved as a shareholder in Southeast Travel Agency. This provided more opportunity for travel, and he guided numerous tour groups to Paraguay and Brazil.
For years, John and Shirley volunteered with the SOOP program, teaching English to immigrants in Phoenix and Tuscon.
John loved driving! Be it delivering motorhome units for Triple E, products for the swine industry, or helping with harvest at Tom’s farm, he was always ready to go.
He was a devoted husband and father, gladly making time for his family. Some of the highlights were creating a hockey rink in the backyard, building a cottage, going fishing, camping trips and always supporting his children’s interests.
His last years were challenging as dementia robbed him of his sharp mental ability and also his independence. Heart and kidney failure added to the deterioration of his body. Since September he spent upwards of 50 days in hospitals, until his passing on December 16, 2024.
John was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Henry, Helen, Abe, Jake and baby Tina. Surviving are his sister-n-laws Mary and Brigitte.
He will forever be remembered by his loving wife, Shirley, their three children: Kim (Rob Sidorchuk), Scott Bestvater, and Kristel (Tom Elskamp), and precious grandchildren: Julie (Kyle) King and Rachel Sidorchuk, Mya and Noah Bestvater, Hanna and Isaiah Elskamp.
He will also be missed by Shirley’s family, a host of nieces and nephews, former colleagues and students, and many dear friends.
A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, December 23, 11:00 a.m., at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford, Winnipeg, MB.
Funeral Details
Service of Remembrance
- Bethel Mennonite Church
- 465 Stafford Street, Winnipeg
- Directions: (Google Map)
- December 23, 2024 - 11:00 am
Arrangements
- Birchwood Funeral Chapel
- Phone: 1-888-454-1030
- Website: birchwoodfuneralchapel.com
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