ABRAHAM JAMES BLOCK

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ABRAHAM (ABE) JAMES BLOCK March 20, 1928 - September 11, 2015 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" Proverbs 18:10 On September 11, 2015, in the same way he lived his life, Abe Block passed away peacefully and gently to be with the Lord. Left to cherish his memory are his son Larry (Linda) of Thunder Bay, and his daughter Katherine. His grandchildren Courtney (Paul) Derkatch and their children Noah, Grace and Abigail; Erin (Sean) Harper and their son Jack; Kellie (Ryan) Stachiw; and Cody, were so loved by him. Also surviving are his sister Irma (Bob) Stevenson, brother Benjamin (Marlene) Block, and numerous nephews and nieces. Abe was predeceased by his beloved wife Irene (September 2004), as well as five brothers and two sisters. Abe was born on a farm near St. Boswell's, Saskatchewan to Peter and Helena Block. At the age of 11 his father passed away leaving the responsibility of looking after the farm to him and his older brother Henry, as well as his three younger siblings. At the age of 20 his mother sold the farm and the family moved to Regina, where he met his future wife, Irene Turner. They were married August 16, 1952 and had Larry in 1956 and Kathy in 1960. While in Regina, Abe and Irene attended Regina Apostolic Church, where they were very active and made many dear friends. They enjoyed many summers at Kedleston Gospel Camp serving in many different capacities. Abe was employed by Colgate-Palmolive and in 1963 was transferred to Winnipeg. Shortly thereafter he took a job at Reimer Express Lines as Office Manager and quickly moved up through the company, eventually retiring in 1991 as Vice-President of Terminals. It was at Reimer Express where he gained many life-long friends, who continued to keep close contact with him. He and Irene were also actively involved at Grace Tabernacle while raising Larry and Kathy, and later attended Calvary Temple. Abe and Irene enjoyed many years camping at Caddy Lake and later at St. Malo. Abe maintained a very large garden and was proud of his giant pumpkins, tomatoes and zucchinis! Abe was happiest when his grandchildren were around: from pulling them in the wagon, to playing in box forts in the basement, having endless games of cards, to filming as many memories as possible - his life was fulfilled! A few years after Irene passed away Abe moved to Thunder Bay. He lived at Chartwell for one year, but when he needed further care, he moved to Dawson Court. The loving care the staff gave him during his five-year stay there was unsurpassed. His good friend Barbara Johnson was wonderful company for him and they enjoyed many hours of visiting and listening to music together. When, at a young age, Abe accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour, he endeavoured to live a life of grace and integrity. His sweet, gentle nature was a testimony to those around him of his faith and love for Jesus. He didn't start a day without prayer and bible reading - he had read through his well-worn Bible 22 times! Abe loved poetry - one word could be the trigger for him to recite an entire poem from his school days. He also loved hymns, and even though his failing vision didn't allow him to read the words, he knew every verse and chorus of any hymn that was sung! Abe's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Dawson Court for serving and caring for Dad with love and compassion in his last years. The dignity, respect and friendship shown him will never be forgotten. A funeral service to celebrate and honour Abe's life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a reception to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. 2 Timothy 1:12 "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day." Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2015