John Isaak

Johann (John) Isaak
May 11, 1920 - October 29, 2015

With great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of our dearly beloved, Father, Grandfather (Opa), and Great Grandfather. He passed away peacefully, with family, and everything in order on October 29 at Concordia Hospital.
His cherished family members consisted of: Three children: John Jr. (Deceased) (married to Bonnie); Walter (married to Evelyn); and Irmgard (married to Al Friesen).
Seven grandchildren: Nathan Isaak (Alanna), Tristan Isaak (Angela), Rachel Isaak, Kurtis Isaak, Natalie Ferreira (Helder), Christopher Friesen (Jade), and Blake Friesen (Millie).
Nine great grandchildren: Aeben Isaak, Talia Isaak, Asher Isaak, Mac Pudavic, Sarah Isaak, Sean Isaak, Evan Ferreira , Madison Ferreira , and Chloe Lou Friesen.
John was predeceased by his beloved wife Agnes (2010) and dear son John Jr. (2006). He is survived by one devoted brother Cornelius Isaak of Winnipeg, MB.
John emigrated to Canada in 1947 and settled in southern Manitoba working on a farm while he waited for his fiancée to arrive in Canada. They were married on April 9, 1949. Within a year, they moved to Winnipeg and settled in North Kildonan to raise their family. John was a wonderful craftsman, working in the building trade, and eventually opened his own company. His reputation of good quality workmanship and honesty won him the respect within his trade where he made many lasting lifelong friendships. He was always known as a gentleman who came from humble beginnings and never forgot this. He gave generously of himself in free labour to his church, his friends, and those in need who could not afford his services. Being idle was not in his repertoire. In early retirement, he spent hundreds of hours in his workshop. Many of us have benefited from his talents with gifts of spinning wheels, planters, tea wagons, grandfather clocks, games and even bird houses. His motto was measure twice, cut only once.
His love of travel was legendary. As children the car road trips to Vancouver during the summers to visit mom's family were considered a huge adventure. We lost track of the numerous trips to Europe to visit family as well as take in the usual tourist sights. Bus tours in North America were considered a must, and vacations to Mexico or Hawaii were a respite in the brutal cold of winter. One summer he and mom travelled to as many local festivals as they could in Manitoba, encouraging their friends to accompany them. He encouraged his family to see the world to broaden their horizons. A progressive thinker with an open mind he kept pace with the changing world. He found judging others a waste of time and energy that could be redirected at something more constructive. In his later years he became a voracious reader and never tired of reading and rereading his library of books. He also loved watching old classic films.
Dad attended the North Kildonan M.B. Church where he remained a dedicated member until his passing. He maintained a strong faith in our Lord and Saviour, was a baptized believer, and had been waiting to go to his eternal home and be reunited with Agnes, his love of 61 years. When asked what his favourite Bible verse or passage was, he immediately replied "the whole Bible" which he considered the best book ever written. "Blest are those who have not seen, and yet have believed."
Dad's physical decline in the last year was sad to see, but he always kept a twinkle in his eye and his sense of humor. Kindness, graciousness and generosity came so naturally to him, and we never missed a visit without him telling us he loved us. He will be sorely missed. Somehow our lives will never be the same without him.
Special thanks to the staff at Kildonan House where he spent the last years of his life. Their caring, thoughtfulness, and concern for John was a wonderful testament as to care given for our aging population. Also thank you to Dr. Shauna Visch for her attentiveness to John in the last many years. Thanks to the staff at Concordia Hospital, N3 East, for their gentleness, compassion, and empathy in John's last two weeks.
The funeral service for John Isaak will be held on Monday, November 2, 2015 at the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church on Springfield and Gateway at 11:00 am. His final resting place will be alongside his beloved Agnes, at Green Acres Cemetery.
Although flowers are appreciated, we would decline and ask that "in lieu of," donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Fund, or a charity of your choice.

"Belobt sei Gott, der Vater unseres Herrn Jesus Christus, der uns gesegnet hat." Ephesians 1:3