Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Isaac Hildebrandt aged 88 of Steinbach passed away peacefully on August 1, 2001 at the Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, their children; Henry and Sarah Hildebrandt, John and Marie Hildebrandt, Jake and Marianne Hildebrandt, Kurt and Terri Schroeder, Dennis Hildebrandt, Darlene and John Mitton, Ed and Sheila Hildebrandt; fourteen grandchildren and two brothers John and Jake. He was predeceased by daughter Sarah Schroeder, grandson; Mark Hildebrandt, daughter-in -law; Betty Hildebrandt and four brothers; George, Dan, Henry and Peter and one sister; Agatha. Isaac was the fifth son born to Henry and Sarah Hildebrandt on February 20, 1913 in the village of Leonidowka in the Ukraine. In 1926, at the age of 13 the family moved to Canada and lived in Harris, Saskatchewan at their Uncle Peter Hildebrandt’s farm. They stayed there for the winter and then bought land in Eskbank, SK where they farmed until the depression began. They could not pay for the loan of the cattle and machinery so he and his brothers had to find work off the farm. In 1934 the family moved to Parkerview, SK. and settled there. Isaac bought two quarters of land and built a house and barn and began beef farming with his brother John. Isaac on profession of faith was baptized on July 10, 1938 by bishop J.J Klassen. Isaac married Mary Driedger on November 5, 1946 and took her home to his farm in Parkerview. Their first four children were born there. It was tough farming as there were many stones and bush. Isaac struggled with health problems early in their marriage and required several kidney surgeries. His brothers were there to help out. In 1954 they moved to Landmark, MB to begin a more profitable stint in farming. The rest of the family had already moved into the Landmark area and Isaac and Mary and their young family came to join them. Three more children were born to them. They raised their 7 children on just a quarter section of land on a dairy farm close to some of his brothers. The farm was very much a family operation. The children were taught the benefits of hard work. Isaac worked hard and enjoyed seeing the fruits of his labors. The family remembers him getting up early and going out into the fields to check the hay to see if it was ready to bale; sometimes at five o’clock in the morning. The children all helped with the work and have fond memories of haying together even though it was hard work. In summer he would often take time off to look for blueberries, and take the family to the Morris Stampede or out to the Lake. He would also faithfully take his family to church each Sunday even if it meant going by horse and sleigh in winter. Family devotions were also a daily habit and were usually in the German language. He made a point of trying to keep the German language alive in our home. He would read stories in German and then retell them to the children. The younger children slowly lost their German speaking abilities and he went as far as paying them to keep speaking German. However when the children married cross-culturally, he willingly spoke English to all the family. As the children grew up he sold most of the milk cows and slowed down his farming operation for a few years before he sold the farm in 1978 and moved into Steinbach. In his retirement he took on a new love for life and came to enjoy some new ventures. Fishing and picking blueberries were some of his favorite hobbies. Isaac and Mary also enjoyed a little travel with tour groups into the U.S.A. He also started a few winter hobbies that included some woodwork, building toys and things for the grandchildren. Isaac never lost his love of the land, when he retired he kept up his planting and harvesting in a big garden in the back yard. Planting potatoes was a must and he always had a successful crop. Isaac was one of a few people who knew how to make rope out of baler twine or sissle so he volunteered his time at the Museum during Pioneer Days to demonstrate this art. He kept up with regular exercise going uptown every day to buy groceries or shoot pool with his friends at the Senior’s Center. But as his health began to fail, it became more difficult to look after the garden and yard, so he and Mary made the decision to move into Fernwood Place. In 1995 they sold their home and moved into Fernwood Place where once again it gave Isaac a new sense of independence as he was able to better handle the fewer responsibilities he had. He continued his love of growing things by renting small garden plots. In his later years he learnt to play more and always had quite a competitive spirit. More and more now he enjoyed gathering with his friends and playing pool or dominoes and other table games. His grandchildren will remember him for the time he spent playing various games with them. Over the last year he had several bad falls and spent many months in hospital. He struggled with a bad bout of pneumonia last winter and yet he overcame and he enjoyed the last five months back at home. His quiet faith brought him through this difficult time. As a family we remember Dad as being strong and steadfast. He was an example of loyalty and love to his wife and children. We want to honor Dad today for his love and commitment toward God and his family. Even though he was a man of few words we always knew he loved us and cared. We say “Thank you, Dad for laying the foundation of a strong family that we can use to grow our own families.” We will miss you and remember you for teaching us the benefit of hard work and the joy and satisfaction it brings. We will also remember you taking the time to play and enjoy life and to do that well. We love you, Dad. The Family Funeral service was held Monday August 6,2001 at Steinbach Mennonite Church with interment at Heritage Cemetery. Viewing and devotional were held Sunday evening at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Donations in Isaac’s memory may be made to Faith and Life Communications 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1.