In Loving Memory of CORNELIUS G. ESAU 1920 — 2008 Corny, husband to Mary, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, at the age of 87. He was born on July 23, 1920 in the USSR. Corny immigrated to Canada in 1926 along with his family. The family settled in Blumenort, West Reserve in the fall of 1926. In the spring of 1927 they moved to a farm in the Rosengard area west of Steinbach, MB. He was educated in the Rosengard school district and was one of the first to graduate with his grade 8. Corny was baptized upon his confession of faith on June 8, 1941 in the Elim Mennonite Church in Grunthal, MB. On Aug. 1, 1953 Corny married Mary Friesen, the love of his life, in Ste Elizabeth, MB. They settled on his family farm where they raised their four children. This is where he taught us family values and how to work. We have many wonderful memories of working and playing together. In 1981 Corny and Mary moved to 375 Henry St. in Steinbach. This is the home where the grandchildren spent a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa. They played many a card game with their grandparents. Dad spent many hours back on the farm during the summer, helping with the field work. His other summer passion was tending his flowers outside the house. As he got older and wasn't going to the farm as much, he started his woodworking hobby, making bread boards, birdhouses, clocks and furniture. Each family member has some token of this talent. In April of 2007, Corny and Mary moved to Fernwood. Here Dad made many new friends, enjoying visiting and puzzling in the sun room. Memories of his life will be cherished by his wife of 54 years, Mary; sons, Don (Linda), Leonard (Maria), Brian (Cheryl); daughter Marianne (Wilf); 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; also one brother, George (Tina); two sisters, Anne Ginter and Mary Esau and their families; five sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and their families. Corny was predeceased by his parents, Gerhard and Anna Esau; one brother, Diedrich; two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach on Monday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd. on Tuesday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m. with interment at the Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach. If friends so desire donations may be made to The Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9 or to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9