William "Bill" Thiessen

Bill was born on August 15, 1934, in Hague, Saskatchewan, to parents Katherine Berg and Peter Thiessen. He died on Thursday morning, November 7, 2024.

Born into a farming family, Bill worked alongside his brothers and sisters. He spoke highly of his father who had high expectations of his family. Bill had a passion and gift for playing sports, particularly pitching in fastball, and playing goalie in hockey. Many stories were told of his competitions, teammates, and competitors. Until July 2024, Bill rode his bike on a regular basis and routinely played golf.

Bill graduated from Rosthern Junior College in 1953 and then from Canadian Mennonite Bible College in 1958. During his second year at CMBC, Bill met his future wife, Marianne Dyck. On August 1st, 1959, Bill and Marianne were married in Saskatoon. Bill was ordained at First Mennonite Church and was a camp director during the summers at both the Rosthern Youth Farm and Elim Bible Camp. Bill continued his studies at the University of Saskatchewan, entering the teaching profession.

Together, Bill and Marianne served in Nigeria from 1965 to 1968, at the remote Ochaja Teachers College, accompanied by their children, Joanne, and Byron, where Marianne served as the compound nurse and Bill was a Secondary teacher. Bill and Marianne served again from 1971 to 1974 as co-country directors of MCC Nigeria. In the interim years, Bill taught at Rosthern Junior College and Marianne was a nurse at the Rosthern General Hospital.

Returning to Canada, Bill completed his master’s degree in Anthropology while Marianne was a nurse at the University hospital. In 1976 Bill accepted the position of MCC Alberta executive director, and Marianne worked as a nurse at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. In 1990, Bill became the MCC BC associate director and Marianne nursed in the Abbotsford Regional Hospital until their retirement.

Following retirement in 2001, Bill and Marianne travelled abroad, extensively, frequently accepting short term service assignments with MCC in the Philippines, Egypt, and Jamaica. Bill appreciated and was involved with the Rotary Club in Abbotsford. Bill’s life of service and hospitality shone throughout his life until the day he was hospitalized, August 9, 2024.

Bill leaves to mourn daughter Joanne, son Byron and daughter-in-law Kim, grandkids Meghan (Justin Fuhr) and Jesse (Selenna Wolfe), great grandkids Franklin, Margo, and Jack, sister Mary (Vic). We grieve deeply.

A visitation for Bill will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5. A celebration of life service will occur Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at External Service Location, 32424 Huntingdon Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2T 5Z1.