Tribute

Hans Neumann was the firstborn  to Peter and Anna (nee Rempel)on March 31, 1928 in Halbstadt, Ukraine. He was 9 years old when his father was arrested and taken away during the night of October 17, 1937. From this point on, Hans’ life was tumultuous due to the advancement of Stalin’s Russian troops invading Ukraine. In 1938 the family moved to Nieder-Cortitza to be closer to his grandparents.

On January 20, 1945 Hans, his brothers, an aunt and grandmother became separated from his mother and sister due to the war between Germany and Russia.  Hans, with his aunt, grandmother and twin brothers, Peter and Victor, sojourned through Europe to various refugee camps for the next two years.   At Roverestein, a refugee center in Holland, Hans was baptized on his confession of faith on August 3, 1947 at age 19 . While waiting to go to Paraguay to avoid being repatriated, Hans worked at the Mennonite Central Committee Center in Amsterdam.  In the meantime, he learned of an aunt who was able to sponsor him and the others to come to Canada.  On December 10, 1947, Hans with his brothers, aunt and grandmother left Rotterdam, Holland, travelled through Europe and arrived in South Hampton, England. They boarded the RMS Aquitania in South Hampton on December 15, 1947 and sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia and landed at Pier 21 on December 20, 1947. They took the train to Foam Lake,  Saskatchewan and arrived on Christmas Eve to be with relatives.

Hans came to BC in 1950 and started working for Canadian Pacific Railway.   Hans met his wife, Lilly (nee Klassen)  in 1954 shortly after Lilly came to Canada.   They were married November 18, 1956 at First United Mennonite Church where both were members. Hans faithfully served in his church in various roles for many years. Hans and Lilly were blessed with 4 children: Hans, Anne, Hilda and Elsa.

Through the years, Hans was able to find out where his mother and sister were in Russia and after several attempts was finally able to sponsor his mother,  sister Elsa and her family to come to Canada. On January 27, 1977 the family was reunited after 32 years.

Despite not having much of a formal  education, Hans mastered many skills. His occupation for 42 years was a heavy duty mechanic for CP Rail which later was Canadian Stevedoring in downtown Vancouver. He was an excellent handyman and once fixed, that item never broke  again!  Hans also had an extensive workshop where he completed various projects that blessed the family.

Hans had various health issues over the years, but Lilly lovingly cared for him through it all. He was admitted to the hospital on July 4, 2024 with heart failure and pneumonia.   In his last days, he often repeated: “I love Jesus.  I love my family!”  On July 11, 2024 at 5:15 am, the Lord called Hans home.

Hans is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lilly; four children and their spouses, eleven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; his sister, Elsa; his brother Victor and many nieces and nephews.  We are so thankful for his legacy of faith and family. He will be deeply missed by the family.