Book Of Rememberance

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With the recent passing of Olga McKinstry on October 14, 2004, I wish to make the proceedings, remembrances, and sentiments shared at her memorial service availible to anyone. Just click on Olga's picture below to produce this document which can be read, saved or printed for your family history records. Actually, this document is now part of "SECTION H" of THE PAHL FAMILY BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE described below.

THE PAHL FAMILY BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

HISTORY OF THE FREDERICK PAHL CLAN

from 1873 to 2003

Although you may not be a part of the Pahl Clan, you may wish to take a look at a FEW pages extracted from our 80-page documentary to get ideas for producing your family's history.

LIST OF CONTENTS

Cover Page, List of Contents, Foreword,
Humorous poem: Grandma Climbed the Family Tree

SECTION A - IN THE BEGINNING

The history begins with Frederick and Justina Pahl
A list of their children is given.
They named their oldest son Frederick.
He married Emilia Buchwitz.
Most of the narrative will be about the 7 children
of Frederick and Emilia Pahl

SECTION B - FREDERICK AND EMILIA

This section deals with the lives of Frederick and Emilia

SECTION C - THE FOUR ANGELS

Four of the Pahl children died in infancy

SECTION D - THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN PAHLS AND THEIR SPOUSES

Seven of the Pahl children lived into adulthood,
and this section has pictures of their weddings, etc.

SECTIONS E, F, G, H, I, J, K

Each section is designated for each one of the seven Pahl siblings.
Here, information will be added from time to time when one of them and/or a family member passes away.

SECTION L - FAMILY EVENTS

A few significant family events such as the parents'
50th wedding anniversary, family reunions, etc., are noted.

SECTION M - THE PAHL PICTURE GALLERY

Years ago, not too many pictures were taken, but for the few
photos that have been located,
this section contains interesting old-time photos.

COMMENTS BY VIOLA PAHL
My husband Fred was chaplain at a seniors' retirement complex for four years. What a great time we had with the seniors in our younger years. Some of the events which caused seniors lingering grief were the death of a spouse and/or son or daughter, regret for unhappy family relationships, physical/mental infirmities, and on a lesser scale, the lack of records for their family history.

I, personally, belong to a small family group since I had no brothers or sisters. In my family branch, very little was ever said about family members who did not live close geographically. I have practically nothing to pass on to my children. This is a real regret in my life. In 1986, I was challenged to try obtaining information for the Pahl side of the family, and I started out with a modest booklet. Although my production was amateurish, my premise was something was better than nothing. The co-operation of the Pahl family members has been most gratifying, and most of the 80 or so descendants have helped to gather historical family information.

Where does one start? Gifted genealogists start way, way back. Lacking this expertise, I started with the grandparents of my husband. Grandpa Pahl was born in 1873. Since the family originated in Europe, it would have been difficult to go much farther back in the ancestry.

I will not be including the whole genealogy - just snippets to give you a few ideas as to what you can with your family history. The Pahl booklet can be obtained by ordering it (1) on a CD disc, (2) a computer print-out, or (3) I'd be glad to send it to you via an e-mail attachment.

FAMILY TIES

A FAMILY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF ALL THAT MAN HOLDS GOOD.
A FAMILY IS A SYMBOL OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD.
A FAMILY HOME IS A CLASSROOM, YOU LIVE AND LEARN TOGETHER,
YOU LEARN THE ART OF LOYALTY - A PORT IN STORMY WEATHER.
A FAMILY IS WHERE LOVE ABIDES, WHERE TIES ARE STRONG AND TRUE,
WHERE JOYS ARE SHARED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS AS YOU GO SMILING THROUGH.
A FAMILY IS A SACRED GIFT, A GIFT OF GOD'S PURE GRACE,
HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO HAVE A FAMILY'S WARM EMBRACE.

(Author Unknown)

GRANDMA CLIMBED THE FAMILY TREE

There's been a change in Grandma, we've noticed as of late.
She's always reading history, or jotting down some date.
She's tracing back the family, we'll all have pedigrees,
Grandma's got a hobby, she's climbing Family Trees.

Poor Grandpa does the cooking, and now - or so he states -
He even has to wash the cups and dinner plates.
Well, Grandma can't be bothered, she's busy as a bee,
Compiling genealogy for the Family Tree.

She has not time to baby-sit, the curtains are a fright.
No buttons left on Grandpa¹s shirts, the flower bed's a sight.
She's given up her club work, the serials on TV,
The only thing she does nowadays is climb that Family Tree.

The mail is all for Grandma, it comes from near and far.
A photo, a story, and history of those who are so dear.
A monumental project - to that we all agree,
A worthwhile avocation - to climb the Family Tree.

She wanders through the graveyard in search of dates and name,
The rich, the poor, the in-between, all sleeping there the same.
She pauses now and then to rest, fanned by a gentle breeze,
That blows above the Fathers of all our Family Trees.

Now some folks came from Scotland, some from Galway Bay,
Some were French as pastry, some German all the way.
Some went on West to stake their claims, some stayed there by the sea,
Grandma hopes to find them all as she climbs the Family Tree.

There were pioneers and patriots mixed with our kith and kin,
Who blazed the paths of wilderness and fought through thick and thin.
But none more staunch than Grandma, whose eyes light up with glee,
Each time she finds a missing branch for the Family Tree.

Their skills were wide and varied from carpenter to cook,
And thankfully, Grandma's research didn't yield a crook.
Preacher, janitor, trucker, doctor, some tutored for a fee,
Housewife, farmer - to name a few - are recorded on the Family Tree.

To some it's just a hobby, to Grandma it's much more.
She learns the joys and heartaches of those who went before.
They loved, they lost, they laughed, they wept - and now for you and me,
They live again in spirit around the Family Tree.

At last she's nearly finished, and we are each exposed.
Life will be the same again, this we all suppose.
Grandma will cook and sew, serve crumpets with our tea.
We'll have her back, just as before that wretched Family Tree.

Sad to relate, the Preacher called and visited for a spell.
We talked about the Gospel and other things as well.
The heathen folk, the poor, and then 'twas fate - it had to be
Somehow the conversation turned to Grandma and the Family Tree.

We tried to change the subject, we talked of everything,
But then in Grandma¹s voice we heard that old familiar ring.
She told him all about the past, and soon 'twas plain to see,
The Preacher was reluctantly snared by Grandma and the Family Tree.

(adapted from a poem by Virginia Day McDonald, Macon, GA)

LET'S START WITH FREDERICK AND JUSTINA PAHL

As you can see, the quality of the pictures from decades ago
is very poor, but let me repeat - something is better than nothing.
Here are just a few excerpts from some of the sections
of the booklet.

In the rural areas of Bessarabia, the PAHL clan had its beginnings.

Frederick Pahl
May 28, 1873, to
November 14, 1941

Justina Kühn
October 1, 1875, to
April 2, 1957

Frederick Pahl married Justina Kühn November 16, 1895

Frederick and Justina were born in Leipzig, Bessarabia. They came to Canada in October 1927 and settled in the Hanna, Alberta, area. In the old country, they belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In Frederick's family, there were four brothers and two sisters. One brother, Sam, moved to North Dakota in 1910. In Justina's family, there were four brothers and five sisters. They all remained in Bessarabia.

Frederick and Justina are buried in the Friedens Cemetery, south of Hanna, Alberta

The Day God Called You Home

God looked around His garden and saw an empty space,
Then He looked down upon this earth, and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you, and lifted you to rest,
His garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain,
And knew that you would never get well on this earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, He closed your tired eyes,
He whispered "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping, so calm and free from pain,
We could not wish you back on earth, to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your family, you're always by our side.

(Author Unknown)

THE OLDEST SON OF FREDERICK AND JUSTINA
WAS MY HUSBAND FRED'S PARENTS: FREDERICK AND EMILIA.

FRED WAS FIVE YEARS OLD WHEN THE FAMILY LEFT EUROPE
AND CAME TO CANADA IN 1927. THEY SETTLED IN HANNA, ALBERTA,
AND FARMED THERE, AS WELL AS IN VEGREVILLE, ALBERTA.
IN 1937, THE PAHL FAMILY MOVED TO CHILLIWACK, BC.
MOM AND DAD PAHL AND REMAINED THERE UNTIL
THEY PASSED AWAY.

THEIR CHILDREN ARE - FROM OLDEST TO YOUNGEST -
ALMA married Jack Speidel - both are now deceased.
They continued living in Chilliwack and farmed until retirement.

FRED married Viola.
Because of being in ministry, Fred and Viola lived at various geographical locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and then in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. They retired in White Rock in 1989 where they are still residing.

FRIEDA - now deceased - married Oscar Miller.
Until retirement, they lived on a farm in Chilliwack, and Oscar was also a truck driver.

OLGA married Jim Mckinstry.
They married when they were missionaries in India, but due to illness they returned to Canada and lived in the Edmonton, Alberta, area for the succeeding years where they were involved in church ministries.

EMMA married Alvin Effa.
They lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for a number years where Alvin was involved in construction work, but they have now returned to Chilliwack for their retirement years.

ART married Anne.
They have lived in various places in California. He was involved in the business world. He and Anne are retired and living in Irvine, California.

EDWARD married Judy.
They live in Portland, Oregon. He is now retired from a busy chiropractic practise. Judy is a nurse.

There were four other siblings who passed away in infancy.

IN MEMORY

OF

FREDERICK PAHL
September 24, 1896 - December 30, 1973

IN MEMORY OF A PRAYING FATHER

(by Viola Pahl)

Life began for father, many years ago,
In the heart of Europe where nations warred to and fro.
His early youth was filled with the toils of the earth.
These were hard years, not much time for fun and mirth.
In the army he served as a strong and handsome man,
Which took him often into enemy land.
But God protected and brought him safely through,
And ever after he endeavoured God's will to do.

He married in time a lovely wife,
Emilia Buchwitz became his for life.
God blessed this union with children - seven now living,
And he taught them about God's loving and His forgiving.
The Pahls left Europe for the Canadian west,
To farm the land they did their best.
But weather was severe, the economy bad,
Still they worked hard, dear Mom and Dad.

In the midst of troubles, low income, and shortage of food,
They remained constant and firm
and testified that God was good.
And as the years brought changes for the better,
Eventually to no man were they a debtor.
Father Pahl kept his love for the Lord bright,
He was, in his family, a shining light.
He prayed and preached and won to the Lord
Each son and daughter through God's precious word.

In later years they moved to Chilliwack so fair.
Each Sunday found them in Church, this faithful pair.
They enjoyed many good years with family and friend,
Until ill health our father to the hospital did send,
And here he ended his earthly days.
We will miss so much his voice, his presence,
and his loving ways.

In the midst of our breaking heart and tears,
We thank God for our father, who, through all his years
Did tell us of Christ and that heavenly home,
Where he now is, no more to roam.

And so we rejoice; his soul is at rest
With Christ our Lord Whom he loved best.
But if father could say a word to each daughter and son,
He'd challenge us to keep serving 'til the victory is won.
He'd count the hard years of toil but naught,
If he knew we'd learned well the lessons he taught.
He'd entreat each grandchild to kneel and pray,
And prepare to join him on the resurrection day.

Father's prayers which he said in life are past,
But they are not forgotten - in memory they last.
In memory we hear him praying for each and every one,
That we would carry on 'til life's race is run.
May we take up the torch father has left behind,
And in Christ, every satisfaction find.
May this solemn hour of placing him to rest,
Find each one resolving to do his very best,
To show forth Christ to the generations to come,
To hear our Saviour say, "Faithful servants, well done!"
Oh, may we as a family, some day join together again!
Where there will be no more tears, or sorrow, or pain.

IN MEMORY OF

EMILIA PAHL
September 21, 1898 - December 29, 1983

MOTHER'S PRAYING HANDS

(by Viola Pahl)

Ten years ago, father Pahl passed away,
Again in sadness we gather today
To lay to rest, our mother dear. We cannot help the falling tear.
Her hands are now folded in peaceful rest;
Hands that ministered to many a guest;
Hands that worked from morn to night;
Hands that once were strong with might.

Those precious hands did cook and sew,
Worked the garden with spade and hoe;
Washed, ironed, scrubbed - tasks lowly and meek,
Fame and medals she did not seek.
Who will forget Mom's chicken soup and strudels?
Home-made kuchen and bread, and home-made noodles?
Can you count the many sealers she'd fill
With fruits, vegetables, and mouth-watering dill?

Our minds can picture Mother in her chair,
Crocheting, or sewing something to wear;
Now the time has come for her tired hands to rest,
But we'll always remember - Mother did her best.
Above all, the most precious scene that comes to mind,
The most treasured memories Mother leaves behind
Are the times her hands folded in prayer
And cast upon the Lord her every care.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren she lived to hold,
She earnestly prayed each one would enter the fold
Of the Shepherd above she loved so true.
Oh, never forget how she prayed for you.

Yes, her hands are beautiful for the work they've done,
In caring and raising each daughter and son.
For her prayers for us, and the tears she shed,
In loving respect, we bow our head.
Thank you, Mother, for your life you shared;
Thank you, Grandmother, we know you cared;
As you rest in heaven's perfect peace,
Memories of your praying hands will never cease.

FOR EACH PERSON WHO IS DECEASED, A PAGE SUCH AS THE ABOVE PREFACES THEIR MEMORIAL BULLETINS, EULOGIES, AND OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION.

FOR THE FAMILIES WHO ARE STILL LIVING, A PAGE SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING ON FRED AND VIOLA IS IN THE BOOKLET.

Fred at 20 years.

Fred and Viola in 2001

1995
Back row: Fred, Wesley, Gerhart
Middle Row: Penny, Viola, Susan, Lionel, Chris
In Front: Neil

A wall hanging given by Viola to Fred on Father's Day.
The question is - which one is the "grouch"?

THERE ARE PAGES OF FAMILY EVENTS, TRIBUTES, AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE MEANINGFUL TO ALL PAHL FAMILY MEMBERS AS THE YEARS GO BY.

IN THE BOOKLET PREPARED IN 1986 AND UPDATED IN 1993, THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONNAIRE WAS FILLED OUT BY EACH FAMILY MEMBER. IN THIS WAY, WE BECAME BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH EACH OTHER.

I AM ATTACHING OUR QUESTIONNAIRE AS A SAMPLE.

FREDERICK WILLIAM PAHL	(as of 2002)	VIOLA ALICE PAHL
September 13, 1921	Birthdays	September 13, 1925, Married May 4, 1946
.	Maiden Name	Larsen
Retired	Present Occupation	Retired
Third Class Steam Engineer Carpenter, Pastor, School Teacher	Occupations	Secretarial Work, Relief instructor in Business Admin. at a College
Three years Bible School, B.Ed degree from Univ. of Alberta	Schooling	Completed Grade 10, Two years Bible School
Blue	Favorite Colour	Bright Yellow
Macaroni & cheese, strudel, bacon & eggs	Food	Oriental foods, strudel, pizza
News, mysteries, westerns	TV Programs	Mysteries, nature films, ice skating, ballet, history series
Sacred	Music	Hawaiian, classical, sacred
Bible and related books	Books	Bible, historical, mystery
Baseball, fishing, hiking	Sports	Before polio: swimming, cycling. After polio: racing in malls with my scooter!
Carpentry, fixing things	Hobbies	Writing books, learning new computer programs
None	Musical Instruments	Mandolin, Hawaiian guitar
Travelled to 37 different countries	Travel	In addition to Canada and USA, Micronesia, Japan, Hawaii
Born in Romania. Have lived in Sask., Alberta, B.C.	Different places I have lived	Born in Winnipeg. Lived in Sask., Alberta, B.C.
Had various trailers, also had a boat for a few years. Travelled with motorhome.	Trailers? Boats?	Travelled with motorhome.
Peacemaker, happy disposition	Best Characteristics	Patient, happy
Naive! Talk too much!	Worst Characteristics	Leadership - alas, better described by my family as being bossy and pushy!
In retirement years, pulpit supply, prayer meetings, seniors' presentations.	Church/Clubs	Giving talks to women's groups, helping in seniors' presentations
Second oldest in family of seven	Family Status	An only child! Spoiled? Of course (not)! My mother died when I was 15. I lived with my grandmother for 4 years.

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