View source for Reimer, Abram H. (1901-1995)

[[File:AReimer.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Abram H. Reimer (1901-1995)'']]     Abram H. Reimer: community leader; born in Neu-Schönsee, [[Zagradovka Mennonite Settlement (Kherson Oblast, Ukraine)|Zagradovka Mennonite Settlement]], South Russia on 27 November 1901, the youngest son of Heinrich Reimer (10 February 1850, Margenau, Molotschna, South Russia - 15 September 1929, Blumenhof, Swift Current, Saskatchewan) and Margareta (Regehr) Reimer (5 March 1862, Gnadenthal, Molotschna, South Russia - 27 February 1923, Lichtfelde, Molotschna, South Russia). On 3 May 1924 he married Liese Dick (24 March 1901, Crimea, South Russia - 8 March 1985, Clearbrook, British Columbia) in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna, South Russia. Liese was the daughter of Jakob Johann Dick (1869-1937) and Maria (Harder) Dick (1870-1955). Abram and Liese had five children, all born in Canada: Helmuth, Hedy, Elizabeth, Ernie, and David. Abram died on 31 December 1995 in [[Abbotsford (British Columbia, Canada)|Abbotsford]], having lived his final years at the Tabor Home.

When Abram was four, his family moved to the [[Molotschna Mennonite Settlement (Zaporizhia Oblast, Ukraine)|Molotschna Mennonite Settlement]]. As a young man, he served in the Red Army for 3 years, based in Baku.

Abram married Liese in 1924 and they immediately immigrated to Canada. Abram and Liese settled in the Borden/Hepburn area of [[Saskatchewan (Canada)|Saskatchewan]], working for farmers. It was here that Abram accepted the Lord and was baptized in 1925. Also, on arrival in Canada, he pursued learning the English language. In 1927 Abram, together with his brother Gerhard, purchased a farm in the Drumheller region of Alberta. The Depression ended this venture in 1930-1931. Thereafter Gerhard moved to Ontario and Abram to the [[Fraser Valley (British Columbia, Canada)|Fraser Valley]], settling in Agassiz.

In 1934 the Reimers undertook a further and final move to Abbotsford, where they purchased 20 acres for $200 on Huntingdon Road, which at this time was a trail winding its way through freshly logged areas. Veterans from World War I had settled in a few places and these were generally very supportive of the new Mennonite settlers. Abram Reimer cultivated good relations with these folks.

Poverty was extreme in the early years. The Reimers built their first home for $50. However, land was cleared soon and mixed farming became the norm for the Reimers and most Mennonite settlers. Abram and Liese worked hard at establishing a nearly self-sufficient operation. One unique venture for this couple was the cultivation of an exemplary orchard where they experimented with every conceivable fruit that would grow in the Fraser Valley.

Abram Reimer strongly promoted the establishment of church and school. Abram and Liese were charter members of the [[South Abbotsford Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church]]. Abram was the <em>Gehilfsleiter</em> or assistant pastor for some years and served in various positions. During the 1930s he was heavily involved in the establishment of [[South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Bible School (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|South Abbotsford Bible School]], which is today’s [[Columbia Bible College (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Columbia Bible College]]. Immediately after World War II, Reimer became a strong proponent of the [[Mennonite Educational Institute (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|Mennonite Educational Institute]] (MEI). He served on the MEI Board for eight years and as chairman for three.

Canada was Abram Reimer’s chosen country and he was proud of it. However, the German language was important to him, and Abram and Liese were highly involved in the establishment of the [[King Road Mennonite Brethren Church (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)|King Road Mennonite Brethren Church]] in Abbotsford, of which they were also charter members.

Abram Reimer sought to demonstrate Christian virtues throughout his life. Service to his neighbor and to the larger society was the norm for him. He will be remembered as a good husband (Liese was sick for 43 years), an excellent father, and a man who loved and wanted to serve his community.
= Bibliography =
GRANDMA (The <strong>G</strong>enealogical <strong>R</strong>egistry <strong>an</strong>d <strong>D</strong>atabase of <strong>M</strong>ennonite <strong>A</strong>ncestry) Database, 6.04 ed. Fresno, CA: <span class="link-external">[http://calmenno.org/index.htm California Mennonite Historical Society]</span>, 2010: #217896.
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