Giesbrecht, Wilbert R. (1927-2014)
Wilbert Reimer Giesbrecht: family physician and churchman; born 23 January 1927 in Greenland, Manitoba, Canada to Cornelius E. Giesbrecht (27 April 1891, Rural Municipality of Hanover, Manitoba – 2 November 1970, Manitoba, Canada) and Margaretha T. (Reimer) Giesbrecht (14 April 1894, Rural Municipality of Hanover, Manitoba – 28 March 1974, Steinbach, Manitoba), the seventh of eleven children. On 27 May 1955, Wilbert married Arlene June Wiebe (22 June 1930 – 16 April 2001), daughter of Henry R. Wiebe (1899 - 1986) and Anna K. (Ensz) Wiebe (1903 - 1960). They had five children, Carol, Russell, Lois, Joyce, and Donna. On 12 April 2003, Wilbert married Linda Friesen. Wilbert died on 14 May 2014 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, where he was buried.
Wilbert’s early life and school days were spent in the Greenland, Manitoba community, growing up on a chicken farm and attending the Montezuma country school. In his latter teens he and his family moved to Whitemouth, Manitoba, becoming the first church family in the area. At age 21 he began his studies at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1956 as a medical doctor. In the early years of his studies, Wilbert felt his need of a Saviour and gave his life to the Lord. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.
After finishing his residency in Winnipeg, Wilbert and Arlene moved to Steinbach, Manitoba where he worked for about 2 years. They moved to British Columbia in 1958, where he established a family practice in Clearbrook (present-day Abbotsford), becoming the 7th doctor in the area. He practiced in the field of family medicine, including house calls. His was truly a family practice, as three of his daughters worked for him at various times, and his wife was bookkeeper and part-time office nurse.
Dr. Giesbrecht’s practice was mostly made up of the elderly and Paraguayan Mennonite immigrants that lived in Abbotsford, and who spoke little English. He was a natural fit, as a Low and High German speaking conservative Christian doctor. He also had a concern and care for those struggling with mental illness. In 1992-1994 Wilbert and Arlene travelled to Paraguay where they worked at the Sanatorio Eirene, an institution in Filadelfia, Paraguay for the mentally ill. These years were a highlight in their lives.
Dr. Giesbrecht was a good listener, and his greatest satisfaction came from the counselling that he provided as a family doctor. Counselling sessions were booked for the end of day, allowing him to stay with them for as long as required. The medical plan provided for only four 20-minute session per year; once that was used up, he could only charge for 15 minutes, but would counsel long past that, giving whatever time was needed to find resolutions.
In treating children, Dr. Giesbrecht was guided by mothers’ input; he believed they were the experts on their children, whose information helped him make diagnoses. If a mother was worried, or remained worried, he continued to investigate.
Dr. Giesbrecht’s office was a tidy, well organized office, complete with efficient systems. This included a centrifuge, microscope and sterilizer, which allowed him to make simple, immediate tests, saving his patients a trip to the lab. His notes were produced using a Dictaphone, which were then transcribed by the secretaries, resulting in charts that were often commented on by other professionals.
Prior to the establishment of "call groups", Dr. Giesbrecht was "on call" every night, which might entail a house call, a quick trip to the Emergency Room, or a problem on the ward. Eventually, that duty was shared with a group of doctors, which gave Wilbert more personal time with his family. Even then, family vacations were planned around the schedules of his maternity patients, as he always wished to be there to birth the baby.
Wilbert talked much to his family about the love and mercy of Jesus and how important it was that they accept Him as their Saviour and follow in His footsteps. His faith meant much to him and was his guide as he went about his daily work caring for his patients.
Wilbert enjoyed nature, always being amazed at the intricacies of God’s creation. He is remembered for the many times he expounded on God’s great handiwork.
Wilbert served many years on the Board of Directors for Valhaven Home, a long-term care home that was built in 1970 by his church. He later became the medical director. He also enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible Study in his church.
Wilbert Giesbrecht was a humble, God-fearing man, with a strong devotion to his family, and an equally strong commitment to conscientiously and faithfully fulfilling his professional duties.
| Author(s) | Dave Loewen |
|---|---|
| Date Published | March 2021 |
Cite This Article
MLA style
Loewen, Dave. "Giesbrecht, Wilbert R. (1927-2014)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. March 2021. Web. 23 Apr 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Giesbrecht,_Wilbert_R._(1927-2014)&oldid=173704.
APA style
Loewen, Dave. (March 2021). Giesbrecht, Wilbert R. (1927-2014). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 23 April 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Giesbrecht,_Wilbert_R._(1927-2014)&oldid=173704.
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