Harvey Peter Klassen

Harvey Peter Klassen

November 8, 1936 – June 14, 2024

Harvey Peter Klassen was born November 8, 1936, on a farm close to the South Saskatchewan River, northwest of Aberdeen, SK.  He died at RUH in Saskatoon on June 14, 2024, following a brief illness and surrounded by his dear ones.

Harvey is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn; his children Keith (Brenda), Eileen (Les), Doug, and Darryl (Shauna); grandchildren Alex (Caitlin), Tessa (Rick), Sydney (Daniel), Simon (Emma), Ellis, Kamryn (Kodey), and Jacob (Nevaeh); great-grandchildren Thomas, Theo, Lucy, Maila and Lennon; sister Doris Peters, and siblings-in-law Renata Klassen, Joan (Harold) Wiebe and Karin (Gene) Forshaw. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Martha Klassen, and siblings Clara, Allan, and Luella.

From his father, Dad inherited the self-reliance of developing skills in building construction and machinery repair. He became the resident carpenter, welder, plumber, mechanic, and electrician, adapting and learning whatever trade was required to renovate and maintain everything around him. From his mother, he received a passion for plants and gardens, along with a nurturing spirit and gentle stewardship that directed his care and treatment of everyone and everything.

Our Dad had three great loves in his life – the land, his family, and his church community – and they wove together seamlessly. Dad bought his farm in the spring of 1962, next door to the farm he had grown up on. He and Mom were married that fall, and so began a loving journey that would span over six decades. He became deeply familiar with the land around him, knowing that the best saskatoon berries were along the north fence line, watching for killdeer nests to move as he worked the fields, and teaching his children to see the abundance of gifts that the Creator had placed all around us.  His passion for trees slowly transformed the farm as Mom and Dad together planted many hedgerows, and then when Dad turned 65, he began an orchard with his children and grandchildren still anticipating a good and long future. Dad loved nothing more than to welcome family and friends to the farm for long visits and to share in copious amounts of produce – sour cherries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and corn on the cob.

Faith was integral to Dad’s life and Aberdeen Mennonite Church was his congregational home for his entire life. He actively participated in many roles – Sunday School superintendent, youth leader, deacon, worship committee member, and council member. Music was a huge love, and Dad spent decades as choir director. Dad was also the steward of the church cemetery. Over many years, he played a beautiful role in honouring the lives of people laid to rest there.

Dad approached every part of his life with a curious, gentle, and humble spirit. He named his gratitude readily and taught us that everything is a gift from God, and that we can be a blessing to everyone around us. May we honour all that we received from his long life, so well lived.

A viewing will be held at Aberdeen Mennonite Church, June 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.. The Funeral will be held at the Aberdeen Community Hall on June 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE HARVEY P KLASSEN
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Mennonite Central Committee (mcc.org).

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.