FRED NIGHSWANDER

Fred Nighswander passed from his home at Barwick, Ont. to his heavenly reward on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at the age of 100 years, two months, and 11 days.
He was born Oct. 12, 1912 in the village of Altona, Pickering Township, Ont., to the late David and Nancy (Lehman) Nighswander.
At the age of 17, he gave his heart to the Lord and chose membership with the Mennonite Church.
On March 12, 1935, he was united in marriage to Ada Reesor and they served the Lord together for 63 years. They were blessed with one son and five daughters.
From 1935-64, they farmed at the Nighswander home place.
In 1937, Fred was ordained as a minister of the Gospel. He pastored the Altona congregation for 27 years and often preached in outlying congregations, as well.
During and after World War II, he was active in helping young men be loyal to the Bible teaching of non-resistance, and also served on a committee that collected relief for refugees.
In 1965, he and Ada answered the call to share the Gospel at Rainy River First Nations. He had a deep love for the native people of this district, and gave all his energies for their good as long as he was able.
Even in the last several years after his mind and physical vision were not clear anymore, the intensity of his spiritual vision seemed more uninhibited than ever as he spent hours on his rocking chair earnestly singing familiar hymns, “preaching,” and praying aloud for his neighbours, for his family, and church family, especially the young people.
At the time of his death, he was a member of the Pineview Mennonite Church in Barwick.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Eva Reesor of Pickering, Ont., Ruth (Mrs. Paul Meyer) of Listowel, Ont., Esther of St. Catharines, Ont., Anna Mary (Mrs. Roy Huber) of Itasca, Tex., and Martha of Barwick, Ont.; daughter-in-law, Arlene Nighswander of Barwick, Ont.; Maggie and her family, whom he accepted as part of his own family; and 24 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.
He also is survived by one sister, Mary Barkey; and one sister-in-law, Elsie Nighswander.
Fred was predeceased by his wife, Ada; son, Enos; two sons-in-law, John Reesor and Norman Smith; brother, Joseph; brother-in-law, Wilbur Barkey; infant sister, Florence; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont.
Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Barwick Community Hall, with interment in the cemetery at Manitou Rapids Church on the Hill.
We rejoice in the confidence that the handicaps of old age are now removed, and Fred has joined the heavenly chorus singing praises before the throne of God and of Jesus Christ our Saviour.