Rudolph Henry Toews was born on the family homestead in the Guernsey area on September 19th, 1928 to Henry (Heinz) and Tina Toews, the second of four children. He grew up on the farm, with his 3 siblings, Irene, Katie and Walter.

Their home was close to the Philadelphia Mennonite Brethren church where the family was actively involved. This is where he began his lifelong personal faith in Jesus, was baptized, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and made many lifelong friends. After completing school, he continued his education at Bethany Bible College in Hephurn, SK for 3 years.

Upon his return to the Watrous area, he married Florence Klassen, who he had grown up with. They were married on Oct. 10th, 1953 and they were blessed with 5 children, Howard, Carolyn, Darlene, Debra and Dale.

Dad and Mom carved out a livelihood for our family on the farm. Howard came back to the farm in 1974 and joined them in the mixed farming operation. Later, once married to Lucy in 1977, they moved onto the main yard with Dad and Mom where the four of them farmed together for many years until Dad and Mom made the move into Watrous. The operation continues today with Brad and Angel and their children now living on the home place.

Even once retired, Dad loved to come out to the ranch. He made many trips to the ranch to see what was going on, bringing out the mail, and as recently as summer of 2018 still servicing the lawnmower and mowing grass.

Dad was active in the community, volunteered with the Gideons, and at Dallas Valley camp with Mom well into their eighties. He loved sports, especially watching grandchildren and great grandchildren play hockey and football. Dad curled, playing until a few years ago.

Dad enjoyed singing, listening to classical, gospel and country music. He loved meeting people and making connections, finding out where they were from and whom they were related to. He loved going for coffee with friends in town, at Danceland, or any Tim Horton’s, wherever there was one. But most important of all, he loved his God, his wife, and his family, 5 children and spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His health started to fail in September 2018 and he spent the last 6 months at the Lanigan Central Parkland Lodge and in the Watrous Manitou Lodge until the Lord took him home on Friday July 19th.

He leaves to mourn his passing, wife Florence of 65 years, children Howard (Lucille), Warren & Cyndy, Finn, Jett; Brad & Angel, Bronc, Sunshine, Honey, Spur; Devin & Laura, Wyatt; Carolyn Dick (Ken), Steven & Sandra, Carson, Levi, Denver; Annalisa Dick, Jeff Gabrush; Darlene Parker (Jay), Evan, Ian; Deb Siemens (Doug), Parker, Marshall & Jenn, Ben; Kyle; and Dale.

Rudy was predeceased by his parents, his parents in-laws, 1 sister, 1 brother in infancy and 1 brother-in-law.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care that Dad received during his stay both at the Lanigan Central Parkland Lodge and at the Manitou Lodge in the Watrous District Health Complex.