Nathaniel Buchwitz “Nat” was born in Leipzich, Bessarabia, November 27, 1921. He arrived in Hanna with his parents Jacob and Salome and sisters Pauline and Freida on June 23, 1929.
They arrived in the Endiang district in 1938. After renting a few different places they bought their own farm. Nat married Alvina Erion in 1945; together they raised three sons Danny, David and Robert.
Nat took great pride in raising beef cattle, his favorite being short horns; and another being Shetland ponies when the boys were young and saddle horses as they grew. The boys trained and Dad was the horse trader. Dad loved a good horse deal! Trips to the Stettler Auction Mart on horse sale days were a highlight. His barns were always full of dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, and geese. Barn chores were a family affair enjoyed by all.
Upon retirement to Endiang, he took up raising and collecting a variety of different exotic chickens and birds. After living in Endiang for a few years they moved to Hanna in 2001. Nat and Alvina moved together to the Seniors Lodge there in 2010. He enjoyed the staff and also the social life at the lodge, and especially the music that was provided almost every evening.
He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Salome, his sisters and his loving wife Alvina in 2013 and a grandson Wade in 2003.
Nat is survived by his family: sons Dan (Verla) of Endiang, David (Luann) of Bluffton,
Robert (Sheila) of Endiang; grandchildren Garry (Michele), Maryann Mclearn, Miles (Judy),
Susan (Darrell) Lechman, Dwayne, Kelly (Roberta), Kirk (Twila), Lane (Bobbi);
as well as 21 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on January 30, 2016 in the Endiang Community Hall with Pastor Colin Millang officiating. Rolande Finning ~ Railroad to Heaven ~ Family of God
Marvin and Karen Engel ~ Scars in the Hands of Jesus presented their gifts of music. Interment was held at Endiang Cemetery with Nat’s Beloved Grandchildren Wade Buchwitz (In Our Hearts Forever), Garry Buchwitz, Miles Buchwitz, Kirk Buchwitz, Lane Buchwitz, Kelly Buchwitz as Pallbearers.
Donations will be gratefully accepted by Sunshine Club at Hanna Lodge or Endiang Cemetery.
Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, 403-882-3141, entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
