Tribute to Professor Emeritus Jürgen Schönwetter
After a life filled with love for God, family, and dear friends, Jürgen Schönwetter, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on December 23, 2021.
Jürgen had a passion for learning and discovering, for teaching, and a love for music. Most of Jürgen’s ministry career was spent at Columbia Bible Institute/College. He taught full-time at the College from 1975-78, and then returned for a much longer stint (1981-2004). He taught part-time on other occasions, while also serving in full-time pastoral roles within the MCBC Conference.
Jürgen Schönwetter (1938-2021)
Jürgen’s life was the sum of vast experiences. He was anything but a passive observer. His life-changing encounter with the God of the Bible as a young adult changed his life and plans drastically and continually. Most of Jürgen’s adult life was spent “investing in the lives of people, particularly in young people,” as he was often heard saying. A favorite saying of his, “The only thing God will ever rescue from this planet is people, His people. Therefore, invest your life in people.” Another one of his favorite sayings was, “When I die, I want to be remembered as someone who has done the best with what he’s had.” There are many Columbia students who will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to learn together with such a kind and committed man of God.
The following memories are provided by his long-time friend and colleague, Columbia Faculty Emeritus Ron Voth.
It was 41 years ago to this month that I first met Jürgen Schonwetter. I had just moved into my office behind the old library. His office was two doors down. (John Vooys’ office was between us.) Jurgen was a great host. At coffee time he’d have coffee freshly brewed, always with Coffee Mate standing by. We had many wonderful conversations! He was a passionate man. He’d get excited – even a little red faced when he spoke. I gleaned from these conversations that he loved Jesus, loved his family, loved the church, and loved the college students he was teaching.
His office was remarkable for its size and supply. He set it up to be pleasant and inviting. He also made sure that it was well stocked. Ask him for a paper clip, and he replied, “What size? What colour? What shape? Metal or plastic? He was on the cutting edge with technology. Before the college had computers, he was already equipped. While he may have had a fondness for technology, he invested for the sake of his classes. I can remember him pulling a cart to class on which he had various audio-visual assists for his teaching. Oh, to be the person who could buy his left-over equipment – still top of the line and in top condition after Jurgen’s use.
Jurgen was a passionate teacher. Over the years he taught a variety of courses: Communication, Ethics, Contemporary Religious Movements, World Religions, The Book of James, and toward the end of his time some psychology courses as well. Part of the World Religions course was to visit and host leaders from other religions. Jurgen had remarkable relationships with these leaders. He listened well and then also politely presented his convictions regarding Christ.
In the last number of years, we’d meet for coffee at his place or go to Tim Horton’s. The conversations were seasoned with grace. He had constant pain, his heart was frail, his eyes had weakened so that he could no longer drive…but while acknowledging life’s difficulties, he’d always express thankfulness to God. His faith was solid. He was also poised to hear my side of life. When our time ended, he would often say, “I wonder if we could pray before we go?” And we did.
