Memorable Manitobans: Cornelius Gerhard “Neil” Unruh (1905-1995)

Educator.

Born at Waldheim, South Russia [now the Mennonite Colony at Molotschna, Russia] on 19 February 1905, the ninth of thirteen children of Gerhard Unruh and Helene Voth, he arrived in Canada with his family in 1925 and settled at Steinbach. He graduated from Normal School (1930) and attained BA and BEd degrees from the University of Manitoba. His career in education spanned 44 years in rural classrooms, at Ekron School (1931-1939), Randolph School (1939-1944), Montezuma School (1944-1953, Principal 1951-1953), Goodwill School (1953-1959, Principal), and in Winnipeg, at Sisler High School (1959-1973) and Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute (1973-c1975). He was involved in several boards and committees, including those of the Steinbach Music Festival, Manitoba Teachers’ Society, Crosstown Credit Union, and Concordia Hospital. In recognition of his contributions to musical education, he received the Manitoba Centennial Medal from the Manitoba Historical Society. On 5 July 1936, he married Elizabeth Loewen (1914-2002) and they had four daughters and two sons. He died on 7 February 1995 and was buried in the Glen Eden Memorial Gardens.

Sources:

Marriage registrations, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 9 February 1995, page C7.

Obituary [Elizabeth Unruh], Winnipeg Free Press, 15 January 2002, page 41.

This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer.

Page revised: 25 November 2020

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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