When they first settled in Yarrow, Mennonites were seen as undesirable neighbours and citizens by the rest of Chilliwack. However, as the War went on, there was a change in attitude as Mennonites were moving away from their traditional ways and serving alongside the rest of the local men who went overseas. Even though many of the Mennonite soldiers who served in the Second World War immigrated to Canada, they still wanted to serve their new homeland. As more Mennonite men enlisted, this desire did not go unnoticed.
As a way of showing thanks for their service, many Fraser Valley men who served in the War had geographical features named after them. This was also a way of creating a living memorial for those who sacrificed their lives. There was a total of 57 soldiers from Chilliwack who had mountains and other features named after them, including both Abe Wittenberg and Rudy Goetz.1
Mt. Wittenberg
Mount Wittenberg is located about four kilometers north of Chilliwack Lake and is named after Corporal Abe Wittenberg. The mountain has an elevation of 6,700 feet and can be seen from Greendrop Lake Campsite.2
Goetz Peak
Goetz Peak is located about one and a half kilometers north of Williams Peak and is named after Private Rudolf “Rudy” Goetz. It has an elevation of 6,600 feet and can be seen from Foley Lake.3