Henry DeFehr of Abbotsford, BC, passed away, in the home he loved, on March 5, 2006. He was in his 88th year.
Born in 1918, the DeFehr family immigrated from Russia to Mexico in 1925, when Henry was 7, and then to Canada in 1926. In 1945 Henry and his wife, of 3 years, Irene (nee Thiessen, deceased 1987), moved to Abbotsford to set up their home on Huntingdon Rd. It was to be Henry's home for the next 60 years. At 27, Henry decided to complete his education and become a teacher, and for the next 30 years he dedicated his time to teaching elementary school children in Abbotsford, Clearbrook, and the surrounding areas.
Henry freely shared his strong faith in God, and he opened his generous heart to his community, both during his career and after his retirement. He and his wife Irene also opened their home and their lives to 4 children: Richard (Maria) of Kaleden, BC; Paul, of Abbotsford, BC; Eleanor (Tim) of Abbotsford, BC; and Ruth (David) of Victoria, BC. Henry was Âfurther blessed with 2 grandsons, Matthew DeFehr and Steven DeFehr.
Interment for Henry DeFehr will be conducted on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 9:30 am at South Poplar Cemetery with the Memorial Service held at 11:00 am at the South Abbotsford MB Church. A reception is to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Henry's memory to MCC or your chosen church or charity.