Henry John Funk stepped lightly from this life into the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Saturday morning, January 20, 2007. His faith in Jesus was a constant in his life and sustained him until the very end.
Henry was born on May 29, 1924 in Memrick, Ukraine. His family was one of the last to escape the brutal communist regime, immigrating via Germany to Canada in 1929. The family lit briefly in Manitoba and Alberta before Âsettling in Yarrow, B.C. in 1933.
These early years in Canada were difficult and stressful times. Money was in short supply and there was the travel debt from Russia to be paid. Henry attended school, but by age 15 had started work in the family feed mill. During the course of Henry’s working life he was involved in the operation of the feed business as well as Funk’s Supermarket, both in Yarrow and Clearbrook.
Henry met his beautiful Hildegarde (Kaethler) while singing together in the Yarrow M.B. church choir. They were married in Yarrow in 1948, forever remembered by the local populace as “the year of the flood.”
Henry had a zest and small-boy enthusiasm for life that few can emulate. In his early years he had a passion for fastball and while playing on the community team in Yarrow earned the nickname “the Amazing Funk”. Henry enjoyed the great outdoors; fishing and hunting were favorite pastimes, replaced in later years by the gentler game of golf. Henry had such zeal for the game and spent countless happy hours with friends at the Chilliwack Golf and Country Club.
Henry was also a long-time member of the Yarrow M.B. Church and in later years, Bakerview M.B. Church in Clearbrook. He enjoyed the fellowship and the many fine friendships that were formed among the Bakerview congregation.
Henry and Hildegarde enjoyed travelling together, as well as with various groups of friends, during their golden years. They circled the globe visiting such diverse spots as China, South America, South Africa and the Baltic. A highlight for Henry was a family cruise to Alaska in July of 2003.
One of Henry’s great joys in life was his grandchildren. He took delight in all of their pursuits and achievements and they in turn were blessed with a grandfather who modeled for them unconditional love and acceptance.
Henry had many wonderful traits, including his humour, generosity and light-hearted approach to life. But, by far, his most tremendous gift to all of us was his servant heart. Henry simply loved to serve and care for others, as natural to him as drawing breath.
Henry, we will miss your cheerful voice calling out to us, the twinkle in your eye, your mischievous grin. You leave behind a huge hole in each of our lives.
Left to celebrate Henry’s home-going is his dear wife of 58 years, Hildegarde, children Alfred (Devra), Evelyn Morin (Larry), Ronald (Corrine), grand-Âchildren Carlene, Jennifer, James (Anna), Michael, Rebecca, April, Daniel and Meghan. Also Henry’s beloved sisters, Betty, Annie, Susie, Dorothy and brother Art. Henry was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Susie and brother Cornelius.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Rosena for her loving and compassionate care and to Heidi for her friendship and valuable help in the home. As well, thank you to family physician, Dr. Danescu and Dr. Starko and the nursing staff at the Renal Clinic, Royal Columbian Hospital.
Interment to be held, Thursday, January 25, 10:30 a.m. at Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery, Abbotsford, with Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 noon, Bakerview M.B. Church, 2285 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, B.C.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre.
… Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.
Woodlawn Funeral Home
604-853-2643