Henry J. Block (Hank)
May 28, 1926 ~ October 7, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Henry Block on October 7th from complications of Parkinson’s disease. In the days leading up to his final breath, Henry was surrounded by his loving family and friends praising the Lord in song and prayer. He received loving tender care from the staff at Care-at-home which allowed him to spend his final days at home. Henry was born in Borden, Saskatchewan on May 28, 1926, the second son of John and Helen Block. In 1936 the family moved to Yarrow, BC in search of a better life. Henry was a born entrepreneur, he loved to “wheel and deal”. He often would say that “he had nothing but nerve”. At the age of 13 he made money selling pigeons and rabbits, at 17 he started his own cartage company, “Victory Messengers”, at 19 Henry was selling real estate and at 23 was managing a car lot for American Motors. In 1955 at the age of 29, Henry and his younger brother Arthur opened the first sales office for Block Bros. Realty. Over the next 23 years the company became one of the largest and most successful real estate firms in Canada. In the early 80’s Henry’s priorities changed. He began to spend more time sharing his faith and supporting various community projects that helped people in need. He traveled the world with his wife Laura sharing the “Jesus Film” through the support of Campus Crusade for Christ. He also loved to host Christmas dinners for seniors at his farm in Langley and other events that brought joy to his family and community. In 2013 Henry was presented with the Diamond Jubilee Medal in commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne in recognition of his contributions to Canada. We will remember Henry for his love of family and friends, his generous spirit and most importantly as a man who loved Jesus. Henry will be greatly missed by his large blended family. His loving and devoted wife Laura, daughter Mary-lynn Kaulius (Eugene), son John Block (Rose), daughters Katherine Van Kampen and Lory Block, Terri Richert (Harold), Linda Knowles (Wayne), Jacqueline Martin (Daniel), his brothers Jack (Lena), Arthur (Lauradel), his sisters Helen Nickel (Jacob deceased) Anne Willms (Walter). Henry was predeceased by his sisters Erna Ens (Alvin) and Elvera Wiebe (Peter deceased) and his grandson Matthew Pudlas. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of the following charitable organizations that Henry and Laura have supported over the years. Sources Food Bank in South Surrey or the food bank in your community, Dalit Freedom Network Canada, Union Gospel Mission, Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society, Parkinson Society British Columbia, Power to Change (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ Canada), A Rocha. A memorial service will be held at Peace Portal Alliance Church 152nd Street and King George Hwy in Surrey on Saturday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. Messages can be left on Henry Block’s tribute page, www.victoryfuneralcentre.ca