Henry
Sept. 18, 1912 ~ Sept. 18, 2004
Our Father, Henry Giesbrecht Sr., passed away peacefully on Sept. 18, 2004 at the Menno Home in Abbotsford, BC. It was the day of his 92nd birthday. He was born to Johann and Katharina (Wiebe) Giesbrecht, in Michaelsburg, Russia, the first of seven children. Dad married Mary Derksen Dec. 4, 1934. Six children were born to them, two of which died in infancy. In 1943 Dad fled with his family to Germany. In 1948, at the age of 36, he emigrated to Canada and after a few years in the Greendale area he settled with his family in Clearbrook.
He worked in Abbotsford as an auto mechanic at Ken Armstrong Motors, which later became Bill Green Motors and is currently Motorcade. In 1960 he joined his son Henry Jr. at Henry’s Texaco in Clearbrook where he worked until his retirement in 1977.
He devoted his time to fishing, gardening, some traveling and work at the Clearbrook MB Church. He also continued practicing his mechanical skills by working in the repair section of the MCC store.
Even though he lived through some very difficult times, God blessed him and made him a blessing to many. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Mary of almost 70 years and a sister Gertrude and brother Jakob. He is survived by son Henry (Marty), daughter Zena (Larry), daughter Mary, son Helmut (Wendy), seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and brothers Peter and Johann.
We celebrate a life richly blessed. He cherished his faith and his family, and he will be greatly missed. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Robert Pankratz and the staff at the Menno Home and the Menno Hospital for their sensitivity and understanding in the care of their Father.
A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clearbrook MB Church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the MCC for the relief effort in the Sudan.
Woodlawn Funeral Home
604-853-2643