Henry Edward Pankratz, known to many as Hank, passed into the presence of Jesus late Wednesday, April 9, 2003. He will be sadly missed by Marion, his wife of 38 years, his sons Jay (Belva) and Scott (Lynette) and his 8 grandchildren; Luke (9), JJ (7), Alexandria (7), Cade (5), Bree (5), Tre (3), Selah (3), Tana (1).
Hank also leaves his 9 siblings; Elsie Rempel, Mary (Dick) Rempel, Abe (Helen) Pankratz, John (Wanda) Pankratz, Leona (Stan) Clifford, Frank (Catherine) Pankratz, Clare (Bill) Friesen, Anne (Les) Klassen, Gaye(Jake) Olfert. Hank is predeceased by his sister Mary, who died as a child, his parents Abram and Mary and his broth-in-law Peter Rempel.
Hank was born January 9th, 1940, in Mission, B.C. At the age of 22 he moved to Vanderhoof, B.C. where he met and began dating Marion Friesen who on August 15th, 1964 became his wife. A career in Safeway kept them moving around the province stopping just long enough to have their first son, Jay (1967) in Williams Lake, B.C. and their second son, Scott (1969) in Penticton, B.C. In 1972 the family moved back to Mission where they lived for 4 years before settling across the river in Abbotsford.
In 1987, Hank retired from Safeway and bought Foto Stop in the Sevenoaks Mall that he operated with his wife for 10 years, later adding a store in Mission that was also family run. In 1997 he left the photography business and pursued a variety of sales jobs, ending his working career in 2002 with Fraser Valley Duck and Goose.
Hank was first diagnosed with colon cancer in the Spring of 2001 for which he had an operation followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. In December of 2002 it was confirmed that Hank's cancer had returned, this time in the liver. He spent 4 months in the dark "valley" finding victory in the promises of the Lord and the loving care of his wife. Hank entered the hospital on Saturday, April 5, 2003 and passed away 4 days later.
Today, Hank is resting in the arms of Jesus, free from cancer and pain. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy remains in the many relationships he cultivated through practical services and the demonstration of the love of Jesus.
The memorial service for Hank is on Wednesday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the South Abbotsford MB Church, 32424 Huntingdon Road. Hank has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the MARK Centre, an Abbotsford retreat and training centre dedicated to preparing Christian men and women for meaningful service and discipleship.
Gifts can be sent to:
MARK CENTRE
31603 Old Yale Road
Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 2B4
For more information go to www.markcentre.org