HENRY DERKSEN

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HENRY DERKSEN April 11, 1929 - April 10, 2006 After a courageous battle with ALS, Henry passed away in peace at the St. Boniface Hospital, with his family at his side. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Herta, their children, Karen and John Klassen from Winkler, grandchildren, Warren and Brent; James and Monica Derksen from Winnipeg, grandchildren, Christopher, Kelsey and Brittney. He will be greatly missed by his brothers, Frank, wife Edith and Peter, along with his sisters-in-law, Anne and Agnes Derksen, Peter and Liz Bueckert, Dianna and Bob Watts, brothers-in-law, Gordon and Kelly Berg and Hansi Czechan and his many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Henry was born on a farm in Neuendorf, Ukraine and at the age of nine his father was sent into internal exile by the soviet government. His father told him he was now the man of the house and he must help his mother raise his four younger brothers. After fleeing through Russia and into Germany the Derksens immigrated to Canada in 1951. Henry found work at James B. Carter Electric (now Temro) and soon became shop foreman. He met the love of his life, Herta and married her in 1955. In 1968 his brother Frank asked him to join Derksen Plumbing and Heating where he became general manager until his retirement in 1981. Henry enjoyed travelling but most of all he loved going to his cabin at Lac Du Bonnet. He felt the nearness of God in nature and loved to feed the wild animals who visited him there. His greatest joy was having his family altogether with him at the cottage. Henry was predeceased by his brothers, John and Jacob, and his mother Anna Derksen. There will always be a heartache And often a silent tear, But always special memories Of the days when you were here, Remembering you is easy We do it every day, But missing you is the heartache That will never go away. Many thanks to Diana Rasmussen and the ALS Society for all their support, to our nurses Gwen and Anne, our home-care workers and the palliative care nurses and the St. Boniface Hospital. In compliance with Henry's wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Monday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the North Kildonan Mennonite Church. Flowers are gratefully declined but donations may be made to the ALS Society, 2109 Portage Avenue, Rm. N108, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2006