HENRY R. BAERG

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HENRY R. BAERG The Life of Henry R. Baerg Henry R. Baerg of Chilliwack, BC, formerly of Winnipeg and Winkler, passed away in Chilliwack on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Henry was born on August 12, 1918, in Alexanderthal, South Russia and grew up in Saskatchewan before the family settled in Coaldale, Alberta. In 1941, he married Justina Anne Wiebe and they began a life of service together. After studies at M.B.B.C. in Manitoba, Tabor College and Wichita State University in Kansas (earning an MA in History) H.R. was ordained into the ministry and served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Durham, KS, then at Henderson MB Church in Henderson, NE. His love of learning led him to become a professor of Christian Education and History at M.B.B.C. in Winnipeg in 1956, spending the first three summers as Director of Camp Arnes. After six years of teaching he received a call from the Portage Avenue MB church in 1962, to become their pastor and responded with great enthusiasm. During this time he was also working on his doctorate in education. A great challenge presented itself when H.R. became president of Winkler Bible Institute in 1969. The school underwent a very dynamic period of growth and he was able to exercise his capacities to the full. With keen devotion, he recruited staff and students, some from as far away as Africa and India. In 1979, he was excited to become the pastor of the Kingwood Bible (MB) Church in Salem, Oregon. Following semi-retirement in 1982, came a total of five one-year interim pastorates at Kamloops MB church, Grace Mennonite church (Winkler), Elm Creek MB church, Lakeview MB church (Lethbridge) and finally Henderson, Nebraska again. Then, fittingly, Henry's last pastorate was with the small Immanuel Baptist church in Salem, Oregon. The two bookends of his life were Baptist ministries. He was greatly appreciated by many people and congregations that he pastored throughout his extensive ministry. In 1993, a final major move to Chilliwack took place. Henry and Anne spent many memorable hours together with guests and in visitations before Anne, his loving and supportive companion, passed away in March 2001. It was often agreed by their friends that Henry possessed the physical and mental brawn while Anne was blessed with a great deal of emotional intelligence. One year later Henry married Erika Miller of Edmonton. Throughout his life Henry was involved in a great deal of controversy which entailed continued dedication and commitment, realizing many successes and some disappointments and defeats. As he aged he continued growing and he was blessed with a spirit of humility and gratitude. Henry also enjoyed traveling and involved his children in a number of cross continent road trips. Other adventures included organizing tours around the world, taking four mission campaigns to India and 12 trips to Israel and beyond as tour leader, including two trips to the U.S.S.R. All these enriching experiences and much more are presented in detail in Henry's biography entitled Not Without Zeal - Lessons From Life. H.R. possessed a great desire for his children to live for God and he played a significant role in directing them in that way. He encouraged youth to get an education and exercised guidance and direction to thousands of old, middle-aged and young people. Henry's enthusiasm was infectious. People of all ages were drawn to him and he was graced by their friendship in return. He visited the sick and bereaved and was blessed to receive the same in his last years from generous care givers and family members. He will be greatly missed by the many people that loved him and were loved by him. Henry is survived by his wife Erika, of Toronto, six children: Don from Berlin, Eleanor from Chilliwack, Sam (Eileen) from Salina KS, Charity (James) Peters from Winkler, Paul from Los Angeles, David (Lorna) from Winnipeg; eight grandchildren: Anke, Lucas (Karol), Corrie (Matt) Davis, Angelee (Jon) King, Julie Peters, Russell Peters, Erik Berg, Katie; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, three brothers; two step-children. He was predeceased by his first wife Anne, one grandson, five brothers and three sisters. Services to commemorate the life of H.R. Baerg will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Viewing is at 10:30 a.m. at Central Community Church, 46100 Chilliwack, B.C., burial at 12:00 p.m. at Little Mountain Cemeteries, service at 1:30 p.m. at Central Community Church. Donations can be made to MB Missions.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2012