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HENRY A. SCHELLENBERG
Born: Apr 04, 1952
Date of Passing: Feb 20, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHENRY A. SCHELLENBERG April 4, 1952 - February 20, 2013 At 11:35 a.m., February 20, 2013, Henry went to be with the Lord. His sons Andrew and Matthew (and wife Maddy), and I (his wife Jocelyne) were together for his last breath which was a gentle sigh. He left us in a moment of gentleness that is a picture of the way in which he lived his life. His unconditional love for his boys and his family, his genuine caring and interest in his students over 30 years, was well known. He loved us and we all loved him back, whether he was dad, Dr. Schell., brother, son or friend. His marriage to me, Jocelyne, was a tribute to what love with all its selflessness really looks like. Marriage to Henry was a treasured thing that is rare these days. He was an example of how Christ intended us to love in relationship. Henry was a beloved music professor at Providence University College who took special care to introduce to novice students the love of Choral music and changed their lives by the experience of it. He was well known by his colleagues for his contribution to the life of Choral Music here in Manitoba and in Canada. His choirs had both art and heart. More than that they were a ministry of spiritual reflection to ponder, to be uplifted and to draw us closer to the Lord. He was a mentor to many and leaves an amazing legacy of lives touched. To say he will be missed is an understatement. He loved his sisters: Mary and Martha (Wally Wicha); brothers John (Kathy), Joe, Gene, and his mother Mary (predeceased by father Henry). He is a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. A private family interment service will occur. There will be a public viewing between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2013, at the Birchwood Funeral Home in Steinbach for those who would like this closure. The family will not be present. Henry was not able to have the 30th Anniversary celebration of his choir, as was long ago planned for this semester, but there will be an opportunity for any who wish to be part of the memorial celebration choir in his honour at a public Memorial Celebration of Life and Music. This memorial service will be held at Westminster United Church in Winnipeg at 7:00 p.m. on a date yet to be determined. Further details will follow. Please consult the Providence University College website in the coming days. Any donations in Henry's honor will go toward a Providence University College music department fund yet to be established. We express grateful thanks to the many doctors, nurses, home care and palliative team that journeyed and prayed with us through days here at home and at St. Pierre Hospital where he died. Henry navigated Kidney cancer that moved to the brain, liver, spine and lymphal system. His valiant battle is now done and he is now living a choral life unmatched!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2013
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Having viewed the obituary and the tribute displayed online at Providence, I can echo my admiration and respect for Henry. Although I never sang under his direction and influence, I was often in the audience appreciating his unswerving dedication to his calling and his glorification of God through his life and music. One aspect, some may not know much of, was part of his dedication to his family and involved our stint as parents of competitive runners. Our daughter, Ashley, and their son, Andrew, were members of the same running club and trained and competed during much the same era. We would go to the UM Field House and observe our offspring running their laps and developing technique. We also went to many competitions and co-laboured as volunteers at track meets. The Schellenbergs were always a welcome sight and maintained the same level of interest and dedication as with anything they were involved in. Our sorrow is for those who remain here but we celebrate for Henry, who has been promoted to glory and is enjoying the choir of angels. - Posted by: Fred Dugdale (friend, choral music enthusiast, former colleague and parent of a competitive runner) on: Mar 12, 2013
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I remember Henry inviting me to his family home in Rosenfeld. There seemed to be musical instruments everywhere. Henry played a few for me, and answered all my curious questions. The instruments were like magic in his hands, creating melodies and joy that filled the room. He introduced me to his brothers and sisters and parents. He was proud of them all, but he took the time to prepare me ahead of time, so I would not have any surprises when I walked into his home. He was so thoughtful and eager to include me in his life. - Posted by: Carl Sukkau (Old friend from Winkler Bible School) on: Feb 27, 2013