Henry Blatz

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HENRY BLATZ

Henry passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB.

Uncle Henry was born August 4, 1931 to John S. and Anna Blatz. The family resided in Winnipeg where they ran a boarding house until 1935. They moved to New Bothwell where he spent most of his childhood growing up on the family farm.

In his late teens, Henry started working construction in Winnipeg, moving there permanently in 1954.

In 1962, he bought the house he would reside in until his death.

We will always remember him for his generosity. Whether it was clearing the neighborhood back lanes, fixing a broken bicycle or lawnmower, or giving a set of tools to someone in need, Henry was always willing to help.

Uncle Henry also had a passion for Mennonite history and genealogy. His two trips to Germany and one to Russia were highlights that fueled this passion, and he spoke of them often.

While Uncle Henry was well read in history, his passion wasn’t present in the one room country school house. In 1944, the old New Bothwell School burned down. While his little sister was devastated, Uncle Henry was quite the opposite. Now he could get down to the business of fixing the farm equipment.

Uncle Henry was always the most comfortable when he was tinkering on a truck or piece of equipment. This included reading about all types of airplanes. Uncle Henry had the ability to look in the sky and tell you each type of plane flying by, and some of the history behind the machine.

We will miss all of his hockey stories, namely Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, and Billy Smith of his New York Islanders.

We are grateful to the neighbors and friends who, with their help, made it possible for Uncle Henry to live independently, as was his wish.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, one brother in infancy and one brother in law. He will be remembered by his sister, Else Funk, one niece, two nephews and their families.

The funeral service for Henry was held May 10, 2015 at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel with interment at New Bothwell Sommerfelder Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation (200-6 Donald St. Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6) or CancerCare Manitoba (1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9).

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on May 13, 2015