HENRY DERKSEN

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HENRY DERKSEN Peacefully, on Wednesday, December 25, 2002, Henry Derksen passed away at the Victoria Hospital at the age of 78 years. Henry was born May 19, 1924 to Isaac and Helena Derksen in Gouldtown, SK. He was the youngest of nine children. He attended school and spent his childhood years on the family farm. In 1941, Henry moved with his parents to the Steinbach area. Shortly thereafter, he sought employment in Winnipeg and worked at Universal Machines for seven years where he learned his welding trade. His trade then took him to McDonald Brothers Aircraft, now known as Bristol Aerospace. He worked there for a total of 38 years. Due to health reasons, Henry retired at the age of 64. Henry was baptized in Sommerfelder Church and then on August 25, 1946 he was married to Mary Thiessen. They were blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters, Elvira (Brian) Schellenberg of Kleefeld, Ron (Anne) of Winnipeg, Janice (Randy) McDonnold of Omaha, NE, Tom (Gloria) of St. Adolphe, and Eldon (Bernice) of Winnipeg; 11 grandchildren, Trevor (Cathy), Marcia (Duane), Robyn (Kevin), Kevin (Alanne), Tiffany (Stephen), Corinna (Julio), Steven, Danica (Jason), Jocelyn, Jessica, and Kristine; as well as eight great-grandchildren. When Henry was in his mid-50s, he experienced heart failure and eventually a pacemaker was implanted. Due to technology changes, he has had three pacemakers. In his early 70s, Henry started to experience memory loss and in June 1998, he was admitted to the Fort Garry Care Centre due to the diagnosis of a form of dementia. Henry made a decision and accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord in 1955. He had always been very active in the church, serving his Lord in many capacities. He was seen as a lay church builder, helping in the beginning of Gospel Mennonite Church, Morrow Gospel Church, and Richmond Gospel Fellowship. Henry was also involved in other outreach opportunities including Union Gospel Mission, Street Ministries, and services in convalescent homes (preaching, visiting and singing). Henry was a faithful, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed by his family and they will cherish many fond memories. The family extends their thanks to the Fort Garry Care Centre for the wonderful care Henry received. Henry was admitted December 14, 2002 to the Victoria General Hospital due to pneumonia and subsequent blood infection from which he did not recover. The family appreciates the care given by the 5th floor staff. Funeral services will be held at the Morrow Gospel Church, 755 St. Annes Rd. in St. Vital, on Sunday, December 29 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will be held the evening prior, Saturday, December 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., also at the church, and again before the service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Interment will take place in Mennonite Memorial Gardens on Symington Road following the service. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2002