HENRY BERTRAM NEWMAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HENRY BERTRAM NEWMAN February 23, 1901 - June 21, 2003 On June 21, 2003, Henry was welcomed into Gods presence to see His Saviours face and to be reunited with his wife of 77 years. Henry was 102 years old and as he said many times, "Ive had a good life". Henry was born to parents, Fred and Priscilla Newman. He was predeceased by them and his siblings, Gladys, George, Redvers, Fred, and Violet. He is survived by his baby brother Frank; two children, Norma and Cyril (Betty) six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren. Henry grew up in Margate, Kent, England, a beach resort area in southern England. In 1911, the family moved to Gillingham. From the time he was seven, he worked long hours after school and on weekends delivering groceries and coal. Later on, during the First World War, he worked in a chemist shop, butcher shop, and an ammunition plant. After finishing Grade 10, he entered naval school, learning there a number of things including boxing. From 1919 to 1921, he sailed mostly in the south seas working as a chef on the ships. As he travelled the world, he endeavoured to capture childhood dreams from all the books he had read. Boarding a ship to Montreal, his intention was to work his way across Canada and then board another ship in Vancouver. He never reached his destination. He ended up in the Balsam Bay area to work and make some money over the winter. In the second winter, his life changed from his rough, wandering lifestyle. Two preachers were holding meetings in the area and after refusing to go for a long time, Henry decided to attend. There he realized that he was a sinner and asked for Gods love and forgiveness. From then on, his desire was to please God in all that he did. On April 3, 1923, Henrys life further changed...he married Margery May Anderson, to whom he was devoted all his life. A few years after their marriage, Henry and Marge moved into Marges parents house to care for her parents, to run the post office, to hold church in their living room for the community and to board teachers and preachers. The births of Norma and Cyril brought much joy to Henry and he missed his family when he often had to work away from home in camps cutting wood or cooking as chef. When working as foreman for the CN, he was required to move to several Manitoba towns for brief periods of time. In 1951, they purchased the Redwing Cafe and six cottages for rental in the Grand Beach area. Working longer hours there in the summer, in addition to working on the track, was not new to Henry. In 1967, they moved to Winnipeg, living mostly in the St. Vital area. Henry was always there for his family, loving and supporting by whatever means. He loved to study his Bible and often taught what he learned. Henry also performed several marriage ceremonies in his lifetime. He continued as an elder of the church until about 90 years of age and enjoyed being a "keenager" at Faith Bible Camp. Meadowood Manor was home until both he and Marge entered hospital four days apart; he from broken ribs; her for cancer. In June of 2000, they moved to the Deaf Centre where he was blessed and where he continued to be a blessing, even after his wifes death in August of that year. Henry felt well cared for and well loved by the staff and residents of the Deaf Centre. So many went out of their way to give a hug or a kiss or a word of encouragement. You made his last days very pleasant and we extend to you our deepest thank you for going above and beyond duty for him. To those of you who sent cards and notes and gave up time to come and visit Henry, we also thank you. These last three years without you would not have been the same. God bless you all! Henry was a faithful husband and father; a very hard-working man, opening his home and giving what he had to those in need. He often sang praises to God even while travelling through the valley of death. He is a "super" man to those who love him and grieve his presence here; but we do rejoice in the fact that he is worshipping the God he loves. There will be one service only to honour Henrys memory. It will be held on the evening of Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Green Acres Funeral Chapel, on Highway No. 1 East. Rob Williams and Gerry Hayes will be officiating. We hope all will stay for a tea served immediately afterwards in the adjoining wing. The following morning of Thursday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m., John Thomas will lead a short burial service in the Balsam Bay Cemetery, terminating there. If so desired, donations in memory of Henry may be made to his great-grandson and wife: Sean and Regine Gebler. For tax purposes, please send cheques to Youth with a Mission, B.C. Society, Box 21505, Little Italy R.P.O., Vancouver, BC V5N 5T5. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematorium Highway 1 E. at Navin Rd. 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2003