Henry B Unrau

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Heinrich “Henry” B. Unrau. He passed and went to be with his Heavenly Father peacefully in his sleep, on February 22, 2023 at the age of 90 ½ years.

Henry was born to Johann “John” A. Unrau and his second wife Karoline Bansen in 1932. He was his father’s eighth child of twelve and his mother’s first of five.

Henry completed high school and over several years he received a Bachelor of Education in 1966, a Registered Industrial Accountant Certificate in 1972, and Masters of Education in 1973 from the University of Alberta.

Henry worked in various positions from server, parts and service, pipeline, pump jockey, fuel truck driver, bookkeeping, and roofing. He even got his private pilot’s license and finally settled on teaching. In 1956, he met the love of his life, Helen, at the Rainbow Ballroom.

Henry and Helen were married in the Norwood United Church in 1958. From 1962 to 1990, Henry taught at Capilano Elementary School, Mount Pleasant Elementary/Junior High School, Strathearn Junior High, Vernon Barford Junior High and Rutherford Elementary. He loved helping children reach their potential. In 1968, he was thrilled to have a beautiful baby girl they named Audrey and he was very involved in raising her to be a lovely lady.

Henry was always busy with new adventures. He and Helen took up square dancing, which led to him learning how to call. He also became involved in various boards and planning committees.

After Henry retired, he enjoyed traveling all over the world. When he was not travelling, he enjoyed singing in his band, the Swamp Ratts, which performed at various senior’s residences around Edmonton. He also got more involved in helping to campaign for the conservative party.

After moving into their retirement condo in 2011, Henry adopted more of a gentleman of leisure persona (including business cards). He continued to learn and expand his mind, reading lots about current events and building whatever he needed.

He is survived by his wife Helen, his daughter Audrey (Tony) and his two grandchildren Brittany and Alex, brother Nick and half sister Helen.

In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made in Henry’s name to the Mustard Seed.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made directly to www.hainstockedmonton.com