Henry Otto Thiessen

Henry Thiessen passed away on June 28, 2016. He was born on his Dad’s homestead in Morse, Sask. The oldest of twelve children, he was parented by Henry A. and Helen Thiessen (ne Andres). He was raised in a Christian family, accepting Jesus at age 14.

Henry and Evelyn, his first wife, lived in Saskatoon, where their two children Elaine and Arnold were born. Later, in North Battleford, they adopted Valerie and Mark at age 6 and 9. Evelyn passed away in 1985. Mark passed away at age 53.

Henry was predeceased by his sister Sally and two young brothers. He is survived by daughters Elaine (John) Warkentin and Valerie (Robert) Streilein of Winnipeg, and son Arnold, grandchildren Glenda (Brad Graham), Kevin, Gordon (Christine), and Nathan, Rosalee and Angela, as well as great-grandsons Eli, Nolan and Juda Henry.

Henry’s various moves took him to Calgary and eventually to retire in Abbotsford where he married Anne Funk in 1987. His life-work encompassed salesmanship (Electrolux) and furniture repair business in Calgary for 15 years.

In 1947 he graduated from Briercrest Bible Institute and at age 48 he upgraded his education, receiving his Bachelor of Education degree. He was always deeply involved in church work, wherever he lived, being sensitive to Christian values all his life of 97 years. A missions trip to Bolivia at age 88 was a highlight. Henry was never sickly, or kept in hospital until his 96th year. He was always grateful for energy to golf, help host annual brothers reunions and to travel to Fairmont Hot Springs, Hawaii, Palm Springs and the prairies.

He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.