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Henry Siemens of Herbert, SK. went to be with his beloved Savior on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at the CypressRegionalHospital, at the age of 98 years, 9 months. Dad was born at Main Centre on June 13, 1909 to Johann and Justina Siemens, the second youngest of 7 children. He attended LowfarmSchool for Grades 1 to 5, then OldMainCentreSchool for Grades 6 to 8. He was baptized at the MainCentreMennoniteBrethrenChurch and attended HerbertBibleSchool for two years. He married Katherine Driedger on May 3rd, 1936 and they had 3 sons – Arthur, Elvin, and Glenn. His wife was killed in an auto accident in 1953. He married Ella Barkman on November 11, 1954 and they had one daughter, Karen. Ella passed away in 1993, leaving Dad alone for the past 14 years. Dad had a fervent love of the land and enjoyed farming immensely. In 1974 retirement relocated him to Herbert but Dad farmed on – just on a smaller scale. Now the crop was raspberries, potatoes and apples and all of us children enjoyed ice cream pails full of the fruits of his labor. Every day had a mission, whether baking bread from home-ground wheat flour, baking cookies, spring cleaning, or helping out at Glenn’s farm. His generous spirit carried many of those cookies to friends who needed a lift or an encouraging word. Another passion for Dad was his church – he served as choir director, Sunday School superintendent, and male quartette member. He was committed to the missions program and was ready with a donation whenever a cause touched his heart. Recreation for Dad meant travel – to visit family and relatives, but making sure the route took in the Hot Springs at Radium, B.C. or Saco, MT. Dad learned golf later in life and thoroughly enjoyed this pastime, playing the Riverhurst golf course at age 95. Fishing at “the river”, later LakeDiefenbaker, was a favorite activity on a summer day. Dad loved a good competition and nowhere more so than at the crokinole board. “White always wins” was his mantra and most often they did in countless tournaments with any willing competitor. He played his last game only a couple of weeks before he died – the “ringers” never ran out. Dad was a man of prayer and his greatest wish was that all his children, grand-children and great-grandchildren would share his faith in Jesus Christ – his best Friend. Dad was predeceased by all of his siblings: Jacob, Johann, Peter, Justina, George, and Anne; also his wife Katherine and his wife Ella, and one unborn great-grandchild. He is survived by his sons Art (ElLee), Elvin (Carol), Glenn (Iris) and daughter Karen Grand (Marty). He leaves to mourn 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and a large number of nieces, nephews and friends. The Memorial Service for Henry Siemens will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 2 pm at the LivingFaithFellowshipChurch in Herbert, SK. Internment will take place in the MainCentreMennoniteBrethrenCemetery. Swift Current Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in Dad’s memory can be made to: Sarah Fund/Adventure Camp C0469, MBMS International, #302 – 32025 George Ferguson Way, ABBOTSFORD, B.C. V2T 2K7 Telephone (604) 859-6267. |
