Henry H. Derksen (January 4, 1921 - September 24, 2008)
It is with deeply sad, yet thankful hearts that we announce the passing of Henry H. Derksen on September 24 at the age of 87, after a courageous battle with cancer. Henry was born in southern Russia, the eldest son of Henry and Anna Derksen. In 1927, when Henry was six years old, the family moved to Canada, settling on a farm near Khedive, Saskatchewan. In 1939, although the crop was poor and Henry had almost no money, he set off for Bible School in Swift Current. There he had a series of profound spiritual experiences, which re-oriented his life and set him on a lifelong journey of faith and service. During the second year of Bible School. he met Elizabeth Nickel, whom he married on October 4, 1942. The following spring, they moved to their own farm at Forward, Saskatchewan, where they farmed with Henry's family. In the fall of 1947, Henry and Elizabeth moved to Main Centre, farming there until 1984. In that year, they moved to an acreage outside of Swift Current. Nevertheless, Henry went on farming in Kyle with his son-in-law Ray until 2000. In 2001, Henry and Elizabeth moved into a condo on Lister Kaye Crescent in Swift Current, and then joined the Bentley retirement community in 2007. Throughout his life, Henry's actions were motivated by curiosity, empathy, and love -- love for a God whom he knew on the most intimate terms, for family, for church, and for neighbours. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Henry was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Agnes, Olga, and one sister in infancy; as well as by a grandson, Jason; and great-grandson, Brady. His memory will be treasured by Elizabeth, his wife of almost sixty-six years; his children, Shirley (Hildor) Braun, Betty (Ed) Nickel, John (Kristen) Derksen, Hazel (Ray) Scheirer, Judy (Bernie) Friesen, Dennis (Vickie) Derksen, Faith (Dennis) Klassen; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren. The family is grateful to Swift Current Funeral Home for all the funeral arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Gideons International and/or to West Bank Bible Camp, both organizations that were very close to Henry's heart. The Funeral Service was held on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 3:00 pm from the Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Cliff Janzen officiating. The pianist was his son, John Derksen accompanied by Kristen as flutist. “Holy God We Praise Your Name”, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Menno Martens. The obituary and tribute to ‘Dad’ was shared by Betty Nickel and Hazel Scheirer. There was also a PowerPoint tribute and a ‘collective memories of Grandpa’ tribute from the Grandchildren. Special music was brought by the Male Choir singing, “Because He Lives”, directed by Menno Martens. The Honor Guard was performed by the S.C. Gideons Camp. The Interment Service preceded the Funeral Service and was held at the Capeland Cemetery, Main Centre, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Hildor Braun, Ed Nickel, Ray Scheirer, Bernie Friesen, Dennis Klassen and Neil Braun. A trumpet solo was brought by great-grandson, Matthew Braun, playing, “Abide With Me” while the family placed their roses. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. |
