Henry Thiessen

Henry Thiessen, age 75, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 8, 2021 surrounded by his family at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK.

Henry Thiessen was born April 24, 1946 to George & Helena “Helen” (Harder) Thiessen in the Swift Current Union Hospital. He grew up on the family farm with his five siblings. After graduating from high school and some life experience, he worked in the lab of the Lanigan potash mine until 1971.

Henry married the love of his life, Vivian Sawatzky, on November 27, 1971 at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current. Together, they raised three children — Richard, Ruth, and Karen.

After some basic training, his interest and talent at working with electronics led to his career as a TV shop manager in Leduc, AB from 1971 – 1975, while the family lived in Lacombe, AB. From 1973 – 1975 Henry was a volunteer college instructor in Oujda, Morocco where he taught electronics. After returning to Canada, the family came to Wetaskiwin, AB where Henry managed a TV shop from 1976 – 1980 until moving to Swift Current. There, he managed and owned a TV and electronics repair shop from 1980 – 2010, when he began transitioning into retirement. While running the shop in town, Henry also farmed in the Herbert area.

A man of many talents, Henry was an exceptional musician and loved being a part of music ministry and community — especially sacred and classical music. He sang as part of several groups and loved singing in the choir, he also played the organ and piano — many people were blessed by his musical gifts. Henry also loved to do woodworking and was an avid gardener — any type of plant or flower, he loved tending them and experimenting with grafting. Henry & Vivian enjoyed travelling, many wonderful family memories were made during road trips exploring the southern States. Family get-togethers and reunions were always special to him.

But most importantly was Henry’s love for Jesus Christ and his deep, abiding faith, which colored everything he said and did.

Henry will be dearly missed by his wife of 49 years, Vivian Thiessen; his children and their families, his son, Richard (Suzanne) Thiessen and their children, Evi and Ben, his daughter, Ruth (Jamie) Callender and their children, Isabelle, Madeleine, Helena, Jesse, and Zeke, his daughter, Karen (Ken) Dyck and their children, Keegan, Karsten, and Khloe; his sisters, Gertrude and Justine (Clarence); his sisters-in-law, Elma and Kathy; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, George & Helen Thiessen, his siblings, John, Frank, and Olga (Dan); and by his brother-in-law, Jake.

The Graveside Service for Henry was held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm from the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with Ray Arendt officiating. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by those in attendance under the leadership of Clarence Wiebe. Special music was a recording of Henry & Vivian, Richard, Ruth, and Karen singing “It is Well” and “He Leadeth Me.” Tributes were given by Henry’s children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

The floral farewell was given by Henry’s family and friends, accompanied by a recording of “The Holy City” by the Abbotsford 3 Tenors. Richard, Ruth, and Karen served as Pallbearers.

In memory of Henry Thiessen, donations made to Ethnos 360 (formerly known as New Tribes Mission) would be appreciated by the family. 

The service was recorded and can be viewed here

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry Thiessen, please visit our floral store.