Janzen, Henry (1919-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Nov 23 p. 25

Birth date: 1919 Oct 1

text of obituary:

HENRY JANZEN

Henry (Hank) Janzen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 16. He was born Oct. 1, 1919 to Henry and Susanna Janzen in Omsk, Russia. The family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. in 1926, then moved to Gem, Alta. He lived most of his adult years in B.C's Lower Mainland. At 16, he had a ruptured appendix and was expected to die. He accepted Christ at this time, remaining faithful to Him the rest of his life. During World War II, he joined the tank corps of the Canadian army, serving till 1943 when he received a medical discharge. In 1943 he moved to Vancouver. He married Kay Neumann July 25, 1943 in Arnold (B.C) MB Church. He became an electrician, retiring in 1983. This trade took him to many B.C. communities, as well as to Whitehorse, Yukon. After the children left home, he and Kay travelled to those communities with a pick-up and trailer, finding these expeditions an ever changing delight. He was baptized in South Abbotsford MB Church in 1947 and remained part of the MB church most of his life. He was active in a variety of churches, serving in practical ways such as building, wiring and maintenance. During his Yukon years, he was in regular demand to sing solos. In retirement and as his health allowed, he repaired appliances and broken self-help crafts at the MCC thrift store. He loved to make walking sticks, handing them out to anyone who needed or admired them. His life was characterized by helping people. He is mourned by Kay; children Vic, Gerry, and Peggy Van Achte; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Oct. 22 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.