Dirks, Harry (1927-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jan 22 p. 3

Birth date: 1927 Dec 27

text of obituary:

Eight Persons Drown In British Columbia Boating Tragedy

Black Creek, B. C. — Eight persons, including a Black Creek father and five of his six children, lost their lives in a boating accident near Campbell River, B.C. on Jan. 3. The other victims were two children who had gone along on the trip in the 22 ft. cabin cruiser.

Dead are Henry [sic Harry] Dirks, 42, his children, David, 19, Arthur, 17, Timothy, 15, Grace, 11, and Linda, 8; James Falk, 14, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Falk; and Heidi Maier, 8, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Maier.

Two surviving members of the Dirks family are Mrs. Ruth Dirks and Johnny, 6, both of whom had stayed at home. All of the bodies except that of the Maier girl were recovered on Jan. 5. No trace of the boat had been found by Jan. 6. An active member of the Black Creek M. B. Church, Mr. Dirks was serving on the church council and as director of the midweek program. He also assisted the Sunday school superintendent.

---

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 Feb 06 p. 30

text of obituary:

HARRY DIRKS AND CHILDREN

Harry Dirks of Black Creek, British Columbia, was born on December 27, 1927, at Stephenfield, Manitoba, and passed on to be with the Lord on January 3, 1970. His parents are Jacob and Maria (nee Warkentin) Dirks. They moved to Black Creek in 1935. Early in his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and was baptized on the confession of his faith when he was 18.

On May 8, 1949, he was married to Ruth Unruh, whom he met while attending the Bethel Bible Institute in Abbotsford. Their marriage was blessed with five children: David, 18, born January 9, 1951; Arthur, 17, born March 19, 1952; Timothy, 15, born October 21, 1954; Gracie-Ann, 11, born February 12, 1958; and Linda, 9, born March 25, 1960, and one adopted son, John, 6 years old.

On January 3, 1970, Harry and his five oldest children, Jim Falk, and Heidi Meyers, went on a pleasure cruise to Toba Inlet. They expected to be home by 5:30 p.m., for a family supper. They did not return.

After an intensive search, the bodies were, found on January 5, wearing their life jackets and roped together in two groups of three and four. The body of Heidi at the time of this writing had not been recovered.

In 1954 Harry and his brother, Werner, started a construction company, in which he remained until his dearth. He was always very much concerned about the Lord's work, the spiritual welfare of his children and that they should learn to love the Lord and serve him. He was particularly concerned that souls should be won to the Lord during a forthcoming Barry Moore Crusade.

Harry enjoyed taking his family on boating and camping trips for relaxation. Occasionally they would also make an extended trip to various parts of the country with the whole family participating.

Son David accepted Christ as his Savior at home when still quite young. After being a camper at Camp Homewood for several years, he attended a Counselor-in-Training course which afforded him an opportunity for service. It was his desire to serve the Lord wherever he would lead. He was baptized on his confession of faith in 1968 and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church at Black Creek.

After completing Grade 12 at the George P. Vanier School this past summer, David commenced his Bible studies at MBBI. His first semester was an enriching experience spiritually and increased his love for music and singing. Recently he had mentioned that he looked forward to being with his Savior throughout eternity. Arthur also attended Camp Homewood, where he found Christ as his Savior. He especially appreciated the Bible studies and the trips on the sailboat. He also possessed a keen, interest in exploring the coastline with his father.

Arthur was taking his Grade 12 in the George P. Vanier school" It was his desire to study the Word of God and live by it. He was baptized on the confession of his faith in 1968 and received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

Tim accepted Christ as his Savior at home. Camp Homewood also contributed to his spiritual growth. Sailing and boating with his father, as well as hockey and football, were only a few of Tim's interests. He particularly enjoyed his Grade 10 studies in the Courtenay School.

Another child who accepted her Savior at home was Gracie. Camp Homewood was always a tremendous experience for her and strengthened her faith and desire to be an obedient Christian. Besides her keen interest in books, she also exercised the same spirit in volley ball and swimming. Gracie was in Grade 6 in the Black Creek Elementary school.

Linda's heart was in her singing, and she could express this joy, in participating in the junior choir. She attended Camp Homewood where Christ received entrance into her heart and life. Memorizing Scripture was a vital part of her experience there. She was a Grade 4 student in the Black Creek Elementary School.

They leave to mourn Ruth, wife and mother, and one son John, the parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Dirks and Mr. and Mrs. John Unruh, all of Black Creek; two brothers, Walter, Cecil Lake, B.C.; Werner, Black Creek, and three sisters, Mrs. Erika Cottrell, Princeton; Mrs. Frieda Unruh, Farming- ton, B.C.; Mrs. Lily Meyer, Black Creek, and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 10, at 2 p.m. in the Mennonite Brethren Church at Black Creek