Dirks, Henry (1921-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Apr 5 p. 23

Birth date: 1921 Jun 12

text of obituary:

HENRY DIRKS

Henry Dirks passed away Dec. 12 in Chilliwack, B.C. He was born June 12, 1921 to Henry and Mary Dirks in Tiege, Sagradowka, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada. He accepted Christ in April 1939; he was baptized by Peter Janzen and joined Philadelphia MB Church in Watrous, Sask. 3 years later. He sang tenor in the choir. He attended school until grade 6. He learned the value of hard work and making the best of things with little money. In 1946 the family bought a farm, with cows and laying hens, in Rosedale, B.C. He at- tended East Chilliwack MB Church. He mar- ried Anne Klassen June 22, 1947 in Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church. They lived on the Rosedale farm. In 1952 they moved to a bigger farm. In 1979 they began attending Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack. Church activities where a major part of his life. He and Anne were part of the food committee in both East Chilliwack and Broadway churches. He had a strong faith in his Lord. He listened intently to Sunday morning services and attended mid-week Bible studies. He was a member of the Tabor Home board in Abbotsford, B.C. for several years and was involved with Cheam Housing in Chilliwack through Broadway MB Church. For many years, he and Anne sold plants and flowers at the MCC auction. He was zone treasurer for the Canadian Cancer Society for several years. In 1979 they sold the farm, except for 1 acre, where they built their retirement home. He loved farming, knew the value of hard work and had a heart to help others. He would bale hay for neighbours and friends all day, go home for supper, milk the cows and go out again. His beliefs were founded in the Bible, which he read faithfully. Every day he had his Daily Bread devotions and prayed for family and world issues. He enjoyed family times, took an interest in what his children were doing and supported them as best he could. Birthdays and Christmas were special to him. In retirement, they travelled across Canada and to Alaska in their motor home and visited the Holy Land and Europe. He had several heart attacks, beginning in September 1986. He underwent open-heart surgery in 1990 and had a gallbladder operation in 1995. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1999 and prostate cancer in 2000. He moved to Mcintosh Lodge Care Facility Dec. 15, 2000. Predeceased by Anne, he is mourned by daughter Bernice Derksen; son Dennis; grandchildren; and 3 sisters.