Giesbrecht, Henry (1928-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Jan 25 p. 24

Birth date: 1928 Oct 25

text of obituary:

HENRY GIESBRECHT

Henry Giesbrecht of Richmond, B.C. passed away Nov. 9. He was born Oct. 25, 1928 to Heinrich and Katharina Giesbrecht in Sagradovka, Ukraine. His father was sent to a labour camp in Siberia in 1936, was later released but died from TB. During World War II, he and his mother and sisters fled to Poland. At 16, he was drafted into a German youth camp. Through events he later recognized as the hand of God, he was reunited with his family in Germany. In 1948 the family immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay. Here he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church. He married Liese Zacharias Oct. 21, 1950. In 1958 they immigrated to Vancouver. He loved his family and prayed daily for them. He worked at Sauder Doors in Richmond for 29 years, retiring in 1992. He joined the Fraserview Senior Club. He loved to bowl and play pool with friends. He was a faithful member of Culloden MB Church, Vancouver. He served as parking lot attendant and was always willing to help with special events or maintenance projects. He worked as a volunteer at the MCC thrift store in Vancouver. He was diagnosed with cancer in June 2001. He is remembered for his friendliness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, willingness to help, forgiving nature and strong faith in the Lord. He lived his life as a good and faithful servant. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Liese; children Betty Wiebe, John, Netty Klein and Wendy; 7 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The memorial service was Nov. 14 in Culloden MB Church, with Ted Klassen and Herb Brandt ministering.