Sawatzky, Henry J. (1898-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 June 24 p. 36

Birth date: 1898 Aug 03

Text of obituary:

HENRY J. SAWATZKY

Henry J. Sawatzky was born on August 3, 1898 in Grigorjiwka, south Russia, the son of Johann J. and Anne (nee Thiessen) Sawatzky. On October 16, 1916 he married Mathilda Buchholz. In 1918 the Sawatzky's moved to Germany, and in 1923 emigrated to Canada. Shortly after arriving and being received by Rev. Jacob Lepp, on February 13, 1924 he found a living faith in Jesus Christ. He was baptized and accepted into the Dalmeny (Sask.) Mennonite Brethren Church. For 20 years he taught Sunday school and was ordained to the diaconate in 1949.

The Lord blessed the couple with three sons and one daughter, all of whom came to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. After 30 years in Dalmeny, they moved to Saskatoon in 1953. Sadly, his wife was called home on June 28, 1965 after a stroke. After a time alone, he married Mary Hiebert of Vancouver on September 3, 1966. Due to Mr. Sawatzky's heart condition, they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1972, and there joined the Broadway Mennonite Brethren Church. At the dinner table on May 4 he suffered a fatal heart attack and entered the presence of him in whom he believed and served. A funeral service was held in the Broadway Church on May 6, with Rev. J. Friesen and Rev. H. Lenzmann officiating. A second funeral service was held in the Dalmeny Church on May 8, with Rev. Reuben Dirks and Rev. Henry J. Baerg officiating.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Mary; three sons, and their wives, Oscar and Helen of Dalmeny; Rudy and Betty of Steinbach, Man.; and Paul and Alice of Waldheim, Sask.; one daughter, Elsie (Mrs. William) Rans of Saskatoon; nine grand· children; one great-grandchild; one brother, Peter J. Sawatzky of Leamington, Ont.; and many relatives and friends.