Written by Patricia Koenig

Presented by Darla Wirl

                Henry was born at home January 29, 1941. Henry received his education at North Bench School. At about the age of 15 Henry decided to set foot into the working world and was first employed at Ed Chatter’s. Over the years Henry worked for various farmers and ranchers in the Eastend area. This is probably where Henry got his start working with machinery. I believe there wasn’t a machine that couldn’t be fixed or operated by Henry. While in Eastend, Henry worked for Wright and Jickling, and also Ken Wenas, two machinery dealers for the area.

                Henry spend a winter up north, near Unuvik, working construction on the Dempster Highway, the last link to the north. From Eastend, he then went to Rush Lake working for P.F.R.A., doing construction work on an irrigation project. He then moved onto Maple Creek, where he worked for Louis Ternes—Ternes Sales and Services, a machinery dealership. Upon leaving Maple Creek, Henry moved to Alberta. He spent some time in Medicine Hat with Oil and Gas. While in Medicine Hat, Henry rented a garden plot and grew some of the best gardens in the area. Whenever Henry visited, you could be sure he arrived with a truckload of vegetables that he wasn’t sure what he was going to do with. While in Medicine Hat, area Henry spent a lot of time at Glen’s house where they did a lot of trapping, hunting and fishing.

                Henry moved on to Pincher Creek where he worked on Chinook Pipelines and also worked for a couple of summers at a Hunting Camp. While Henry was in the Pincher Creek area he got himself a truck and camper and spent endless hours beside the mountain streams, hunting and fishing. He truly loved the sport of fishing and was a true sportsman. The big one always got away! Henry loved to spend time in the wilderness by himself and could make a banquet from a fresh caught fish and a can of beans.

               One of the highlights of Henry’s life was the making of the movie “The Unforgiven”. He played the part of the bartender in the movie alongside of the great Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman.

                Henry had an eye for a pretty woman, but never did catch one that he wanted to keep. Although Henry never married or had a family of his own, Henry had a great love for his nieces and nephews and never failed to ask and be concerned about them.

                Henry was a man of many talents, musician, carpenter, artist, and he especially loved to garden. Henry could play almost any musical instrument you handed him, but he did master the accordion. He would love to get together with friends and family and have a good old music session.

                Henry was a very accomplished carpenter and finisher. I believe there wasn’t anything Henry couldn’t do if he put his mind to it.

                Henry’s great love was gardening. He especially loved flowers. At his home in Taber he had a beautiful wildflower garden that he liked to show off and talk about. He knew the name and history of every flower in his garden and was very proud of it.

                For the past 5 years Henry was employed at Green Power, the John Deere dealership at Taber and Burdett, repairing and servicing combines.

                Henry’s winning smile, sparkling eyes, easygoing personality and his wonderful way with words has won him many friends over the years.

                Henry was a very loved Son, Brother, Brother-in-law, Nephew, Uncle, and Friend to all whom knew him. Henry truly was a gentleman.

                In closing today I would like to leave you with something for each of you to reflect on:

DO IT NOW! YOU NEVER KNOW HOW SOON IT WILL BE TO LATE!