Tribute

Henry went to be with the Lord on May 14, 2025, at the age of 89.

He was born on September 26, 1935, in Neuendorf, Ukraine. Born to Peter and Katherina (Derksen) Sawatzky.  In 1962, Henry married Selma Unger in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 1965, they moved to Canada to join his family in Aldergrove, eventually settling in Vancouver in 1966.  There, they raised their four sons and became long-time members of First United Mennonite Church.  Henry faithfully served his church community as a deacon, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and Bible study leader. He played an integral role in supporting the Spanish-speaking ministry at the church and was affectionately known as “Don Henrique” in the Spanish congregation.

In his work life Henry was everybody’s favourite furnaceman. Work for Henry was another way of serving others. We also remember his singing, whistling, storytelling, chess skills, bbq’ing, duct tape fixing, dad jokes, patience, and easygoing nature, among many more memories.

Henry was a remarkably steadfast and loyal man who cherished his wife Selma and her many adventures, the family they had and life they built together.  Henry is pre-deceased by his wife Selma and leaves behind his 4 sons: Rob, Herb (Lorrie), Rudy (Joanne), and Heinz (Cheri) as well as his cherished seven  grandchildren; Kennedy, Brooklynn (Malcom), Aleah, Colton (Amber), Avery, Aaron, and Audrey. He also leaves behind his brothers Anton (Anganetha), Peter (Helen) and Jakob (Linda), Sister Kaethe (Alan†) and his half siblings, Elsa (Heinrich), Anna (Victor), Helene (Anatol) and pre-deceased adopted brother Nick (Olga†). He also leaves behind his many nieces, nephews, friends and family.

We are thankful for him being in our life. A loving father, brother, opa, uncle, friend and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. We will miss him, until we see him again.

Join us on Friday, June 6th, 2025, to remember and celebrate Henry’s life.
– 11:30 am Graveside Service @ Mountainview Cemetery, Vancouver
(Near 43rd Ave. and Prince Edward Street, Beside John Oliver High School)

– 1:00 pm Funeral Service @ FUMC (now Peace Church on 52nd)
(659 E 52nd Ave E, Vancouver, BC)

with a time of food and fellowship to follow.  We invite all whose lives were touched by Henry to join us in celebrating his remarkable life and legacy.