Tribute

Henry Albert Thiessen went to meet his Savior in the early morning hours of July20, 2022 at The Mayfair Senior Living and Care facility in Abbotsford, BC.
Henry was born to Johann and Anna (Pauls) Thiessen on the “banks of the muddy Red” in Winnipeg, MB on July 14, 1938. In her diary his mother wrote:”Shortly after twelve noon, I gave birth to a 7 pound 10 oz.,  big,  bald headed baby boy.  He grew to be a delight to all of his (8) siblings”.
The family’s focus on Jesus Christ greatly influenced Henry to give his life to God and to serve Him to His honor and glory for the rest of his life. The Thiessens farmed in Arnaud, MB surrounded by many relatives. Henry spoke fondly of Sunday afternoon ball games and then zweibach and goodies for fesper. The families would then gather to sing in 4 part harmony as they were accomplished musicians.
Farming in the Arnaud area was a struggle and so the family moved to St. Catharines, ON. Henry’s father had died when he was a youngster so with the help of his mother, he was brought up by his brothers and sisters. Henry completed high school at Eden Christian College. After a short time of working with his brother wiring new houses, Henry completed his teacher training. He taught at various schools in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Henry also studied at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg. It was there that he met Leona Schmidt from Kitchener, Ontario. It didn’t take him long to “pop the question” and they were married July 10, 1965. It was also at this time that Henry discovered his love for driving highway busses. He could often hardly wait to get on the road again.
Henry was always ready for adventure and shortly after their marriage the couple was off to Sao Paulo, Brazil to teach at the Pan American Christian Academy. Henry became the administrator shortly after his arrival and enjoyed 14 wonderful years of leading this academic institution whose motto was “Academic Excellence on a Christian Foundation”. Mission trips to Mexico, India and Lithuania also demonstrated his enterprising spirit.
Between the years 1973 and 1979 three children, Andrea, Teresa and Jonathan, especially chosen by God, were added to the family. They were Henry’s pride and joy. He loved them with his very being.
In 1986, the family relocated to Abbotsford where Henry became associate pastor at Bakerview Church. Among other things, his responsibilities included Alpha Leadership, care groups formations and nourishment, community sports, initiating Day Camps, and a payer ministry. The seniors’ music ministry became a passion of his heart and lots of singing and bus tours ensued. Throughout his life he prayed that his life would honor God. He truly was a servant leader whose life honored God.
Henry was predeceased by his parents and all but one of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Leona, his 3 children Andrea (Merrick), Teresa and Jonathan (Jenna), and his 2 grandsons “the apples of his eyes” Aidan and Alexander.
We give our very deepest heartfelt Thank you to the medical and care teams at The Mayfair for their loving and gentle care for “Papa Henry” as he was affectionately known there.