Henry Peters

Henry was born to Henry and Aganeta Peters in Colony Menno, Paraguay on December 8, 1945. He was number 6 of eventually 14 siblings in total. Henry spent his childhood years on the family farm and in the family’s blacksmith shop where his passion for integrity and quality workmanship was honed. 

In late 1967, Henry attended a New Years eve party in a neighboring village. This is where he met the love of his life, Marianne. When the discussions came up regarding the interactions between these two lovebirds on this first meeting, it was clear from the start that sparks were flying. Henry learned from Marianne that she was set to immigrate to Canada that next year. Marianne recalls his comments to her that he would meet her there. Little did she know that he already had all of his travel papers and chose to immigrate over a few months before she did. Henry and Marianne were married on November 15, 1969 and spent their first 10 years in Vancouver, BC. During that time, and before moving to Abbotsford BC, they had 3 children. 

In Canada, Henry chose a career in which he could channel the quality workmanship that he had learned and started in the construction trade. He spent many years building anything from simple garden sheds to large housing and warehouse projects. Henry took pride in providing the best quality workmanship that he could and took infinite pleasure working with wood. He did everything he could to not waste a single piece of wood, keeping any extra parts that had some sort of interesting or unique wood grain. Through the latter part of his career, Henry focused on finer woodworking and specialized in finishing and cabinet work. 

All through the years there were a number of activities that Henry held dear to his heart. His love of fishing spanned many decades and took him to countless lakes and rivers in search of the elusive fish that he pursued. Henry and Marianne went camping with their friends and family all over Southern BC and took pleasure in finding unique places, such as Osooyos, Tunkwa Lake, and Barnes Lake. (Barnes Lake was by far the favorite for them.)  Henry also had a growing love for the game of Golf. He spent many afternoons with his buddies and grandchildren playing the game he loved.

Henry was a great man to have looked after a BBQ. He was a true master of the BBQ and passed his knowledge and skills on to the many who took the time to watch and experience the mastery he put on display any chance he could. Henry took great pleasure in putting on a great spread for anyone that was lucky enough to be close. Over the years countless friends and relatives had the distinct pleasure of spending time over a great meal with Henry and Marianne. The two of them together made an amazing pair. A couple of little tidbits that his family learned from Henry. 

 A- it's always BBQ season

B- there is no such thing as too much meat, especially when good company is around

Everyone who met Henry and spent any time with him had the pleasure of experiencing his sense of humor and welcoming spirit. His calm demeanor and presence served him well in his life. His weekly chats with his little brother held a special place for him (especially the Vancouver Vs Winnipeg rivalry). Henry had a special relationship with all of his siblings and took great pleasure in talking with and visiting them any chance that he could. Henry was a very thoughtful man that took time choosing his words. He was a kind and compassionate man that had a real soft spot for his wife and family.

Over the last few retirement years, Henry had taken on a lot more of the household chores. Marianne recently joked that she was almost ready to teach him the final bit of kitchen magic that she has kept from him all these years and share with him her secret recipe for buns. 

June 1st started out as a pretty normal day for Henry and Marianne. They woke up together and Henry took care of the usual morning routine. They enjoyed a leisurely chat with their customary ‘matte’. As was usual, Henry made and cleaned up breakfast for his wife and proceeded to get ready for the first golf game of the year with his friend Bert. Henry took time to give Marianne a tender kiss goodbye before heading out the door. From all reports, it appeared that Henry was leading the round and had won the first hole. After teeing off on the second hole, Henry rested his head on Berts shoulder and never came back. He passed away under a tree on the second hole of Royalwoods Golf Course, beside the river where he fished for so many years.

 Our family would like to thank Bert as well as the fellow golfers and the emergency responders who were around Henry at the end. Thank you for all your efforts in trying to revive a lover, leader and fantastic human. 

In the end, we are all shocked by his sudden passing, yet also extremely grateful that we were the recipients of all the love and security that our father was able to provide.

 Henry leaves behind 6 siblings and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Paraguay. His wife Marianne,Wilma (Viktor) Zack & Katrina, Christine (Karl) Alex & Megan (Jonny) Evalyn & Elizabeth, Siegfried (Christy) Shelby & Mahlon.  

 In his last 25 years, the 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren were always a great pride and joy for him. A loving dad and grandpa to all. He was even a grandpa to a special Wiebe family dear to his heart.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local women's shelter as our Dad had great compassion and empathy for women impacted by abuse.

 To honor dad‘s wishes we are having a small celebration of life at a later date.

 Ephesians 4:2 is a verse that reminds us of our dad. 

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.