1923 – 2017

Henry Warkentin was born April 6, 1923 in Gortschakovo, Ufa Russia. When Henry was 3, his family left Russia, however his mother and sister died on the trip. His father remarried and after a year in Mexico, the family settled in Abbotsford, B.C. Henry was baptized in 1929 at South Abbotsford.

Henry accepted Jesus as his Saviour at age 11. After finished high school by correspondence, he became a conscientious objector, serving in forestry camps and the army medical corps. He was sent overseas in 1944, he had many opportunities to preach the gospel in several European countries. Upon his return, he married Helen Neufeld July 10, 1947. Their children were Ruth, Carl, Doris, Paul, and Kerri.

Henry completed a bachelor of Divinity degree in Ontario while working part-time. He came back to B.C. and did ministry work with the West Coast Children’s Misson and helped to raise his children. He taught Bible School in Yarrow, B.C. and later pastored more than 30 years in Leamington, Ontario, Watrous Sask.; Starnberg German and Chilliwack, B.C.

After Helen passed away, her married Nettie Thiessen on October 24, 1992. They continued serving God together until his death on July 22, 2017. He was predeceased by Helen and his daughter Ruth Schulz. He is survived by his wife Nettie; son-in-law Dave Schulz, son Carl (Ruth); daughter Doris (Oly) Eichstadt; son Paul(Elaine); Kerri (Allan) Toews; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Henry was a man of strong faith, a prayer warrior, peacemaker, and passionate preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.