Obituary of Henry Christensen

Henry Marinus Christensen was born on December 29, 1927 in Ikast, Denmark. Henry was the second child of five children born to Axel and Marie Christensen. He grew up and went to school in Denmark and even as a child he loved to tease and play pranks. As a result he was in trouble quite often. However his love of laughter out shone any of these problems. At the age of fourteen Henry went to work for a farmer. This farmer had cows, pigs, horses, etc. Work was very hard and wages were low. However Henry enjoyed working there as he was treated very well. When the war broke out and the German Army marched into Denmark life became quite different and people were very fearful. It was at this time that Henry's father decided to take his family to Canada. So in 1948 they left Denmark, sailed on a big ship called the Gripshalm out of Sweden arriving in New York City, then on a train to Edmonton, Alberta; where Henry's dad had an uncle who sponsored them to come to Canada. Henry worked at odd jobs for a time until he decided to go to Calgary and get his plastering papers. This proved to be a challenge as Henry neither spoke nor wrote English and school had never been easy for him. However he persevered and graduated second in his class. In 1950 Henry met Thea Frantzen, for him it was love at first sight. Also she was Norwegian so she could understand him and she could cook. That was it for him. She was not quite as smitten right away and he had to work at it. Henry was nothing if not determined and eventually he won her over. Henry and Thea were married on June 20th, 1953, she was then and remained to be the love of his life. They quickly started their family. First came their only son Floyd followed shortly by their daughter Brenda. In 1957, Henry and Thea moved their young family to Dawson Creek where Henry embarked on his stucco business and they added three more daughters to their family; Connie, Pamela and Candace. These were hard years, Henry worked long hours, money was scarce but love was boundless. Henry's faith in the Lord helped him get through these difficult times. He was always positive, never complaining. Often when Thea would worry Henry would say the Lord will provide and He did. In 1967, Henry and Thea purchased and moved into the house that they lived in until his death. In 1970, Henry gave up his stucco business and went to work as a custodian for School District 59. In this position Henry as per usual teased both the staff and students and as a result many friendships were formed. Henry loved a forty hour work week and a steady pay check. He remained with the School District until his retirement in 1993. Henry loved retirement. Throughout his life Henry enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and camping. He loved watching hockey, both the NHL and his grandchildren in minor hockey. Henry loved all animals especially dogs. Henry always had a dog and at any given time they were dog sitting a few more. Above all else Henry loved the Lord. He loved nothing more in this world than his family. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren meant everything to him. They could always count on him. Henry passed away suddenly and quickly on October 15th, 2008 at his home. Henry was predeceased by his parents; Axel and Marie Christensen, his infant brother, his sister; Inga Hawyreluk, Grandson Michael Harper, Great Grandson Jet Germaine and his sister in law; Christine Frantzen. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 55 years, Thea, his children; Floyd (Louise) Christensen, Brenda Cryne (Rick), Connie Harper (Bob), Pamela Kesterke and Candace (Ken) Reitsma. His grandchildren; Sean Hingley, Denni (Anthony) Lister, Kayle (Tamara) Christensen, Coralee Cryne (Wayne), Natasha (J.P.) Legault, Wade Cryne, Jarvis Harper (Kristyn), Bradley Harper (Ashley), Evan Harper, Talaea Harper (Virgil), Raelene (Wes) Pearson, Katelyn Kesterke, Aleece Kesterke, Hilary Kesterke, Daxton Reitsma and Kiara Reitsma. His great grandchildren; Taylor, Kaidyn, Olivia, Jordanna, Zachary, Alexis, Tanayea, Hannah, and Karys. Son in laws; Barry Cryne, Doug Harper and Dennis Kesterke. His brothers; Berger (Verona) Christensen, Egon (Lynn) Christensen. Brother in law's; Peter Hawyreluk, Herman Frantzen, Kenneth (Velma) Ness, along with numerous nieces and nephews and all those that knew and loved him. Henry Christensen will be truly missed. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 2:00 pm at the Bethel Pentecostal Church, Pastor Gordon Warriner officiated; Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek, B.C.. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Henry to the Bethel Pentecostal Church Ministries. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.