Henry Jacob Peters
November 24th, 2016
Henry passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on November 24, 2016, in his 97th year. He is now reunited with Mandy, the love of his life.
He was born in Pordenau, Ukraine to Anna (Bartsch) and Jacob Peters, the third of six children. Five year old Henry, with his family, immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling first in Saskatchewan for four years. In 1929, they moved to Pitt Meadows, BC where Henry lived until the WW 2 years. Henry was a Conscientious Objector, contributing to public works in various locations. Meanwhile the Peters family moved to Greendale, BC in 1943. When Henry was picking hops the summer of 1944, he met a beautiful young woman, picking in the next row. It was love at first sight. Henry and Amanda Harder were married in June 1946.
Although Henry only had a Grade 9 education, he excelled in anything involving math and machinery and was happiest working with his hands. There was no mechanical problem, big or small, he couldn’t fix.
Henry had an extraordinary work ethic and in 1956 launched Peters Well Drilling while simultaneously dairy farming for the next 15 years. He continued to grow the company until he retired in 1986. Henry was pleased with the fact that Peters Well Drilling is thriving in the Fraser Valley to this day. A generous man of honor, integrity and humility, Henry was dubbed by many clients as ‘Honest Hank’. The example he left us was that he gave more than he took.
In retirement, Henry and Mandy enjoyed many vacations; Hawaii, Mexico, California and Alaskan cruises. In his 80’s, he even travelled to Chile and to Germany to visit relatives.
As music always gave him great joy, he joined the Abbotsford Male Chorus in his late 80’s. Henry will be well remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit and one liners. He loved NHL and never missed watching Hockey Night in Canada.
Faith and family was paramount for Henry. He and Mandy were blessed with 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and found the greatest joy in each new baby. If any one of his family needed him, he was always available to assist in any way.
The family is grateful to Dr. Page and the exceptional staff at Waverly Seniors Village who cared so tenderly and respectfully for our Dad.
Opportunity for viewing, followed by burial, will be held on Friday December 2, 12:45pm and Greendale Mennonite Cemetery, 44651 Watson Rd, Chilliwack. Memorial service to follow 2:00pm at Greendale MB Church, 6550 Sumas Prairie Rd, Chilliwack.
Henry and Amanda’s Family
Children: Richard (Dolly), Elizabeth (David) Todd, Marion (Alex) Peters-Marks, Robert (Leanna), Susan (Gilbert) Dueck, Linda Marie (Ian) Campbell.
Grandchildren: Karen Peters (Nasir), Alison Peters (Dan), Kevin (Teni) Peters, Blair Todd, Keenan (Stacey) Todd, Courtney (Dustin) Windross, Scott (Sandra) Yon, Shaela(Stephen) Opgenorth, Clayton Yon (Amanda Barber), Clinton (Valerie) Marks, Tania (Jim) Schulz, Jenny Peters, Mark (Rachel) Peters, Steven (Kari) Dueck, Graeme Dueck (Sarah McFaul), Mitchell (Bethany) Dueck, Stuart (Vanessa) Dueck, Ebin Campbell (Stephanie Pedneault), Mira Campbell (Ryan Clancy)
Greatgrandchildren: Jonah Allen-Peters, Eisa Quzi, Colin Peters, Parker and Blythe Windross, Nova Todd, Cody and Jacob Yon, McKenzie Henny, Chelsea and Nicholas Halligan, Maiya, Nicholas, Ryan and Madelyn Schulz, Zander and Quinn Peters, Ruthie, Olive and Solomon Dueck, Maggie and Ellie Dueck, Joey and Frankie Dueck.
Marie (Peters) Balzer (sister), Ingrid Peters, Anne and Bernard Wiens, Jack and Lorraine Harder, Nick and Lena Harder, Ben Harder, many nieces and nephews
Special friends: Kelsey Williams and family
Predeceased: Amanda(2011), wife of 65 years, Jenny Peters, granddaughter (2013), siblings Kay Peters, Helen Driedger, Anne Toews (September 2016) and Bernie Peters (October 2016), ten brothers and sisters-in-law
Messages:
We little knew that day God would call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for a part of us went with you the day God called you home. We’re left with loving memories of the time we had with you, and feel your love around us in everything we do. Our family chain is broken and our lives are not the same, But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again
CROSSING THE BAR Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar -By Lord Alfred Tennyson
Ken`s first memory of Henry was when he placed a well on his dad`s farm in the late fifties. Ken`s grandfather used a diving rod to determine the well placement and Henry placed the well at that site despite feeling that he would have found water anywhere he chose. Henry was loved and respected in the community and church. May you as family find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have . Praise the Lord Henry has been promoted to heaven! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, love Ken and Yvonne.