March 30, 1925 - July 31, 2009
Henry Amendt went to be with the Lord on July 31, 2009 in the 亚洲天堂 Lake Hospital at the age of 84 years, 4 months and 1 day. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Susie on January 7, this same year.
He is survived by three sons: Conrad (and his wife Shirley) of Southbank, BC; Menno (and his wife Phylis) of Danskin, BC and George of Danskin, BC. Five daughters: Olinda (and her husband John) of Danskin, BC; Judy (and her husband James) of Salmon Arm, BC; Leona (and her husband Gerry) of Telkwa, BC; Norma (and her husband Millard) and Gladys (and her husband Ryan) of Decker Lake, BC. He is also survived by 37 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Seven bothers: Edward, Nicol, Theodore, Emil, Leopold, Alex and Benjamin. Four sisters: Clara, Mary, Olinda and Irene. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Ernst and Reinhold; and one sister, Edna; a daughter-in-law Charlene (wife of son George); and a great-grandson Jeffrey Maldaner.
Henry was born in Saratov, Russia on March 30, 1925 to Heinrich and Maria Amendt. At the age of 3 months, with his parents and 2 siblings, they made their journey to Canada in search of more freedom. Henry and his 14 siblings grew up on their farm in Hepburn, Saskatchewan. He took his 8 years of schooling at the Lake Burg School. He was confirmed as a member of the Lutheran church at the age of 16 years. He worked at home on the farm till he was 20 years old then began his logging career close to Carrot River, Saskatchewan. Approximately a year later he headed west in search of work and settled in British Columbia on the Southside of Francois Lake. He married Susie Knelsen on July 4, 1948. They began married life on their farm at Tatalrose. Due to Henry's back injury he was forced to down-size in farming. They then moved in the late 50's and raised their family of eight children at Danskin. The store business, sawmilling, trucking and farming occupied the family through the years. His back injury worsened over the years but he refused to let it keep him from being all that his family needed and expected of a faithful father. He kept up his work using first one cane, then two, and then a wheelchair to keep on the move. He also spent a lot of time writing, reading and working on family history.
He was instrumental in the start of the Conservative churches beginning in Danskin. He agreed that the Conservative church could hold Summer Bible School in Danskin. He later sold the little church building to them. He and his wife Susie joined the Danskin Mennonite Church on November 17, 1976 and supported it faithfully until death. He always carried the spiritual needs of his family on his heart. His concern for his children and grandchildren was often expressed in his prayers. Bible reading and prayer were the way to begin the day even when his body and mind were failing.
Grandpa will be remembered by all for his gentleness, humour and patient suffering. In his love for the Lord, for the church and for his family he leaves us an example to follow and memories to cherish.