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HARRY B. WALL  Obituary pic

HARRY B. WALL

Date of Passing: Apr 29, 2013

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HARRY B. WALL On April 29, 2013, surrounded by love, Harry Bernard Wall passed away after 70 years of life filled with wonder and adventure. He was a faithful servant of God and diligent student of life. Harry will be greatly missed by his much loved wife of 50 years, Elizabeth and their children and grandchildren: Christine and Brad Neufeld (Rachel and Robyn), and Carolyn and Ted Geddert (Samuel who predeceased his Opa in 2005, Aaron and fiancée Elizabeth, Bezawit and Messelech. Siblings Fred (Irene) Wall, Eleanor (John) Toews, Vic (Lilian) Wall, Edwin (Darlene) Wall, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will also cherish his memory. Harry was born in Winnipeg on May 24, 1942 second son of Helen and Corneilius Wall. The family lived in Sanford and then settled in La Salle, Manitoba. Harry loved growing up on the farm alongside his brothers and sister, and the many cousins that lived nearby. Harry married his MBCI high school sweetheart, Elizabeth DeFehr, September 6, 1962. They jumped straight into family life with the birth of their daughters in 1963 and 1966 and ultimately expanded to include sons-in-law and grand-children. Harry excelled at university, finishing his Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering before he was 23 and became a professional engineer. His passion for teaching was ignited by a teaching position at The Manitoba Institute of Technology (RRC) and came to life when he responded to a call to teach at MBCI. In his 40 years at MBCI, he taught siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, eventual coworkers and friends. His ability to inspire students to pursue the application of math and science, and to understand and improve the world around them was recognized by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba when he received the prestigious Champion of Engineering Education award for 2012. Throughout his life, Harry pursued all manner of adventures: from mountain climbing, fishing, sailing and canoeing to birding, stargazing and reading. He spent time running a sailing school at Victoria Beach and taking MBCI students on hiking trips. He especially loved fishing trips with the Wall brothers and driving with the grandchildren to Oak Hammock Marsh. For Harry, each outing or shared experience was both a learning and a teaching moment. His delight in sailing continued throughout his life as he moved from laser to catamaran to keel boat. Outings with the "Yknot" crew were a source of great joy and laughter. Harry and Liz left their home base in Winnipeg to travel with their daughters to Indiana for theological studies and later a volunteer teaching term in Zambia with MCC. Their greatest family adventure launched in 1970 when Harry and some former students built the first "draft" of the Wall Family Cottage at Victoria Beach. This was the hub of family bonding and community building for Harry and the summer migration point for his flock. Following Harry's first successful remission thanks to Stem Cell Transplant from his brother, he and Liz moved to be year round residents of the Victoria Beach community. The family is grateful for the excellent and tender care Harry received from Dr. Rubinger, Dr. Seftel, the staff of GD6 and clinic 4. Harry lived life amazed by the wonders of God's creation and humbled by the gift of God's grace. He will be greatly missed. Viewing and Visitation is 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Friends Funeral Services Chapel, 2146 Main Street. Memorial service Monday, May 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road. Donations in Harry's name can be made to the Samuel T Geddert Memorial Award at MBCI, or the GD6 Hope Project at Health Sciences Centre.
Publish Date: May 4, 2013

HARRY B. WALL Sadly, April 29, 2013 Harry B. Wall passed away after 70 years of a wonder and adventure filled life. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years Elizabeth and their children: Christine and Brad Neufeld with daughters Rachel and Robyn; Carolyn and Ted Geddert with children Samuel, who predeceased his Opa in 2005; Aaron and fiancée Elizabeth; Bezawit and Messelech. Harry's siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will also miss the wisdom and wonder he brought with him at all times and in all situations. There will be a viewing and visitation 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Friends Funeral Services Chapel, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. Memorial service Monday, May 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road. Longer obituary to follow on Saturday.
Publish Date: May 1, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • I was saddened to hear of Harry Wall's passing. He was a good friend and colleague, we worked together at Manitoba Institute of Technology(Red River College). Harry was a very bright, intelligent and caring individual. I just read about Harry's recent passing and I would like to wish Elizabeth and family and my good friend Fred Wall my deepest condolences. My prayers are with the family. - Posted by: WARIS SHERE (FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE) on: Sep 26, 2013

  • I am sorry to hear of Harry's passing, but really enjoyed reading about Harry's optimism and unfailing drive to share his life with others in the decade following his first serious experience with cancer. Harry considered me his nemesis when we both darkened MBCI's halls. Many years later I met Harry and Liz at a school reunion, and I was so pleased to see them both. Harry asked if I had children and I responded that I had three boys. "Good" was all he said, and grinned in a way that seemed satisfied, or even vindictive! Thank-you Harry for being such a wonderful man. - Posted by: Tim Werschler (Former student and school-mate with daughter Christine) on: May 22, 2013

  • Was truly honored to have had Mr. Wall as both teacher and Principal. He emulated the strength and example of a life devoted to the Lord. His Passion and (yes strictness) will be fondly remembered! Thank you Harry!! - Posted by: Dan Riedner (Former Student, MBCI) on: May 18, 2013

  • We are so sorry to hear this news. Such wonderful memories of times spent together....our love to you, Liz, and our sympathies to Christine and Carolynne. Harry was such a special person to so many. - Posted by: Leon and Lesley (Friends) on: May 09, 2013

  • I smile when I think of Harry. His love for life and learning was contagious and he was generous to share enthusiastically with all around him, regardless of stripe or color. Sorry we could not be with you all. We send our hugs and prayers across the miles. Love, Darryl & Shirley - Posted by: Darryl Peters (Colleague) on: May 07, 2013

  • I am deeply saddened by the death of Harry. He was a tremendous support for me while I taught at MBCI in the 1970s and 1980s. When Harry came into the room everybody's spirit was lifted. What a legacy! I found out about the funeral too late or I would have there. My prayers are with the family - Posted by: Lloyd Penner (colleague at MBCI) on: May 06, 2013

  • Dear Liz and Family - Harry was an amazing person/teacher who inspired me as a student of his and as a colleague. I am so sorry to miss the funeral as I am in BC. Harry was one of a kind who made a huge differance in my life. Elly and I are thinking and praying for you. - Posted by: Norbert Bargen (Colleague) on: May 06, 2013

  • Dear Liz and family. Jennifer and I were very sad to hear about Harry's death. He was a wonderful man with an abundance of energy. We followed Christine's email updates with interest and we admire the courage and strength he displayed through his struggles with cancer. He was a very fortunate man to have such a capable and supportive family with him on the journey. Harry will certainly be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Arthur Fast (friend ) on: May 06, 2013

  • On behalf of the Dackow family ( Victoria Beach ), our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Wall family! Harry was a marvelous man and a wonderful neighbor. His strength and courage are an inspiration to us all! We will miss him at our annual mast raising event! Blessed Be! - Posted by: Trevor Dackow () on: May 05, 2013

  • Dear Liz & Family! I am so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. Was not aware that he had serious health challenges again. I'm reminded of the good times we used to share when Sig was still on Staff at MBCI. May God give you peace & comfort as you mourn his loss. Posted by: Erna Mueller (Schroeder) - Posted by: Erna Mueller (Friend) on: May 04, 2013

  • Sorry to hear about Mr. Wall. I was one of the many students from the SSMILE PROGRAM to appreciate his teachings, he always made me laugh, my prayers are with your family - Posted by: Sarah Anderson (student from Walter Whyte School) on: May 04, 2013

  • I was one of the many students fortunate enough to be taught by Mr. Wall. He was an inspiring and passionate teacher in the classroom, and an amazing guide on Wilderness club trips. I thoroughly enjoyed the backpacking and hiking trips that he helped lead; his sense of humor and love of life shone through on these excursions. My prayers are with your family. - Posted by: Lindsay Livingston nee Krushel (former student at MBCI) on: May 04, 2013

  • Harry was a great support and encouragement to me and many other staff and students over his time at MBCI. We were given the opportunity to support his family as we walked alongside them through some difficult times. May God give you, Liz and family, strength as you depend on Him in the days to come. - Posted by: Mary Unruh (Friend & Colleague at MBCI ) on: May 04, 2013

  • To Elizabeth and family...I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Wall was an inspiring and amazing teacher and person who will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Lisa Watson nee Koop (former student) on: May 04, 2013

  • Harry was the best uncle a guy could ever ask for, he was smart, funny, a very strong christian, and so funny. I remember as a kid Harry would come out to the Wall farm and go for walks through the coulee and through the bushes with me and my sisters, he used to get so excited whenever he discovered anything on these walks, countless summers were spent visiting him at his Victoria Beach cottage, and taking us for rides on his Hobie Cat (kinda like a sail boat, maybe it was a cattamaran i don't know)I always greatly admired Harry, he climbed mountains literally (i believe he climbed Mount Everest years back, don't know how far up he made it but it speaks volumes about Harry) nothing could hold him back, even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he fought tooth and nail and never let it take his spirit or will to live. I will greatly miss Harry, he was always my favorite uncle, a kind, gentle man who was generous and caring. Men out there should take note, Harry was a man that most strive to be, but few ever become. Harry won the race that mattered and is now at peace at home with the lord and Sammy Geddert (his grandson, my cousin)hope thatone day Harry and I will meet again, because he was truly a man that was easy to love and respect. - Posted by: Cole Wall (nephew) on: May 03, 2013

  • I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Mr. Wall's passing. He was my favorite teacher and I consider it a privilege to have been taught by him. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Christina Kovacs (former student) on: May 02, 2013

  • Dear Liz and Harry - you have been an amazing team for 50 years, and especially in recent years - may God bless and keep you always...love, m+v - Posted by: vj (friend) on: May 02, 2013

  • So Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Wall. He was a wonderful teacher and I pray that God will give you The Amazing Grace and he has to help you through your time of sorrow - Posted by: sherryl nelson nee peters (student from mbci) on: May 02, 2013

  • Dear Liz and family Marilyn and I were saddened to hear of Harry's death. He was a tremendous example of someone who lived a full life under very difficult circumstances. His legacy is all those he taught and the lessons he imparted. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. Gordon and Marilyn - Posted by: gordon neufeld (cousin) on: May 01, 2013

  • Mr. Wall was a gifted, vivacious and committed teacher with a great sense of humour! Not only would I take subject notes in Physics class, but I was constantly scribbling down quotes that would later appear in our yearbook. Thank you, Mr. Wall, for sharing your love of learning, and your love of life. - Posted by: Breanne Reinfort (Former student, MBCI) on: May 01, 2013

  • I was fortunate to be a pupil of Mr Wall's at MBCI. He was a very caring educator and I appreciate the times that he took out of his hectic days to speak to me and impart his wisdom. - Posted by: Jeff Robson (Former student) on: May 01, 2013

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