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HARRY GIESBRECHT Obituary pic HARRY GIESBRECHT Obituary pic

HARRY GIESBRECHT

Born: Oct 01, 1928

Date of Passing: Nov 04, 2014

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HARRY GIESBRECHT Death is an unwanted guest. It comes in the middle of the night, in the middle of the day or in the early morning hours. It comes into your house and you are never the same. When someone close in your life dies, a part of you breaks, cracks and fragments in the loss. Every ounce of your energy, of your being, is used up to fill the holes and to fight the silence. One last grasp of his hand, one last word, one last kiss on his forehead, one last... But it is the words, touches, and sentiments in the final hours, minutes and seconds that tell the world that he was loved, is loved, and will be loved - that his life was long, rich, and respected - that his heart was a good heart, and his hands were good hands. On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at approximately 9:30 a.m. the Giesbrecht, Wilms, AbouZeid, King, and Doerksen family lost their Patriarch. Harry John Giesbrecht died at the age of 86. Harry has left a great legacy - Mary, his wife of 62 years. His brother-in-law, Walter. His kids - Edith and Ossama, Harry and Valerie, Louise and Gary. His grandchildren - Anna and Hassan; Jeremy, Robin and Michael; Shayna, Sarah and Lara - and his great-grandchildren, Henry and Hayley. Harry's loving family stretches around the world with his devoted nieces and nephews and his large faith community. Harry was born in Lictenau, Ukraine on October 1, 1928. At the age of four he and his family moved to Nikopol where he spent his younger years along the banks of the Dnieper River. His favourite memories are as a kid with the gang,' running through the grain fields to the river, feeling the grain between his fingers, swimming across the river to the sand dunes of Neider-Chortiza - stealing fresh produce from the farmers, getting shot at with salt pellets by the very same farmers, eating the wild mulberries, and chasing and riding the wild horses - pretending to be one. "Oh, my guy, it feels like it was yesterday." After fighting in the war, Harry and his family immigrated to Canada - the date of May 1, 1948 will always be remembered in our family. In Pigeon Lake he met his wife of 62 years. They were wed on September 20, 1952. "Find love, my guy, and never let it go." By 1967, Harry had three kids, a wife and a construction company. The family business, Central Canadian Structures, grew to become quite successful. He flew planes, collected cars, spoke five languages and travelled the world. Harry's business and love of traveling took him back home' where he became the first North American businessman to do business in the former Soviet Union. It can be argued that grandparents love their grandkids more than they love their kids. And that was for sure the case with Harry. They are the joy of his life. "Family, my guy, is the most important thing, never let it go." Because of Harry's attractive personality he will be forever remembered by many friends and family. Gute Nacht Opa, schlafe gut. A service in Harry's honour will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 1420 Portage Ave. A private interment will have taken place. Good night! good night! as we so oft have said Beneath this roof at midnight in the days That are no more, and shall no more return. Thou hast but taken thy lamp and gone to bed; I stay a little longer, as one stays To cover up the embers that still burn. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2014

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Manja and families. Just heard of Harry's passing. A true legacy and wonderful memories. My thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Brenda MacLennan (Former 14 year employee at CCS ) on: Nov 30, 2014

  • We are saddened by the news of Harry's passing. We enjoyed our visits, both here in BC as well as in your city. A highlight for Inge was being able to participate in a tour of Russia and the Ukraine in 2010, led so capably by Harry. Ernie has enjoyed the visits with you in Winnipeg. You were always great hosts. Our condolences to you, Manja, and to the family. May God's comfort and presence be a reality in the weeks and months of grief. Inge and Ernie - Posted by: Inge and Ernie Schmidt (cousins) on: Nov 11, 2014

  • My heartfelt condolences on your loss; he will live forever in our memory. - Posted by: Glen Harder (Neighbor) on: Nov 10, 2014

  • Dear Family sad to hear the news sincere condolences to Mary and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time for I have many memories of Harry Mary and family that I cherish. Caroline - Posted by: tim and caroline waldner raymond S .dakota (family friend) on: Nov 10, 2014

  • Dear family Giesbrecht Harry was a good friend and travel companion. We will never forget his many trips with our gang to Europe to the woodworking machinery shows. He was energetic and was always trying to be our leader. Most often he succeeded! His visits to our factory to check out the progress on our latest building additions always began with "was machst?" We will miss him. From his many friends at Kitchen Craft - Posted by: Herb Buller (Friend) on: Nov 08, 2014

  • We are saddened to hear the news of Harry's passing. Marilyn and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Mary and Edith, Louise, Harold and their families. Wish we could be there with you to honour Harry. Gordon and Marilyn Mutter - Posted by: Gordon Mutter (Business Associate) on: Nov 07, 2014

  • Dear family, we are so sorry to hear that our beloved friend left this Earth. We weep with you, we would like to offer you our deepest condolences for Harry's death. He was a wonderful person whom we adored and loved. This is invaluable loss... Anya Alipova, Zaporozhye Mennonite Church, Ukraine - Posted by: Anya Alipova (friend from Ukraine) on: Nov 07, 2014

  • My sincere condolences to Mary, Edith, Louise and Harry and all your extended families. My years at CCS were very happy ones and Harry was such a kindly caring person. My heart goes out to you all in his loss. - Posted by: Jean Donaldson (Friend and 13 year member of the CCS family) on: Nov 07, 2014

  • We were sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed greatly by the family. Prayers go out to you. - Posted by: John and Donna Driedger (Former neighbors on Shier) on: Nov 06, 2014

  • Taylor will forever remember visitng his Poppa @ Central Canadian and shaking hands with Harry when he was there. Highlight of his visit was getting to talk with "Mr. Giesbrecht." You will be missed Harry. My dad, Peter called me last night to say he lost his best friend. You have touched many hearts. - Posted by: Taylor, Cheryl and Tim Shunkaruk (Peter Kotowsky grandson, daughter and son-in-law) on: Nov 06, 2014

  • To Tante Manja and children A true friend to our family for over 70 years. What fun and laughter in our house when the "stamje frinschaft " came over...the special group. May God grant you His peace as you mourn your loss and celebrate a life well lived. Roma Klassen Niessen KELOWNA BC - Posted by: Roma Klassen Niessen (friend) on: Nov 06, 2014

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