WINTER, Henry Winter

He was born on  in Einlage, Chortiza Colony, Ukraine to Heinrich and Helene (Wiebe) Winter. In 1941, his dad was shot and killed. His mom, Henry and 3 siblings (Gretel, Gerhard and Mary) left Einlage in September, 1943 with the German army, to avoid being taken prisoner or killed by the Russian army. After staying in Germany for several years, the decision was made to move to Paraguay. The family travelled by ship on the “Charlton Monarch” from Bremerhaven on May 16, 1948, and settled in Waldhof, Chaco, Paraguay where they lived for 7 years. They experienced many difficult times but the Lord watched over them. Our family has benefited from hearing many exciting jungle and frontier stories from these years. One of the most important decisions of dad’s life was made in the Chaco. With the teaching of an evangelist, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour Feb 11, 1950, and then was baptized at age 15. With relatives (Cornelius and Erna Janzen) willing to sponsor them to Canada, they decided to leave Paraguay. They left on June 14, 1955 and arrived in Ontario, Canada on July 13, 1955 with much joy. The family settled in St Catharines except Margaret, who had already settled in B.C. with her husband Ulrich, and their baby boy. Dad and his brother, George, promptly started to work for their uncle’s business (Janzen Plumbing and Heating) and also began attending night school to learn English. It was through Scott Street MB Church and youth group gatherings that dad met the love of his life. He had prayed that the Lord would give him the right helpmate and He blessed him with Hedy Neufeld. They were married August 15, 1959. After 1 year, they welcomed their first girl, Rose-Marie on Christmas Day in 1960. Another girl, who they again named after a flower, Lily, followed 13 months later. Dad and Mom often said that if they had known that they would be blessed with 5 girls, they might have named them all after flowers. They ended up on Henry St., in Virgil where they shared a house with Mary Neufeld (Oma). That living arrangement was a gift from God for the whole family. Another girl, Judy, arrived in 1965, followed by Lisa in 1970. In 1972, mom and dad bought a small hobby farm on Line 1 where dad built a beautiful house and in-law suite for his family. Another girl, Heidi, was born in 1975 and that completed the family. Mom and dad loved the farm, even though they were busy years. Dad provided for his family by working at Janzen Plumbing and Heating, then as a framing contractor and then his main job working at G.M., which enabled him to have time for farm work. He really enjoyed his time at G.M. because of the many people he got to know and the opportunities it gave him to share Jesus. The next season of their life together began in 1983, when their girls began to get married and the long-awaited boys came into the family. Eventually, they welcomed 5 wonderful boys: Ken, Larry, Forrest, Dave and Jason along with all of their children and even grandchildren.

After all the kids were married, Mom and Dad moved into their well-loved home on Niagara Stone Rd in 1996. Dad retired soon after, giving them more time to spend with the grandkids. Special memories were made climbing the red maple out front and getting rides in the wheelbarrow, as well as good conversations and delicious meals. They enjoyed raising chickens, canning, baking and cooking together. Mom’s health began to decline from Lewy Body dementia and severe back and neck issues. Surgery was needed in Toronto and Dad would travel every day for several weeks to visit Mom. We girls would take turns accompanying dad and were able to get to know him so much better. Mom and Dad became very close through that experience as well. It was time to move to Pleasant Manor. Mom slept a lot, giving Dad time to read his bible for hours every day. They were able to continue loving each other and live together till Mom passed away in June 2016. Dad always honoured mom when he would speak of her, often reminding us of what a good mom we had (he was right!). He missed Mom very much, but continued reaching out to befriend others when he moved to a smaller apartment. Nick Goertz (his childhood friend), Armin Epp and Robert Hummel became close and a good support to each other. The family started noticing that dad was getting forgetful and also had dementia. Lily and Larry lovingly took on the lion’s share of care, even having him stay at their home at night for 14 months. A place was found for dad in long term care at Garden City Manor. It was in God’s timing and has been such a blessing. Dad’s faith was still strong and he shared Jesus and His love to everyone around him. When asked to pray, Dad would be clear as a bell and still so thankful to his heavenly father. On February 22, 2023, even though it was unexpected and difficult for us all, Lily passed into immortality and ran into Jesus’ arms before dad. Dad continued to decline but remained at peace and was thankful for all the help he was given. We are so grateful for the kindness, attentiveness and care given to dad by the staff at Garden City Manor.

Dad finished his race on September 10, 2025. His faith has finally been made sight! His prayer was always for all of us to choose Jesus and join Him in Glory. Predeceased by Hedy and Lily, as well as his brother, Gerhard, sister –in-law Anneliese and brother-in-law Ulrich. He is survived by his children Rose (Ken) Bartel, Judy (Forrest) Miller, Lisa (Dave) Schellenberg, Heidi (Jason) Willms and son-in-law Larry (Veronika) Falk. Opa to Brittany (Christopher) Koop, Kyle (Belinda) Bartel, Craig (Morgan) Falk, Kelsey (Emily) Bartel, Candice (Josh) Gifford, Calvin (Steph) Bartel, Spencer (Bre) Miller, Jessica Miller, Rachel Miller (fiancé Chris Chiarle), Darby Schellenberg, Braeden Miller, Dessa and Georgia Schellenberg, Ava, Nicole and Lincoln Willms. Great Opa to 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Gretel Matis and Mary (Ray) Kolochuk.