Obituary of Henry Janzen

Our dear dad Henry Janzen passed away peacefully on July 6, 2021, in his 94^th year.  Henry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lillian, in 2020. Henry was an honest, hardworking, generous man and in his words “the richest man on earth”, not with money but with love.   He will always be loved and missed deeply by his children Richard (Nancy), Kathryn (Mike), and David (Camille).  He was the most wonderful, loving and fun Opa to his dear grandchildren Steven (Sarah), Aaron (Jadedawn), Suzanne (Matt), Julianne (Paul), Daniel (Matt), Ryan (Shyrell) and Janessa (Nick).  He was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren.   He leaves behind his siblings Mary, Helen and Walter (predeceased by Herman, John, Anne and George).  Henry was born in Winkler, Manitoba and moved to Ontario with his family when he was 12 years old.  Henry was a farmer until 1966, then owner of Har-Win Ltd until 1980. 

Henry Janzen was born on August 28, 1927, in Winkler, Manitoba to Gerhard and Anna (Schmidt) Janzen.  According to his mother he was a very happy baby who loved to smile.  In 1940 when dad was 12 years old the Janzen family made the move to Ontario , arriving at the Jordan Harbour on May 24, 1940.  The family rented part of a large home on what is now the parking lot of “The Beacon” in what would be the first of several moves throughout Niagara where the family would own several farms. 

In dad’s early years, aside from working on the family’s tender fruit farms, he had many jobs:  Selling worms and renting boats in Jordan Harbour, picking tobacco in Tillsonburg, making locks at Yale and Town, he also worked at Canadian Canners and Bright’s Winery and helped run the family dairy farm in Niagara Falls. In addition he hauled fruit to Montreal, Ottawa and North Bay.  Hank and his brother George also bought used cars and drove them to Manitoba to sell (there was a shortage of cars out west after the war), they did this six times.  

On June 5, 1949 dad was baptized at the Vineland United Mennonite Church by Rev. J. Wichert.

In 1951 dad met the girl he would fall in love with, Lillian Willms, at a town hall dance in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  They were married on June 19, 1954. In the early 1950’s Hank and George bought the tender fruit farm on Niagara Street from their father and brothers. Dad and mom initially lived in a small house on the farm. In 1958 they built their new house on Niagara Street on a parcel of land severed from their farm.  It is here that they lovingly welcomed their three children Richard, Kathryn and David.  After selling the farm for development in 1966 dad and his brother Walter purchased Har-Win Ltd. 

In 1971 the family moved to Third Avenue Louth.  Dad and mom enjoyed happy years raising their family with many wonderful vacations and fun times!  Har-Win was sold in 1980, so dad returned to his roots and bought 55 acres of vineyard on Ninth Street.  He loved working on the farm in the fresh air by himself and was very pleased at how he turned the farm into tip-top condition with big yields.  He sold the farm in 1990 and embarked on his retirement years.  During these years the children were married and dad and mom lovingly welcomed Nancy, Mike and Camille into the family. 

In 1986 Dad and mom moved to Courtleigh Drive and in the following years their seven grandchildren were born.  Dad adored the grandchildren and was an amazing Opa.  With his sense of humour the grandkids have NO shortage of fun memories and stories!

When dad and mom both started having memory issues, dad was still able to be a caregiver and protector for mom for several years into their illnesses.  It was beautiful to see true love at its best during those years, when they both counted on each other and worked together to accomplish even small tasks.  In dad and moms final years at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland, dad was moms protector and wouldn’t leave her side. The staff referred to them as “The Notebook” couple.  Even when mom would go downstairs to the hair salon, dad had to go with her to make sure she was kept safe!

Lillian passed away on November 29, 2020.  Even though dad was in a very advanced stage of dementia he understood that she had passed away and sadly grieved her loss.  He dearly missed having her beside him at all times.  They are finally together again in heaven!

Special thanks to the staff at the Vineland United Mennonite Home who so tenderly took care of dad and mom for the last eight years. The kindness and love shown to our parents was exceptional and so very much appreciated. 

Pre-registration for visitation is required.  Please follow this link to sign up for the memorial visitation. Visitation will be held at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland from 6:30 – 8pm on Friday July 9.  Friends and family are welcome to a graveside service to be held at Vineland Cemetery on Saturday July 10 at 10am.  If you wish to be a part of the procession to the cemetery, please meet at the funeral home parking lot at 9:45am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.