We Remember
DIRKSEN, Henry
—
1932 – 2023
Henry went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2023 at the age of 91. He is survived by four children: Dale (Rebecca), Dorrie (Perry) Nelson, Garth (Beth); and Gerry (Angie); daughter-in-law Linda Dirksengale; thirteen grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren. Sadly, he was predeceased by his wife Naomi in 1964, son Wes in 2015, great-granddaughter Mira in 2016, and wife Elaine in 2017. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
Henry was born in Mullingar, SK in 1932 to parents Jacob and Lena (née Funk). He was the eighth of nine children and the last surviving sibling. When he was still a young child, his family moved to the Fraser Valley, and he grew up there until his mid-teen years. After leaving home, he worked at several different jobs including a chicken hatchery, dairy farm, and swamping for a sawdust truck. He decided to go to Bible School in Saskatchewan in 1951. There, he met and married Naomi Dyck. Henry and Naomi had three children, Dale, Dorrie and Garth, and they ended up living in Caronport, SK. Naomi died suddenly in 1964. In the summer of 1965, Henry married Elaine Wolfe, and they established their new home in Kelowna, BC. They were blessed with two more children, Gerry and Wes.
Henry was a teacher, and he taught students from elementary to college. His main area of teaching was music, and he taught band and choir to many students. He retired from teaching at the age of 60. In addition to teaching, Henry served his church as a choir director, worship leader, and elder. He also mentored many younger leaders and was known as a voracious reader. At one point, he posted a new book review on his blog almost weekly.
In January 2018, after Henry’s wife Elaine passed away, he remained in Kelowna, residing at Missionwood until the end of his life. Henry will be missed. He is remembered with sadness because of the tremendous loss of his presence, but also with joy because he is present with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A Memorial Service will be held on MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST), at the chapel of SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME: 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
What a kind, gentle man. I always appreciated my after-service chats with Henry. When Elaine passed, we had some longer conversations about loss and about heaven. Though he was a down-to-earth guy, he knew where he was going!
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He and your Mom were next door neighbours for many years and you “kids” were very special to me. Dorit, do you remember being flower girl at our wedding? Both your Mom and Dad were always there for me … always ready to listen and talk about any struggles that came our way. Wonderful people. You’re in our prayers.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Henry. He was a golfer at Mission Creek Golf Course, were I am employed and we had many wonderful conversations, laughs and even tears shared throughout the years. Our paths have crossed most recently at the Alliance Church and I will miss him as I am sure you, his family, will as well. My prayers are with you.
We’re so grateful we could participate in Henry’s Celebration of Life as you honoured him today. Such a joy to see his legacy of faith as he journeyed through life with the Faithful One, his Lord and Saviour, Jesus. His legacy is continuing in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was a blessing and fond memory to have been under the fun and encouraging leadership of Henry in choir. He exercised great self-control and patience with some of the shenanigans that went on in the back row. Thank you, Dale, for your loving exhortation to guard our hearts from the trap of condemnation, and to follow Henry’s example to be growing continually in the likeness of Christ. We know Henry will be dearly missed but always remembered in your hearts with the sure hope of being reunited together again. Our prayers are with you.
So so sorry for your loss of a loving father and gentlemen. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous little smile whenever we crossed paths. I found out one day what that was all about when my father and I passed through Briarcrest on a road trip together. I knew he attended there but I didn’t know that your father was his roommate,,,for just a bit. I asked my father ok??? and his reply was as he rubbed his chin,,, I couldn’t hack it, it was kind of rough so my father bailed on your dad as roommate’s and just as you said Dale about your father he didn’t hold it against my father. From then on I was the one with the mischievous smile on my face when I crossed paths. I never let him know! He truly was a gentleman.
My Sincere condolence to the Dirksen family’s . I personally have known your father since I excepted Christ in 1986 at the age of 23 . Your Father Henry along Elaine gave me the foundation of the bible teachings as a blessing so many years ago. I nicked named them my God parents! When my late husband came along we asked Henry to do the toast to the bride. He was surprised but like a faithful servant he excepted. And he did great focusing on God! I have it on a recorded memory stick .from 1991 Henry is missed sorry I was unable to be there in person. With Deepest Sympathy Mrs. Catherine Rice
I always held great respect for Mr. Dirksen. Loved him as a music director and choir director. Would always enjoy babysitting for him and Mrs. Dirksen. I remember him as always upbeat, outgoing and friendly. Condolence to his loved ones and family.