Henry Stobbe died Nov. 10, 2011. He was born Mar. 31, 1933 in Mullingar, Sask. to John Stobbe and Maria Berg. Henry loved to watch his dad make shoes for the family. In 1941, the family moved to a farm in Greendale, B.C., where they attended the First Mennonite Church. In 1947, Henry’s father died in a tractor accident. After Grade 8, Henry left school to help his mother on the farm, and later worked up north to help pay the mortgage. He attended Bible school in Abbotsford, B.C., in 1957. He took voice lessons from Helga Olfert, who became his best friend. After Henry courted her with his mandolin music, they married June 2, 1958. Henry encouraged his family to make music whenever possible. He delighted in his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was an avid reader and an accomplished welder, carpenter, and dairyman. Henry became a member of Bakerview (MB) Church, Abbotsford, in 2006. After retiring from farming, Henry built houses and furniture, and developed subdivisions. His helpfulness, quiet strength, gentle humour, and warm hospitality were examples for all. After his cancer diagnosis, Henry continued to experience life to the full, thanking God for every moment. He was peaceful in Helga’s attentive care. Predeceased by 4 siblings; Henry is mourned by Helga; children Lora (Peter) Dijk, Owen; 2 granddaughters; 5 siblings.
