HENRY WIENS

On October 5, 2023, we lost a beautiful soul who was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Henry’s life began on July 31, 1950 in Chaco, Paraguay. He was born to Justina and Jacob Wiens and a large family of 12 siblings. When Henry was six years old the family moved to Bolivia. Henry had many fond memories of the years he and his family spent there. He often told stories of his hunting pigeons and antelope as a young man and how he loved hunting from a young age. At the age of 16 Henry and the family immigrated to Cananda but a large portion of Henry’s heart always remained in Bolivia. Henry would tell of the difficult transition of having to learn the English language and moving to a country where the temperatures were less than ideal. He never became used to the idea of the minus 40 winters. Despite the challenges Henry thrived and worked hard at every challenge he ever took on in life. As a teen he began working in a sewing factory in Steinbach and immediately began learning the language. Henry and his dad began working at Canadian Tool and Die when Henry was still a teenager. Here is where Henry learned the trade of Machining. He studied hard and eventually acquired his GED and later attended Red River College where he received his Red Seal certification as a Machinist. Henry was a master in his trade and often left many people in awe of his abilities. He was an excellent Machinist and was amazingly talented at his trade. He always took an enormous amount of pride in his capabilities. His moto was “Work smart not hard”.

In 1972 Henry married his first wife and they had two children, Michael and Amanda. The marriage eventually dissolved but Henry remained a devoted father and even took on the task and challenges of raising his children as a single father. He loved his children dearly and always instilled his strong work ethic which was one of his strongest beliefs. “Work hard and save your money so you can enjoy life”. Henry was determined to ensure that his children had everything they needed and then some. He took his children on several trips but the most important of them all was a trip to Bolivia, where they too fell in love with the Latin culture and their dad’s homeland.

Henry always had a love for fishing and a huge love of golf. He often frequented Frenchman Lake fly in camp and took many friends and family up to experience the abundance of fishing and fun, both of which he enjoyed immensely.

Henry also had an extreme love of golf. Every weekend for many years Henry and his foursome of golf friends travelled all over Manitoba to different courses enjoying the jokes and competitiveness of the sport with his buddies.

In 1995 Henry met the love of his life Marilyn. He heard her sing a song and his heart was captured. Herny was very proud of her talent and often Henry would be heard saying “Marilyn sing something for us”. Henry also had the ability to sing and played a multitude of instruments to varying degrees, but his favorite was the acoustic guitar. Often, he would play and together they would sing all the good old country music tunes together.

In 1997 Henry travelled with a childhood friend driving from Winnipeg to Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  Along the way they experienced a multitude of dangers. Because of Henry’s fluency in the Spanish language as well as his bartering skills, they escaped gorilla warfare members in Guatemala and several other sketchy situations. By the grace of God, they arrived safely in Santa Cruz, Bolivia two and a half months after their departure. Henry was very proud of this endeavor. Marilyn joined him after his arrival and together they spent over a month visiting family and exploring the Andes mountains. They had a wonderful time and now he had Marilyn captivated by the country. Henry was proud that he had a fan and a partner to share the experience with. They had one of the best times of their lives there.

In 1999 Henry and Marilyn moved to Marchand, Manitoba where they built their first home together. They made a multitude of friends as well as great memories there.  Many of these friends remained more like family to this day.  

On September 3, 2005 Henry and Marilyn got married and celebrated by having a huge wedding surrounded by friends and family. An unforgettable day for them both.

In 2007 Henry and Marilyn sold their home in Marchand and moved to Bissett, Manitoba where they both worked in the gold mine, he as a machinist and Marilyn as a nurse. Henry again was able to display his multiple talents on the lathe and often amazed other tradesmen with his ability to fix anything. Together they worked here and eventually sold their home in Bissett and purchased Marilyn’s family farm. There they build their dream home and resided there for ten years. Some of Henry’s fondest memories were of the hunting excursions and celebrations they hosted with their dear friends. Henry and Marilyn loved hosting family and friends and Henry was always on the BBQ cooking something but there was never much of whatever meat he was cooking left for snacking because it was always delicious.

He loved barbequing and smoking meat. Always the best BBQ you could ask for. He was a master not only on the lathe but on the grill too!!!

In 2018 Henry was diagnosed with cancer. He fought a fierce fight for five years with Marilyn at his side advocating and caring for him throughout the entire journey. After multiple treatments and surgeries Henry’s fight came to an end. Henry remained at home being supported and cared for by Marilyn till his life ended.

Henry will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of good times with good drinks, good food, and good company.  He had a huge love for life and even though life didn’t always seem easy or even fair, Henry’s resilience in his faith, hope and aspiration to live never faltered. Heaven gained another angel.

An enormous amount of gratitude must be extended to the family and friends that messaged or came to visit bringing goodies for Henry to enjoy or just stopping in to show some love and compassion or extend a helping hand with things. It meant everything to Henry and Marilyn. You know who you are!! Love you all dearly!!

A considerable amount of praise and gratitude must also be extended to Henry’s extensive medical team. Dr. Ulanovych, Dr. Hurst, Dr. Jilkine, Dr. Grenier, Dr. Reimer, Dr. Leylek, Dr. Buchel, Dr. Rivard, Dr. Hurton and Dr. Thiessen as well as all the nurses and support staff that have cared for Henry through his cancer journey. May God bless them all!!

It’s never easy to say goodbye so I’ll say see you when I see you. Another place another time. We’ll laugh about the old day’s, catch up on the new. I’ll see you when I see you and I hope it’s someday soon!!

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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