Obituary of Henry Regehr

Henry passed away unexpectedly at his home in Waterloo on Monday, August 22, 2011 at the age of 71. Beloved husband of Esther. Dear father of Jeff (Andi) and Doug (Melissa). Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Hannah, Delaney, Gideon, Eric, Naomi, Tessa and Kyrie. Dear brother of Anne, Peter (Dorothy) and Tina Giesbrecht and brother-in-law of Evelyn (Ken) Bodell, Ernie (Darlene) Martens, Beth (Don) Reid, James (Diane) Martens, Lyle (Cindy) Martens, and Edward Martens. Henry was born in the tiny Mennonite village of Schoenbrunn in the Chaco region of Paraguay. He immigrated to Canada at the age of 14 with his family, who settled in Vancouver. Henry obtained a BA from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University), a BD from Mennonite Brethren Bible College (now Canadian Mennonite University), an MA from University of Alberta and a PhD in Sociology from University of Waterloo. Henry taught sociology at Wilfrid Laurier and University of Waterloo for over thirty years. In parallel with this vocation, Henry preached regularly in English or German at a number of local churches, served as interim pastor at several churches across southwestern Ontario, and as associate pastor for four years at Hillcrest Mennonite Church in New Hamburg. Henry was also a familiar face on the ball diamond, serving as Umpire-in-Chief for Waterloo Minor Boys Fastball Association for over 10 years. Henry continued to preach, teach and umpire right up until his unexpected death. Relatives and friends are invited to share memories of Henry during visitation at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd. (at Weber St. N.) Waterloo on Sunday, August 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the church on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the church. A private family interment at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church Cemetery will follow the reception. Condolences for the family and memorial donations to Mennonite Central Committee may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S.,Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.