Obituary of Henry Epp

Henry Epp, aged 90, passed away peacefully at Parkwood Mennonite Home in Waterloo on February 13, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Erna (née Bergen) for nearly 67 years. Henry was a devoted father to Sharon Monteiro (Tony) and Suzanne Riddell (Brian), and a cherished Opa to Brian J (Kim) and Jared Riddell (Chantelle); Katelynn (Cam), Zachary (Natalie), and Leah Monteiro (Jaden). His family was further blessed by his great-granddaughter, Rozlynn. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Henry Harder, and many nieces and nephews.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (née Penner) and Henry Epp and his brother Jake Epp.

 Born in Michaelsburg, Ukraine, Henry lived a simple, pleasant life until the age of 8, when World War II disrupted everything. His father was taken away to Siberia with the other men of the village, leaving his mother to care for their two young sons, Henry and Jacob. In 1943, Margaret, along with her three sisters, made the decision to bring her sons and her nephew Jake Penner to Canada. They made their way to Saskatchewan, where they were united with relatives and friends who helped them settle. The family soon moved to Kitchener after one of Margaret’s sisters married a man from Ontario. It was there that Henry met Erna, and on June 6, 1959, they were married at WK United Mennonite Church.

Henry’s passion for education led him to a career that began at Pruder School. He later pursued a degree in Geography at Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University), which allowed him to teach high school. He taught at Waterloo Collegiate and then became the Head of Geography first at Galt Collegiate, then at Eastwood and eventually retiring from Elmira Secondary School. Henry loved to travel with his family—taking many memorable trips out west, down east, and up north to Honey Harbour, one of his favourite fishing spots.

As his family grew with the arrival of grandchildren, Henry continued his passions with new and enthusiastic pals. Together, they were always looking for a new fishing hole, finding breakfast spots that served waffles, or just hanging out telling jokes. Henry's kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others were unmatched. He even learned Russian, became a legal German translator, and volunteered for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Habitat for Humanity, The Re-Store, Canadian Blood Services, and many other organizations.

A memorial service will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Wanda Roth Amstutz officiating.  A reception and time to visit with the family will follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. 

The family welcomes condolences and donations to Mennonite Central Committee or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements can be made through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445.