Obituary of Henry Sr. WEISSENBERGER

Loving father of Henry (Barbara), Helga (Cameron) and John (Angela); grandfather of Redmond, Daniel and Janet, Elise and Julia; great grandfather of Finn and Piper. Henry was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Helene (nee Gruen), father Heinrich, mother Katherina, and brother Johann (1920). He was born in a German village in southwest Hungary where he completed his primary education. After completing high school equivalency in Budapest and becoming proficient in the Magyar language, he graduated from the Protestant Comenius Teaching College in Sarospatak, Hungary in 1941. He attended the University of Szeged in 1941-42, becoming part of the German intelligentsia of Hungary. His studies interrupted by war, he saw combat in Russia and was twice decorated for bravery in the face of the enemy. He was severely wounded after the battle of Berlin, becoming temporarily blind and deaf. A "Displaced Person" in Bavaria, he was elected to a local municipal council, representing the Refugee Party. This is where he met and married his beloved Helene, a German refugee from Czechoslovakia. The couple, "with two children and two suitcases" immigrated to Canada in 1952. Settling in Montreal, Henry took on a number of jobs: in a hat factory, as a stock boy, TV repairman and metalworker. In 1959 he began his 23 years service with the South Shore Protestant School Board, teaching in St. Hubert, MacKayville (LaFleche), Chambly and Beloeil. He taught primarily geography and history, but also music and German; co-authoring a geography text – Local Studies and Field Work. During these years he completed his Geography B.A. at Sir George Williams University, the courses for an M.A., was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and worked weekends in construction. Over these years he also built two family homes, three houses for friends - for whom he gave months of his time – and completed numerous major renovations. He and Helene were blessed to enjoy retirement in Katrine, Ontario, and North Port, Florida. Henry will be remembered for his love of family and friends, dedication to teaching, his prodigious memory and intellect. He loved good food and drink, and to share his many stories. With him is lost a long line of oral history that he partly recorded in his book, Varsad, about his native village. A funeral Service will be held at Foothills Lutheran Church, 3104– 34th Ave. NW, Calgary, on Thursday, June 16th at 1 PM. Reception to be followed by graveside service and interment at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, 24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary. In lieu of flowers, donations may please be made to Foothills Lutheran. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Prince of Peace Manor and the Brentwood Care Centre for all their efforts on our father’s behalf over the last few years. You made all the difference. Ruhe in Frieden Papa.