1928
2015
Obituary for Staff Sergeant Henry Eckert
Veteran Staff Sergeant Henry Eckert passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord at Southwood Hospice in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 86. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He was affectionately loved by his wife Geraldine Eckert of 58 years and deeply admired by his four daughters Jari-Lynn (Michael), Lee Ann, Bonnie (Jack), and Kimberly Joy (David). He will be lovingly remembered by his seven granddaughters and one grandson, one great-granddaughter and three great-grandsons. Henry has been reunited in Heaven with his grandson who predeceased him in 2007.
Henry was born in Verdant Valley, Alberta to German immigrant farming parents. The family relocated to the Duchess, Alberta district and after high school, Henry joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). In 1957, he was posted to Dauphin, Manitoba, where he met and married former nurse, Geraldine Lee of Minnedosa, Manitoba. A highlight of Henry's career was when he was selected as a member of an eight man unit to represent the RCMP at the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels, Belgium. Henry resided in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his family at the end of his 28 years of honourable service. After his retirement from the RCMP, Henry was appointed the Coordinator of Emergency Measures of Manitoba organization and served his community for seven years in this role. In 1991, Henry and Geraldine moved to Calgary, Alberta to be with their daughters who had moved out west.
Henry believed in the value of education and in 1971 he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours from the University of Winnipeg, and in 1975 a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba. Henry's love of learning continued throughout his life and he was well read with a particular passion for theology. His collection of books is a testament to his strong faith and his desire to know and serve God fully.
Henry used his gifts of teaching and speaking in different ways throughout his life. In Henry's early days, he was a resource person and speaker for the Christian Business Men of Canada. He also taught adult Sunday school classes, led pre-marriage counseling classes, and served as a deacon and lay pastor in the field of discipleship ministry in his church. He was also a professor at the Nazarene College in Winnipeg were he taught evening classes in the sociology department. After retirement, Henry and his wife cared for their grandson who was profoundly disabled. Through this experience, Henry's passions turned to advocacy for those without a voice thereby bringing the profound needs of children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities to the attention of government officials and agencies. In particular, he became immersed in volunteer work as a board member for the Calgary Regional Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Until his health failed, he also served as a director for his local MLA and volunteered at Fort Calgary as a Veteran RCMP.
Those who knew Henry encountered a man who exemplified cheerfulness, kindness, integrity, unselfishness, and generosity. He was interested in everyone he met and quick to help anyone in need. He was a perpetual optimist, even as he battled cancer in his final years. If you asked him why he lived the way he did, he would have told you that it was because of Jesus. Henry's greatest legacy to his family and to all who knew him was his deep and unwavering faith in God and the saving grace of Jesus.
A Memorial Service will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Fosters Garden Chapel.
Henry's heart for those who needlessly suffer because of physical disabilities was portrayed by his support of two charity organizations that were near and dear to his heart. The family requests that if friend's desire, memorial tributes may be made to Operation Smile or Effect: Hope (Leprosy Mission of Canada).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
83 Entries
January 6, 2016
Niel & Salley Patterson
Niel and Salley (Henry's sister) Grieve with you all at his passing but we also rejoice that his suffering is over. We talked frequently, practically every week, as a brother in the Lord and to say that we cherished those moments need not be emphasized because of the bond we established. Spiritual mentoring won't be forgotten, nor will we fail to keep contact with Geraldine. Blessings in Jesus..
December 22, 2015
Dear Geraldine, Bonnie and family.;
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Henry was a amazing man .A wonderful granddad to Nathan.
Over the years, I enjoyed getting a variety of email from Henry\
Geraldine.
I appreciate that I was able to watch the beautiful service from the
Pod Cast for Henry..
Frances (WINNIPEG)
December 22, 2015
Dear Geraldine, Bonnie and family.;
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Henry was a amazing man .A wonderful granddad to Nathan.
Over the years, I enjoyed getting a variety of email from Henry\
Geraldine.
I appreciate that I was able to watch the beautiful service from the Pod Cast for Henry..
Frances (WINNIPEG)
December 21, 2015
Kelly Wilson
I met Mr. and Mrs. Eckert through one of their amazing daughters, Kimberly. From the time we first met, when I was a university student, through the years, I was embraced with such love and warmth from both Henry and Geraldine. Though I am truly saddened to hear of Henry's passing for he had a presence that will be greatly missed all who knew him, I rejoice, because I know that he is with Jesus! Henry was an example of Christ's tender tenacity, witnessing and encouraging, while being the rock on which his girls and grandchildren were raised. My love to Geraldine, Kimberly, and your whole family.
December 18, 2015
Reg & Lori Teneycke
As I watched the webcast of your Father's memorial Jari-Lynn I saw the amazing legacy your Dad left. What a beautiful tribute to your father...to see his colleagues in their red blazers, to hear the words honoring a remarkable man: husband, father, sibling, grandpa, great grandpa, friend & man of conviction!
Take care and Blessings
December 16, 2015
Walter & Carla Hildenbrandt
Please know that you, your mom, and the rest of your family have been in our prayers and thoughts.
We are so sorry to hear that your dad died; and yet, we are celebrating his union with Christ. He was a Godly man.
Our prayer for you tonight is one of rest. It will be a full day tomorrow. May God grant you peace, strength, and courage as you move through this next phase of your journey.
Much love,
Walter and Carla
December 13, 2015
Sorry to hear of Henry's passing, we trained at the same time in the RCMP
Walter Tyrrell
December 12, 2015
Katie Gerke
Dearest Geraldine, JariLynn and Michael,
I have such fond memories of you all. When we all went out for dinner or at your place I enjoyed listening to your father tell stories. He had an exquisite sense of humor that mingled through his words like delicate wisps of smoke and if one looked carefully through the tendrils they would see a glint in his eye as brilliant as a diamond that confirmed they were in the presence of a great man.
December 12, 2015
Jari-Lynn; So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Colin and Linda Robinson
December 12, 2015
Henry was so very special to us may God bless you and your family
Carol & Paul Pachet
December 12, 2015
Geraldine , Jari-Lynn & Michael and family,
FAITH perseveres when the path is hard; HOPE gives strength for the journey; LOVE lights the way.
The pain and sorrow you are feeling is shared by all who love you-We know your loss has left an emptiness but as time passes, we pray that the pain will slip away, and the void will be filled with memories of love, and the knowledge that God can be trusted with our lives. (Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand. Psalm 31:14-15)
Ron and Marlyss Valiant
December 11, 2015
Anita & Bruce McKee
We were so saddened when you phoned us, Geraldine, to tell us of Henry's passing, though we do rejoice that He is now in the presence of the Lord who he loved and served so faithfully for so many years. We were 1 of several couples in a pre-marriage class led by Henry and Geraldine about 26 years ago. We look back fondly to those classes, and we have kept in touch ever since. Geraldine, we love you, and we will be keeping you and your family in our prayers. May the Lord be your source of strength and comfort.
December 11, 2015
We look back to the 50's when a young RCMP fellow named Henry wanted to date 'a nurse' in training at the Dauphin General Hospital..I was the telephone operator there...I fixed him up with a nurse named "Geraldine." The rest is history...
God be with you Geraldine and your lovely family...Great memories..that will stay with us forever..
June ("Cupid") & Bill Brychka
December 11, 2015
Phillip & Megan Lee
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
December 11, 2015
Catheryn (Atkinson) Pedersen
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 11, 2015
Phillip & Megan Lee
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
December 11, 2015
Carol Lee
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 11, 2015
Frances Held
To the Eckert family;
Thank you for letting me know about Henry/s passing. I will go online and see if I can replay his service later. Henry was an amazing person and so wonderful with Nathan. Henry often mailed me interesting clips and information.
Frances Held
(Nathan's grade 1 teaching assistant at Lord Roberts School)
December 10, 2015
We were very lucky to be neighbours and friends of Henry. It was always a pleasure chatting with him or meeting him on the path by the river. He will be missed.
Cherish your memories,
David, Kim & Madison
December 10, 2015
Kelly Morrison
Thank you so much for sending me the link. I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I always enjoyed his contribution to the board of directors.
Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time.
December 10, 2015
Tony & Dora Cooper
Sorry to hear about your dad Jari-Lynn. May Henry rest in peace. Give our condolences to your mom and family. Thinking back to Virden, MB days, brings back fond memories.
December 10, 2015
Yueng Cheng
I am so sad to learn from your e-mail that our beloved friend for more than 40 years have gone to be with our Lord and Saviour.
I know it is a relief for your Grandfather to be there with no more pain and suffering, but it must be terrible for your Grandma.
Take care and God bless you and yours richly.
December 10, 2015
Linda and Frank Klaassen
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Uncle Henry and Aunt Geraldine visiting us in Sherwood Park in the early 70's after we had decided to join the staff of a large charitable organization. I showed Uncle Henry the material that I would be using to teach women's groups and he immediately took a lengthy time to help me organize my thoughts around the subject matter, emphasizing the importance of building scripture memorization into it. He loved to teach and mentor and I see him as an important influence in my life. And Aunt Geraldine was right beside him, loving us to the moon and back.
If I consider how very much they have both meant to me, I do believe that they have been almost second parent figures in my life. I feel privileged to have had them in my life and want to send my biggest hugs to Aunt Geraldine in her grief and also lots of love to you sisters. May you feel your dad's love for all the rest of your life even though he is not physically present - I have that to hold close to me with my mom, as well. It's like she is completely close in my inner lifea wonderful thing that one doesn't know about until it happens.
December 10, 2015
Gary Blake
I am sorry to hear about Henry. Please accept my condolences.
I know we all end up in the funeral home sooner or later but Henry's passing is significant as he seemed to be the cornerstone of the whole Eckert clan. My first recollection of Henry Eckert goes back to when I think I was around 12 or 13 and the Eckert family were members of our church, Kirkfield Park Baptist. From what I remember, Henry was a cornerstone of the church throughout my teen years. Kirkfield Baptist was a happening place back then with a growing congregation, morning and evening services and a growing young peoples group of up to 75 people. Henry was a deacon and I think possibly the head deacon. I remember him and his family being well liked and respected. Just some memories that come to mind.
May he rest in peace.
December 9, 2015
Judith Guenther
It was with great sadness I conveyed the passing of Henry Eckery to the Guenther family but know in my heart your dad is in heaven with Jesus. He was a good and faithful servant unto the Lord. Blessings on you all.
December 8, 2015
Henry, You changed my life. Have so many memories of you. You had faith in me and we became comrades. What a journey it was. I will miss your teachings and your great sense of humour. You taught me many lessons that I carry with me today. Geraldine and family, so truly sorry for your great loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
December 8, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, dear Geraldine.
Henry has always been a great teacher of the Bible to me and our family.
May our loving Lord comfort you.
love in Him,
YuenCheng
December 3, 2015
Sylvia Shaw
Dear Jari-Lynn & Michael, I'm sorry to learn that your dear dad has died. What a wonderful legacy he's left for you and your family. His was a life well lived in service to others and to our loving Lord. Please accept my sincere condolences.
December 2, 2015
Veronica Bell
My Dear Grandpa Eckert, have so many fond memories of you growing up. Will always hold them close. Loving u always.
December 2, 2015
Our prayers are with you as we too share in your loss for a very great individual....Clayton & Shirley Howe
December 1, 2015
Fally Sangster
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
December 1, 2015
Diana McKinnon
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 1, 2015
Caroline Bain
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Jari-Lynn. Peace be with you.
December 1, 2015
Brian Henry
My deepest sympathy Jari-Lynn and to your family.
December 1, 2015
Dale Adams
Such a bitter sweet - we will see him again. {{{hugs}}}
December 1, 2015
Sharon Zunic
Dear Geraldine rejoices that Henry is now with their dear grandson Nathan. Henry has gone to be with the Lord and the prayer group and I will continue to pray for Geraldine and the family during this time.
December 1, 2015
Rod & Betty Giebelhaus
We are soo sorry that Uncle Henry is gone but soo happy his suffering is too. He's with Jesus. Praying for your family - hugs
December 1, 2015
Carolyn Trimble
Much love to you! Praying for comfort and peace for all of you!
December 1, 2015
Bill & Lynn Judd
So sorry to hear about your dad -it was a long journey for him and your family - he is at peace now. Prayers for your peace and comfort in the days ahead.
December 1, 2015
Susan Warner
My thoughts are with you and your family.
December 1, 2015
Pat Moran
We are so sorry to hear your sad news. Our thoughts are with you. God Bless him and all your family. RIP
December 1, 2015
Sharon Barrett
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying for all of you.
December 1, 2015
Teresa Danner Lee
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him but are thankful he is no longer in pain & is in a much better place. Love you & will keep you in my prayers!
December 1, 2015
Jennifer Lee Little
I am so so sorry for your loss. I am lifting you and your entire family up in prayer. I love all of you.
December 1, 2015
Brenda Pudwell
I am so sorry for your loss; you are in my prayers.
December 1, 2015
Debby Dorcas
Hugs to you Jari-Lynn. I hope your memories bring you comfort.
December 1, 2015
Ray & Donita Cassell
We are so sorry for your loss, Jari-Lynn. We will pray for you and your family.
December 1, 2015
Thelma Green
My sincere condolences to you & your family Jari-Lynn.
December 1, 2015
Joan & Mark Rowe
Sorry to hear your news, Jari-Lynn. You father sounds like he lived an influential life.
December 1, 2015
Cindy Leavitt
I am so sorry for your very sad loss. My thoughts are with you.
December 1, 2015
Reverend Kevin Lee
Sorry for your loss but Heaven's gain. Peace be with you!
December 1, 2015
Jim Henry
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and send our condolences to you and your family.
December 1, 2015
Frank & Linda Klaassen
Thinking of you in this time of loss. May you feel our hugs even though distance separates us.
December 1, 2015
Dallas & Terry Williams
OurPrayers are with the Family for the Peace of God that passes all understanding.
December 1, 2015
Janet Ridsdale
Janet Ridsdale - Sorry for your loss ((hugs))
December 1, 2015
Judie Coleman
So sorry to hear about your loss. I hope your plans for an early Christmas with him went well and that you can treasure that memory along with a life time of others.
December 1, 2015
Sheila Williams
I am so sorry to hear about your dad! My condolences to you and all the family! May God be with you during these difficult days to come!
December 1, 2015
Leanne Secreti
I am so sorry for your loss. The world has lost a great man, but heaven has gained an amazing new angel.
December 1, 2015
Clayton & Shirley Howe
Clayton Howe - Your father was my best friend, I also will miss him greatly.
December 1, 2015
Linda Kayser Flanagan
Condolences to you and your family.
December 1, 2015
David Rempel
Your father had a very big influence on me. He has graduated, and deserves his degree.
December 1, 2015
Carolyn Trimble
Thinking of you and all your family. Uncle Henry was very special to me. He was so kind and gentle to us as kids and he was always interested in what we had to say. Sending much love and comfort and peace for all. Please pass my love along to Aunty Gerry and give her a big hug from me.
December 1, 2015
Cathy & Bob Enarsen
Our sincerest condolences. Even though we know Henry is with Jesus, it is a hard time. May you have comfort around you as you walk through these next few days and weeks. Hugs and love to you.
December 1, 2015
Betty Giebelhaus
We are very thankful that your dad is not suffering any more but we know that it is very hard for your Mom and the rest of the family. We look forward to seeing you at the memorial.
December 1, 2015
Jill Burk
We are very blessed to have worked with Henry over the last several years, and will be thinking about you all through the holiday season.
December 1, 2015
Rita Vathje
Dear God, what an honour to know Henry, grant comfort to Geraldine and the family and may we all remember the lessons he taught about telling others about You. In Your name, Amen.
December 1, 2015
June Mann
My sincerest condolences.
December 1, 2015
Claudia Fischer Wedge
I am praying for sweet Geraldine and family.
December 1, 2015
Tara Payne
I am praying for the family at this time of loss and sorrow.
December 1, 2015
Shirley Hildebrand
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 1, 2015
Tara Payne
I want you to know that I am praying for the family.
December 1, 2015
Janette Mercer
Henry will be missed by everyone but I am so happy he is with Jesus and his grandson Nathan. I am praying for Geraldine and the rest of their family as they start their walk without Henry.
December 1, 2015
Nigel & Collette Lacey
It is a release to know your loved one is safe with Jesus but the loneliness and missing that loved one is still a tough part of this earthly life. How precious it is to know that Geraldine will see her dear Henry again. I an praying that God will bring a huge amount of comfort to her and her family.
December 1, 2015
Fawne Teele Arsenault
Oooooh, Jesus. What a joy to think of Henry in your presence. And beautiful Geraldine....let her *know* Your comfort.
December 1, 2015
Shawna Hails-Dallaire
I am praying so much for all of you!
December 1, 2015
Janet Mclaren
I am praying for Geraldine and all!
December 1, 2015
Gail Hildenbrandt
I am keeping the whole family in my prayers.
December 1, 2015
Sue Parker
I am praying for the Lord to be comfort to Geraldine and her family. Henry is with his Heavenly Father now pain free.
December 1, 2015
Melanie Lloyd
Henry is home, rejoicing with his Lord. I pray the Comforter will hold dear Geraldine close.
December 1, 2015
Lisa Forseth
I am praying for God's peace and love to surround her and family.
December 1, 2015
Paige Beselt
Oh, Father, Comforter, I pray that You be with Geraldine and their whole family...
December 1, 2015
Heidi Daumler
To you and all your family our sincerest condolences. Wishing you all peace and Love in the memories you will always cherish of the wonderful man your father, husband and grandfather was. Heidi and Family
December 1, 2015
Eric and Gay Libin
Louis told us
that your Dad had passed away after a long battle. Our deepest
condolences. He was certainly a strong man and was deeply committed to
his family.
Whenever we are in the company of any of you children we are always
impressed at what fine young adults they are and thoroughly enjoy
their company. You have every right to be a proud mother.
Be strong and take care of yourself,
Eric and Gay XO
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