Obituary of Edwin Henry

Ebbie Henry passed away October 25 at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, Moose Jaw, with family at his side. He leaves to mourn his wife of 66 years, Sarah (Peters), son John (Beryl) of Regina, daughter Marilyn (Brian) Wirsche of Hodgeville, son Hugh (Linda) of Swift Current, son Gord (Sally) of Lloydminster, daughter Shelley (Brian Harvey) of Bournemouth U.K., son Dale (Roxanne) of Meadow Lake, twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and a large extended family. Ebbie was pre-deceased by his father, C. J. ‘Jack’ Henry (1929) and his mother, Sarah (1979). He was also predeceased by his siblings, Pemrose Whelan (Regina), Stella Horsman (Indian Head) and his twin brother, John (Parry Sound). Edwin Henry was born on his father’s homestead, 2 ½ miles east of Shamrock. His father was administrator for the R. M. of Shamrock at the time and when Shamrock village was established in 1924, the small R.M. office was moved to town and family living quarters added. Despite his father’s untimely death, and the hardships of the 1930s to follow, his mother supported and nurtured the children with the help of her family, the Marriotts. Following his graduation from Shamrock School, and upon reaching the age of eighteen, Ebbie signed-up for the Canadian Army. He spent time in the Postal Corps and later re-trained and served overseas with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. After the War, Ebbie settled in Shamrock and operated the post office. He became Secretary/Treasurer of the R.M. of Shamrock in 1951 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1998. He was also manager of the Credit Union for 25 years, when it was located in the R. M. office. Ebbie received the Lou Jacobs award from the Rural Municipal Administrators Association (2000) for "distinguished and dedicated service”. Ebbie and Sarah moved to Moose Jaw in 1998, where Grandchildren, bowling, A.O.T.S., church and other activities occupied his time. Ebbie was well known as a community supporter. His administrative skills were in demand and he served in various capacities with Shamrock United Church, Lions International, Royal Canadian Legion and other organizations. He was instrumental in establishing Shamrock Regional Park and devoting a good deal of time and labour to ensure that it was a success. His commitment to community was acknowledged when he was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial medal in 2005. Sports were always a big part of Ebbie’s life – playing, supporting his children’s efforts and following baseball and hockey on TV. He took entries for the Shamrock and Shamrock Park Sports Days for many years. He also designed and produced numerous, posters, flyers and programs related to sports and other events in the community. The funeral service for Edwin Henry was held on October 29 at Zion United Church, Moose Jaw, with Rev. Tim Ellis officiating. Interment followed at Shamrock Cemetery. Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels are in charge of arrangements. The family is thankful for, and wishes to acknowledge, the special care provided by the doctors and nursing staff at Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.