Henry Peters, of Steinbach, formerly of Randolph, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Bethesda Place Personal Care Home, Steinbach, MB. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jessie Peters, one daughter and four sons: Clara Sawatzky (Ray), Eric (Joyce), Vic (Sylvia), Edwin (Valrea), Harold (Juanita Doerksen); 28 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Gertrude, one daughter-in-law, Rose Peters, and two granddaughters, Leanne Peters and Faye Peters. Henry was born May 19, 1918 in Nikolaipol, South Ukraine, and immigrated to Canada in 1924. His family settled in the Crystal City area in Manitoba before relocating to Chortitz (Randolph) in 1934, due to the hardships of the depression. Henry, his father and brother purchased a 250 acre dairy farm and worked as a partnership until 1947 when economic times improved and they were able to separate into two farming enterprises. When World War II broke out in 1939, Henry applied for Conscientious Objector status and served as a C.O. at a forestry project in Alberta until 1943 when he was sent home with a back injury. On June 6, 1943, he married Gertrude Krahn. Tragically, in April 1959, after just 16 years of marriage, Gertrude died of acute leukemia at the age of 38. They had been blessed with four children – Eric, Vic, Clara and Edwin. Henry married Jessie Peters, a school teacher from Grunthal, on July 10, 1960. One son, Harold, was born to them. Henry and Jessie celebrated their 55th anniversary last summer. Henry was baptized in 1940 joining the Elim Mennonite Church in Grunthal, before transferring his membership to Steinbach Mennonite Church in 1943. Henry was a faithful and generous supporter of SMC for 73 years. Henry’s dairy farm of 1947 grew and expanded until it was dispersed in 1977 when Henervic Farms put all their efforts and resources into the hog and grain enterprises. In 1988, Dad retired from active management of the farm, but his love for it never wavered. He continued to drive around the countryside checking the crops and keeping up with farm activities. He was an avid reader of farm periodicals, The Carillon and Free Press, and could speak knowledgeably about the agricultural industry and world events. Today the hog operation is owned by four of Henry’s grandsons – the 3rd generation in the family farm tradition. Henry and Jessie left their homestead in 1976, moving to a property on Hwy. 52, just 2 ½ miles south of the main farm. Henry took great joy in beautifying his yard with lovely trees and flowers. He had an amazing talent for making things grow, a gift that he willingly shared with his children and grandchildren should they ask for his advice. In 1999, Henry and Jessie moved to Steinbach. This was the first of three moves, each one timely for their stage and needs of life. Henry recognized the importance of planning for the future and was content and grateful in each location. Stone Creek Courts, Bridgepark Manor and Bethesda Place were all home to Henry and Jessie. The family is thankful for all the residents and staff who, through friendship and support, have built community and fostered independent living for Henry and Jessie as long as possible. Over the years Henry’s family has grown to 67 members – each one welcomed and dearly loved. He shared their joys and sorrows, and his strong faith in God has been an encouragement to all. Henry had a zest for life that is truly inspiring. All his life he worked joyfully, loved deeply, gave generously, and trusted in his Lord to lead and guide him. He will be dearly missed. Special thanks to Dr. Wilfried Kaethler and the staff at Bethesda Place for their care and expertise. The funeral service will take place on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, Steinbach, MB, with the interment at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Henry may be made to Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 767, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2L4.