Christesen – It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Henry J. Christesen announce his passing on December 6, 2023 at the age of 92. Henry passed away peacefully at home with the love of his life Inger of 68 years by his side. Henry was born on the family farm in Horns, Denmark on December 27, 1930 to parents Simon and Anna Christesen. He was one of 4 children, alongside his 2 brothers and sister. He received all his education in Ravsted, Denmark and worked on the family farm until his move to Canada. He met Inger in 1954 and they were married 2 years later in 1956.
When a family member persuaded the young couple to come to Canada they decided to take a chance and immigrated to Canada in April 1964 in hopes of more diversified work and opportunity. They boarded a ship and sailed for 10 days until they reached Montreal where they took a train to Alberta and settled for the time being in Brooks alongside family members. Henry found short term work at the Alberta Horticultural Research Center, Wilson Lumber and worked up North in a Lumber Camp. Brooks wasn’t their only home; they also found their way to Worsley and finally Calgary in 1966. In 1967 they welcomed their daughter Conny into the family. While residing in Calgary Henry worked in construction building homes until work ran out. Times were tough and they made the decision to move back to Denmark where Henry worked at Danfoss making compressors for fridge and freezers, as well as working on a hog farm. However, in 1973 something called the young family permanently back to Canada and they made their way to Brooks once again. It was there Henry settled into employment again with the Alberta Horticultural Research Center where he worked until he retired as the farm manager in 1994. After retirement Henry and Inger enjoyed watching their 3 grandchildren grow, always supporting, caring for and spending as much time with them as possible. How very lucky his grandchildren were to have spent so much time with them over the years.
Dreaming of more adventure they decided to move to Strathmore in 2002 where they lived for 7 years. They enjoyed weekly trips to Calgary and driving short trips around Alberta & BC. One more move brought them to Medicine Hat in 2009, and there they have resided ever since. Over the years they entertained and toured many family members from Denmark around Alberta, BC and the United States. They often took trips back to Denmark too, but they called Canada their home. Henry was a kind, soft spoken, humble and proud man. Proud of his heritage, his culture, his work, his home, proud of the life they built in Canada but most importantly proud of his family. He loved them more than anything and he will be missed by all.
Henry was predeceased by his parents Simon and Anna, sister Inge, brothers Hans and Bent. Nephews Arland, Fleming, Mogens and niece Lene. Brothers in law Sophus, Hans & Jorgen. Sister in laws Inga & Maya. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Inger, daughter Conny & husband Rob Drader, grandson Brandon Drader, granddaughter Caitlyn Drader & fiancé Alex Ball and their son Ares Ball. Granddaughter Amy Drader along with sisters in law Julia and Inge Marie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
As per Henry’s wish a family graveside service will be held later this year.
Cremation was entrusted to and conducted at Cook Southland Funeral Home, Medicine Hat, AB.
