LEISCHNER, Rev. Henry went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at the age of 89, has gone to be with his Lord and Saviour. Henry was born September 7, 1930 in Hanna, Alberta to Johann and Emilia Leischner. The family farmed for several years in Alberta, but moved to the Osoyoos, B.C. when Henry was a young teen. He left school early to work at various jobs, including the Canadian Pacific Railway. He soon felt the call to serve the Lord and left B.C. for Hillcrest Christian College in Medicine Hat, Alberta. After graduating with a Bachelor of Religious Education he was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Henry met Edna in 1954, when he was serving in his first church in Hilda, Alberta. Edna was visiting her uncle, Rev. Emil Brust, and was charmed by the young minister. A long-distance relationship led to marriage in February 1955.
Henry went on to minister in several EMCC churches across western Canada, including Regina, Edmonton and Medicine Hat. His passion was to visit with members of his congregation who appreciated his kindness, humour, compassion and dedication to the Lord. He supported the church conference by editing the conference Echo's newsletter and by managing summer camps. Even in retirement Henry actively served as a volunteer in various capacities with his local church, both in Kelowna and with Heritage Alliance Church in Regina.
Henry and Edna enjoyed travelling and spending time with their family. Each summer, Henry was happy to be working in his garden and caring for his beehives. In 1994 the couple moved to the Kelowna area where Henry later retired. Kelowna was a special place as they both had relatives living in the community. Henry and Edna missed their children and grandchildren living on the prairies and moved back to Regina in 2008. They were happily married for 58 years before Edna was called to be with the Lord in 2013.
Henry Leischner is survived by his three children, Ruth (Wilf), Richard (Kasia) and Gerhart (Donna); six grandchildren, Theron, Regis, Brock, Katelyn, Matthew and Carson; and two sisters Lily and Marvileen. He was predeceased by his wife Edna; his sisters, Elsie Mehle, Erna Miller and Hulda Hall; and one brother Reinhold.
The Celebration of Henry's Life was held at Heritage Alliance Church, 3575 Hillsdale Street, Regina, SK on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John McGregor officiating.
Flowers were gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Henry may be made to a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com.
Our prayers are with the family during this time of sadness.
