Our Dad, Arno Hennig

Arno Horst Hennig, was born, November 11 1929, in Lodz Poland. To parents Arno and Juliana Hennig. He was the second eldest of six children. As a child, Arno (Dad) love to read adventure stories...cowboy, wild west stories. And because of a busy household, I was told you could find our Dad under the kitchen table reading. At school, he would put his book on his lap under the table while the teacher was instructing class. And when Dad came to Canada he made sure he brought his books with him. They were important to Dad.

And so I will fast forward here.... Father and Mother's life story, as children growing up in Germany during the war, would make a great beginning of a movie or a novel....

Dad was attending Liebonzell College in Germany, to become a Minister/missionary. And on a day off from studio, Dad and a friend were riding bikes in the Black Forest  where they came upon a couple of lovely ladies. After Dad, chatting up on particular young lady, they did an exchange of addresses. They spent alot of time writing to each other, then there was the first kiss, an engagement and Dad caught the train to a ship where he sailed to Canada.

He ended up near Vauxhall Alberta, working as a "Cowboy". He continued to write letters to this lovely young lady ....Our Mom....And shortly after that she said her good-byes and came to Canada and married our father.

I think this was love at first sight, and after looking at pictures of our parents.

Mom and Dad were married for 58 years.

Martin, Dad, Julie, Ernie 

On the farm, Dad worked on the land, Mom in the house, cooking for a bachelor farmer. And then they decided to hitch hike to Saskatoon so Dad could register for school, he was to take classes to become a Lutheran Minister. Mom helped dad with learning English, Latin. The went town to small town doing church services....until Julie was expected. And being $100.00 in debt, they decided to leave school and find work. And so, they moved to Kerrobert Sask.  Where Dad was employed at the hospital, working the power plant and other jobs. While there Ernie and Martin were born.  During that time in Kerrobert, Mom and Dad took us camping and fishing, lakes such as Tramping Lake, Waterton Lakes and a big road trip out to Victoria BC, where they fell in love with the Okanogan area. Also while they were living in Kerrobet,  TVs were becoming popular and so our Dad started to tinker with television sets and putting up antennas on houses. 

And then the family did a move to Penticton BC where they set up a TV repair and Sales shop. 

Dad was just Dad, he worked, came home, we went fishing, boating. And he taught us to swim. We had wiener roasts in the back yard...Dad was Dad.

Then Dad volunteered for the Penticton Play house. The play was called Brigadoon. He worked on the sound system back stage. And I was allowed to go. During Intermission Dad took me back stage. Dad even recorded the play. I could sing every song and say every line and knew the dance steps.  That's when I saw that my Dad was not like other Dads.

I remember the day Dad went hunting, and he didn't come home. Mom was so worried. But, I knew that my Dad would come home. My Dad would find a way.

In Penticton, Roland and Gerald were born. Twins...now we are a family of 5 Kids!!!

Ernie' grad. 1976

Dad did a short time working for Noranda Mines as a prospector. And then Dad got a job opportunity to operate a Cable TV company in Greenwood, BC. Cable TV was just beginning and not even in Penticton yet! I had Cartoons running in my head!!
 The Hennig Family moved to Greenwood where Dad ran the Cable Company for Mr. Stevens. And Dad opened a TV Sales and Repair shop as well. Dad was working long hours and to spend time with the family.... to get away from things, we drove around the back roads of the Greenwood area. We had camp fires, cooked bacon eggs, hot dogs.

When Dad bought the Cable Company the family go involved. By working the with the cable system, working in the store. And if you wanted to see Dad, that what you did, you participated and worked the family business. 

Dad was Dad, he got involved with the Boy Scouts, and became Scouter Hennig. The boys at school said that our Dad was 'cool'! And I remember (when we first arrived in Greenwood) Dad was a substitute teacher.

And then came the Board of Trade, a Councillor, and then Mayor. Dad was not just Dad, he was more.

Dad was always learning something new. Whether it was Latin, Japanese, growing Shiitake mushrooms, fixing TVs and stereos, or working on his computer skills.

There was  a time when Dad was working on his Engineering Degree for the Cable Company, he was stuck on a math problem, and called my teacher Mrs. Puddy for help. He didn't stop working on the problem, and when I went to class the next day not only did my teacher have the problem solved so did Dad! He was just as smart as a teacher!

Dad was great at fixing things, from vehicle engines, lawn mowers, ski door. And if he was stuck, he would ponder and think about the problem....and eventually you knew he would have the problem solved or re-invent something to fix it.

Roland and Gerald 

Dad had a sense of humour too. At a Boy Scout Camp, the boys wanted to know what was for Breakfast. Dad told them they were having pancakes made with alligator eggs, cooked in motor oil. Another day,Dad got dressed up as a hippie hitch hiker and made a visit to Mrs. Pasco's place where the local Girl Guides has set up camp.
Or, the time when I was a teenager, wanting to sleep in until noon...Dad would put on Marching Band Music (I called it!) and you got up!
One other time, Mom and Dad were visiting Prince George. Don and I plus a few friends, took Mom and Dad camping out to Finger Lake,(near Vanderhoof BC). Our friend Lesley  found petrified wood and a rock with holes. Dad explained about the petrified wood and Lesley asked about the rock with holes. Dad with a straight face told her prehistoric ants made the holes..well, it was a great story.
And that's the thing, if Dad was showing you the mushroom barn, the power station,court house, museum, or a  project around the house....he kept you captivated and you learned something new as well. Even, when he gave a church sermon, he had a great way of telling the story.
Mom and Dad were a team, whether it was raising the children, business or politics they worked together. One supported the other. Mom always walked Dad to his vehicle after lunch...to see him off....
Dad had talent when he helped Mom knead the bread dough, together they made great bread. Dad loved having feasts and other celebrations at the house, he was right there slicing things up, or doing dishes.
I was at a City of PG function, and our former Mayor John Backhouse at the time, had asked me where I hailed from. I said, Greenwood,BC. He said, " ah yes, I had a great conversation with their Mayor. It is a small town, would you happen to know him?" I said, "Yes, I have sat at his dinner table every night for eighteen years." People spoke highly of Dad. He was ready to talk to anyone that would come through town and took a tour.
Another time at Greenwood's 100th Birthday. My children and I were watching Dad up on stage at the park giving a speech. My son, Nathan asked if Grandpa was important, like the people on TV who give speeches. I said, Yes. He said, Oh I guess we shouldn't pick our noses then.

Tracey, Caitlin, Nathan,Kimberly,Andrew and Grandpa 

At Nathan and Graces wedding, Dad gave a toast/prayer during the reception. A wedding guest asked me, what role my Dad was playing today? I questioned, Roll?? Yes, is he the Minister, Politician, grandfather, father. I answered with, all of the above. That is just who my father was...
When I think about my brothers, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren. I see traits in all of us that came from our Dad. His love of Reading, Writing, telling a great story, music, sense of adventure, love of the outdoors,fishing, camping, the love of his home, his hometown, community spirit, spiritual,celebrations with family, friends. The love and commitment to his life long partner his wife, sense of humour, compassion, always a gentleman, not afraid of hard work, responsible, good work ethics, and I am sure there are lots more I didn't list.

I will miss Dad, I will miss our walks to the Mushroom Barn, up to City Hall, the Museum, power station, to chat and either show off his lasted project or just to show off his family.
I will miss how pleased he looks when he sees his family around the dinner table and toasting with a glass of wine.
Or the way his whistles when he is coming into the house. Or the feeling you get when you know that he is in your corner and just talking to him, made the world just right.

We don't remember the Days, we remember the moments
C.Paverse

And so with that, We, Mom, Ernie, Martin, Roland, Gerald and I we will be bringing Dad home to Greenwood. The place he called home for over 40 years. He is important to us and important to the citizens of Greenwood.
He celebrated life, with music, books, family, friends, and good food with the love of his life at his side....and we celebrate with his stories...

I wrote this in August when our Dad passed away. I will be reading this when we have Dads memorial. 
Please excuse any spelling, grammar, punctuation errors. This is my  blogg, like my journal. 

Thank you for reading and letting me share some of my memories of Dad.

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
(Helen Keller)

August 2012

We did not know this was Dad's last weekend. Mom visiting Dad, on the deck at Jubilee Lodge and they toured around the deck looking at the flowers, the strawberries, and counting the ripe tomatoes.  Soon, I was taking a week off work, as a holiday to Alberta and I assumed that Dad would be still with us when I returned.
But, the Dr. called a meeting, and Ernie was flying to Prince George, and it was time to rally the family. It was awesome that Andrew surprised me by coming home. I was glad he was here to say good-bye to his Grandpa.
This man who was always there. Who could fix nearly anything. You could tell anything....was no longer going to be here with us. Dad was asleep, but I felt he could hear us...we called him Mr. Mayor a toe would wiggle...or he would grunt yes....
You see, Dad went from sitting in his wheel chair on Saturday and Sunday, to asleep on Monday...he was doing that more often now.
Dad's time on earth was coming to a close. And, I felt I needed to spend even more time with him. He needed to hear me...I needed to tell him about his grandchildren, about Mom, about me. I needed to tell him once more that I loved him. And I didn't want to leave him...not alone. So, I stayed. Gerald stayed. Mom stayed. Andrew came and went and stayed alot. And finally Ernie arrived, and he stayed too. We watched the Olympics, we told Arno, Dad stories. We ate food, drank coffee. We most importantly talked to our Dad.
I had the honour of spending the night with Dad. Thank goodness for Lazy Boy Chairs in the room. I read, talking to Dad. It was like he was waiting for something, someone. Tracey's birthday and Gerald and Pam's anniversary are the 1st of August. I think he was waiting for that day to pass. He didn't want to spoil a good celebration. And so, we wished Tracey Happy Birthday, and Happy Anniversary to Pam and Gerald. And when Gerald came to visit, Ernie brought in wine and we toasted the birthdays, the anniversaries, the 5 children, 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, Mom and Dad.
I was very glad to spend the night at Jubilee with Dad, Mom, and Ernie....
Dad passed away August 2nd at 7:45 a.m.
A lot of events happened after that, lots of hugs, lots of tears, lots of phone calls...we did this all at Dad's bed side. It was like he was still with us in spirit. And as long as his spirit was still there, we needed to stay.....and watching Mom, spending time alone with Dad, saying her good-bye....
The days afterwards, sort of a blur. Roland flew up, Ernie was here, Mike came to town. There were lots of food at Gerald and Pam's, and my house...we ate well, we made Toasts to Dad, the family.
I am sad that my father is in heaven. He is at a good place. There isn't a day I don't think about him. But, I do know I am very lucky to have had a father to attend my graduation, he walked me down the isle at my wedding, he baptised each one of my children. And he did the toughest job a Father in law could do, bury his son in law. And got to see each of his great-grandchildren. And I got to dance with my father one more time, even if it was in the hallway at Jubilee Lodge. I won't ever forget that he loved me, and that when I was dealing with cancer... he said, that I was the strongest, bravest woman he knows. And when I am dealing with a tough situation...I will remember those words.

After 58 years still holding hands 

Uncle Andrew and his god daughter Audrey 

Grand Uncle Roland 

Flowering Bush from Mikes Sisters 

Audrey holding Grand Uncle Geralds  Nose

Pizza Party at Pedde's

6 pizza's count them we did 6 Pizza's !!

doing the wave at the Ernie Vs Donnie Soccer game

BBQ Chef! yummy

Looking at old photos, going down memory lane

picnic on Grandma Julie's Lawn

Flowers sent to Mom from the Nieces and Nephew 

Grand Auntie Pam

Having some fun 

Table for One 

Halibut Feast at the Pedde Patio 

Mike Cooked Halibut, we ate till we were stuffed 

We are conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But, great moments often catch us unaware - - - Beautifully wrapped in what is often considered a
small one.
(Tracey Pedde had this posted on Facebook, I borrowed, Author unknown)
Until the next entry into Jewels Journal, I wish you a great day!!

My Spring and Summer up date

When I left Kitimat BC, the tulips and daffodils were in  full bloom. As I was leaving Kitimat I stopped at the view point to take some final photos, shed a few tears and then head for home..Prince George, BC.  You know me, I did stop and take a few pictures on my way home. Thinking to my self of promises to return, to Kitimat,  just not sure when. And not really sure of what lies in store at home.

And home, yes my home, my bed, my stuff, how I missed you...but no time to sit relax and enjoy! I was greeted by my grandson Donnie...and dinner planned by my son Nathan and Grace. My grandchildren, how you grew since I was away. It is wonderful to go away, and nice to come home.  

     The next day I went back to work....hi ho hi ho...off to work I go. I stayed until the end of August. Reasons why I came back, reasons why I left...are my own. And so I won't dwell about the reasons why. I do not want anyone to feel bad or guilty about why I came home, why I put some of my goals on hold, life has a way of making things work out, things just happen...it just was suppose to be this way. And yes you make your own dreams and goals....and for now I am glad, I came home, I am glad I was the manager, and that I didn't get to go to England, I am okay with that.

taken on my front lawn 

Grandma's helper 

Oh yes, it is wonderful to be at home, to see these little people on a regular bases, to watch them grow. With Donnie I have become "Babba" his name for Grandma... he climbs up on my lap to read, watch the Movie, Cars...and once I planted my flower beds, Donnie help his grandma with the watering. 

Happy Birthday Grandpa Don!

My weekends are now filled with Nathan and Grace coming over...dinners with Grandma Julie......

Three  generations, Grandmother, Daughter, Granddaughter......

Happy Mothers Day....

Audrey and Auntie Kim

Resting

Three Lovely Ladies

Happy 2nd Birthday Donnie 

My Mom was looking after Dad for about 2  years at home...and the heart wrenching decision was made to have Dad move into The Jubilee Lodge, long term care. Dad had Alzheimer's and Dementia and it is the worst disease...no cure..yes treatment...can't imagine all the thoughts mom had while taking care of her husband. I felt horrible and mean to admit dad into long term care, but we knew it was the best for mom and for dad. It was time for mom to take care of herself. We can go and visit when ever we wanted, and dad can come out for those family dinners and celebrations.

Grandpa and Grandma Hennig with Audrey 

Dad's first day at Jubilee was June 4th, a tough day, esp. for mom. Your life partner, separated after 58 years.  During my shift at work, I was picking up Mom and taking her to The Jubilee Lodge nearly everyday. Mom would take Dad for walks up and down the hallways..and even out onto the deck to see the view, and they would check and see how the flowers in the planters are doing. Mom would bring along grapes, oranges, bananas, cinnamon buns to feed to Dad. Mom would stay until after Dad had his dinner, and when I got off work, I would  pick her up. She always kissed Dad good bye and would tell him that she loved him and when we would be back up to see him.  Occasionally she would take a day off to bake bread, or get groceries, or Mom would go to the "Y" and Thursdays became her day off day. But the next day she was raring to go and see Dad. Often I would go up to pick up mom and they would be holding hands..or one time Dad was asleep in the wheelchair, and Mom in Dads lazy boy charm both having a power snooze. Love and devotion. Mom got to know the alot of the  people who lived at Jubilee, Dad's neighbours, and other ladies who have been there along time. She got to know the different personalities. Every day when we left we would go and say good bye to Albert and John, Dad's room mates. And everyday Mom would wear a different hand knit sweater, and received compliments from the staff and other visitors on the floor. Mom would tell stories about Dad to the staff members and other residence at Jubilee. She was/is very proud of our Dad's accomplishments and was willing to share the information.
One day we arrived on Dad's floor. Dad looked a little confused. Maybe it was trying to figure out who I was. But, when we asked who Mom was...Dad knew. His answer was "She is the person I like to Kiss!" Yes, my father was a big time flirt..and a gentleman too.

Mom had her first birthday without Dad at home. She baked a cake and took a piece up to Dad everyday until it was gone. I bought flowers for Dad to give to Mom...and he sang Happy Birthday to her. One day we were walking Dad back to his room for bedtime...and Dad danced with me in the Hallway...my last dance with my father. I remember Dad putting me on his feet and dancing with him that way...I was very little. I really didn't know how much time I had with Dad, but, was glad to be able  to see him everyday. Even the days when he stayed in bed and slept. I got to hold his hand and tell him I love him.

  To give Mom a break, we went out for dinner, or picked up dinner and sat on my deck away from the apartment. 

Thank goodness on Fathers Day, Nathan was around to help bring Dad home. He had a wheelchair...but it was the front steps that was a challenge. We had a table full of people and a feast was enjoyed by all. 

   Ashton is getting so much bigger, he turned 7 years old. And I was looking forward to have Ashton here in PG at Grandma Julie's house for a whole week. I had a lot planned and not much time to do everything. Even Nathan and Grace took a few days off so we could go to Jasper to collect Ashton... I was counting the days.

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Canada Day 

I was so stressed out, I had a staff member quit. I didn't want to disappoint Ashton, if my holidays were cancelled. But, in the end I had someone cover my shift and keep an eye on the store. So, we had Nathan, Grace and kids  travelling in their car. I picked up Mom with a Tim Horton's coffee, and away we went. We got about 45 minutes out of town and we were stopped at a vehicle accident.  We were told it could be a 3 hour wait or more. So, we decided to head back to town, and go for breakfast, a swim at the local pool. And then we headed back out..and to my relief, the high was open and away we went. We were going to Jasper. AB to meet up Ashton's Mom. But we agreed to keep driving until we meet up with each other. It turned out to be McBride. I was so happy...We let  the 3 cousins to get to know each other. Yeah, right... we let them play to wear off travelling energy!!

Fishing on Vivian Lake, July 1st 2012 

Ashton was so good with his 2 year old cousin they played together rather well. We went to the local pool to swim Ashton loved diving off the diving board. He was under the water  more than above.

At lake near Wells BC 

strolling down main street Barkerville, BC 

Grandma Hennig and Ashton Panning for Gold

I had Ashton only for a week, and work got in the way! I wish I had my boy longer....we did the pool, we picked up Grandma Hennig to see Grandpa everyday...we did a road trip to Barkerville, so we could see an old town. And best of all we played Lego, watched Movies....Ashton said I was like his best friend...well, buddy you are my best boy! I am counting down the days!!

New Hats.

I love Barkerville. I could spend days there, walking about. Learning about its past. Wondering who was there, what did they do...the life style...I have always loved visiting Barkerville. I remember my first visit there. Mom and Dad and family we were heading up to Kitimat to go fishing....

Resting at a lake near Wells, BC. 

Picnic 

Cousins 

I love you!

Cousins 

talking about fishing.... 

Mom relaxing at Ness lake after picking 20 lbs of Huckleberries.
She did Ness Lake survivor style and did not get kicked off the lake!! 

sometimes you see beauty just sitting at the front steps

I will end with July....
and a thought.
Sometimes it is the most simple of things that will give  you the most pleasure....

Photos were provided by Grace Pedde and Julia Pedde...Thank you Grace.