HENRY BERNARD SZEWCZYK
July 14, 1949 – February 11, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, Henry Bernard Szewczyk on February 11, 2020. Henry passed away at the Royal Alexandra Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Henry will be deeply missed by his wife, Bonnie Szewczyk; his children, Christopher Szewczyk, Kimberly (Jeremy) Kwasnecha, Nicole (Nicholas) Szewczyk-Celiz, Jennifer (Jeff) Amundson; and his grandchildren, Mason & Kylee Kwasnecha. He is also survived by his brother in law & sister in law, Kevin & Cheryl Peters; sister in law, Kathryn (Paul) Leibel, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Henry was predeceased by his parents Edward & Leona Szewczyk, his mother in law and father in law, Rita & Don Kneller and his brother in law Gregg Peters, and several aunts and uncles.
Henry was born in Radway, Alberta and spent his younger years growing up on the family farm in Thorhild, Alberta. After completing High School, Henry moved to Edmonton where he spent the remainder of his life.
Henry married his wife, Bonnie in 1976 and they were blessed with four amazing children, by far their greatest treasures in life. Or so they thought, until two little grandchildren came along to steal their hearts away.
Most of all, Henry loved spending time with his family & he found pure joy in watching his grandchildren play. Henry loved camping, golfing, soccer, backyard fires and just hanging out. Henry was a master of the lawnmower in the summer and a snow shovel in the winter. His yard was always immaculate because of it. He took great pride in that.
Henry devoted many years to soccer wearing many different hats over time. He was a coach, a director for Edmonton Minor Soccer Association, he sat on the board for the Alberta Soccer Association and was President of the Millwoods Warriors Association. He also sat on the disciplinary board for Edmonton Minor Soccer Association. But, nothing rivaled the joy that he felt in being on the field and coaching all four of his children in the game of soccer at one time or another over a span of many years.
Henry also really loved his work family and I believe that he truly enjoyed every single day that he spent with all of them. He also loved all the people that he got to meet throughout his career. He so appreciated the opportunity to get to know them and he treasured and thought of them as his friends. I guess that’s a big part of why he never really wanted to retire.
Henry also used to love to spend time with his coffee buddies. He was often found visiting Sorrentinos restaurants and coffee shops to take in an espresso and have a visit with his friends there.
We have all lost a dear friend and he will be sadly missed by all of those who knew and loved him.
We would like to invite you to join us in celebrating Henry’s life at Connelly- McKinley Ltd. Edmonton South Chapel, 4820 Meridian Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta on:
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Visitation @ 11:00 – 11:45 A.M.
Service @ 12:00 P.M
For those who wish, Memorial Donations in Memory of Henry can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Barry & Cathy Lamb says
Henry will be missed by all. He was such a kind man with an easy smile, who was always quick to laugh and share a kind word with everyone. We are saddened by his passing and wish to pass our condolences on to the entire family..
Love Cathy and Barry Lamb
Barb and Garth says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this hard time. It never is easy.
Deb and George says
Our deepest condolences to you all, our thoughts and love are with you all during this difficult time.
Deb & George Dahbour & family
Marilynn Zubick says
Dear Bonnie and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Marilynn Zubick (Wowk)
Kimberly says
Dear Henry,
We knew each other since 1987 as I met you through the soccer referee community and I always thought you were a kind and gentle soul.
When I think of you I remember the way that you would gently smile ???? & then I would hear that little laugh of yours (along with the “impish” look on your face). I could hear the wheels turning! 😉
You always had a hug ???? for me and I kind word which meant a lot, especially because we live in a world today where it seems to be popular to be unkind to one another.
I want to believe that I had a special place in your heart somehow because every single time that I saw you, you always took the time to mention your daughter, Kimberly, (who has the same name and “spells it correctly”) to me – with a big smile on your face.
You were a great friend Henry over the years – you were someone that I had the utmost respect for.
Say hello to Harry when you see him and pass him along a hug ????.
Forever ending hugs to you Henry…….????????❤️
Dan Wowk says
Please accept my sincere condolences. Henry was always so upbeat and had a smile or humorous story to share. May your fond and many happy memories of him help guide you all through this difficult time.
Elizabeth Edmonds says
My heartfelt condolences to each of you dear folk. Henry was such a pleasant, caring and helpful person. It was a real privilege to have known him. May all your wonderful memories keep him forever near. Hugs to you all. Elizabeth
Jane and Richard Long says
Dear Bonnie and family,
Our thoughts have been with all of you since hearing of the passing of your beloved Henry. The obituary is very heartfelt, and such a nice tribute to this great man. We have fond memories of Henry – his smile and the gentle way that he interacted with everyone. He will certainly be missed by so many that knew and loved him.
With sincere sympathy,
Jane and Richard Long
Jim Brady says
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Henry’s passing. I knew Henry through the glazing industry and saw him at many golf tournaments throughout the years. He was always welcoming and had an infectious smile and laugh. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that you’re in my thought and prayers.
Walt & Marlene Bashuk says
Dear Bonnie and family:
Our heartfelt condolences since hearing of Henry’s passing. It was always a pleasure to be around him and to hear his stories,and see his kind smile.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow.
Chris Jamieson says
I’ll never forget all the great pep talks Henry would give the guys before a big match. There was no one quite like him. He was extremely passionate about the sport, our team and what it meant to be a winner. Henry taught me so much. He taught me how to be a winner. He taught me how to win with grace and humility and to be good sportsman. Most of all. He was a role model and a friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to his amazing family. Thanks so much Hank! You will be missed my friend!
Barry Sawka says
I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Henry. It was so nice to see him at the reunion in Thorhild, 2017. I’m so glad I had the chance to walk with him and his wife to their car when they were leaving the reunion. He certainly was one of the people I wanted to see at the reunion because it had been 50 years since we last saw each other.