Henry Paul Honatzis
August 16, 1928 - September 30, 2012
The death of Mr. Henry Paul Honatzis of Bruno, SK, occurred at Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, SK, on Sunday, September 30, 2012. He was 84 years of age. Henry, the youngest child in a family of six, was born on August 16, 1928, to Paul and Bertha (nee Van Bergen) Honatzis in their home in the Bruno district. He grew up there and attended Bruno School. After completing Grade 10, Henry worked in the family business until 1948, where he learned many trades from his father including carpentry, autobody work, metal working, and mechanics. He attained his journeyman autobody ticket while he was employed for his brother John. For one summer, Henry worked as a grader operator for the R.M. of Bayne. On October 23, 1948, he married Jacqueline Corneau in St. Paul's Cathedral in Saskatoon. Four children, two sons and two daughters, were born to them. In 1952, Henry and Jacqueline moved to Saskatoon where he was employed at a record shop and in electric sales. Eventually, Henry returned to Bruno to work for his brother John again, then in 1969 he opened his own business, Collision Repair, which he operated until his retirement in 1993. He was active in community affairs for many years, serving on the Bruno Town Council for 16 years, on the St. Elizabeth's Hospital Board in Humboldt for 13 years, representing Bruno and the Urban Villages in the Humboldt Hospital District, on the Bruno Volunteer Fire Brigade for 20 years, 10 of which he was fire chief, and he was also a member of the Bruno Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. Never one to be idle, Henry cut grass for several people in Bruno. In his leisure time, he enjoyed puttering in his shop, tending to his flower and vegetable gardens and his orchard, going fishing, and spending time at the cabin at Wakaw Lake. His greatest source of joy and pride was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Henry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 64 years, Jacqueline (nee Corneau) Honatzis of Bruno; three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren: Neil (Jeanette) Honatzis of Bruno and his children, Heather (Steven) Bjorklund, and Justine Honatzis; Michelle (Yves) Lepage of Bruno and family, Megan (Jeff) Altrogge and their children Olivia and Jackson, and Kelsey (Sasha) Weiman; and Denyse (Randy) Pastl of Saskatoon and family, Nathan (Alanna) MacDonald and their children Kyryn, Kathrine and Georgia, David Pastl, and Kimberley Pastl; god-daughter, Laurie Creighton of Outlook, SK; sister, Margaret Komaike of Prince Albert, SK; brother-in-law, Denis (Thelma) Corneau of Ste. Rose du Lac, MB; sister-in-law, Pierrette (Werner) Streitenberger of Sudbury, ON; numerous nieces and nephews; and by his best friend, Larry Graham of Bruno. He was predeceased by one son, Richard Honatzis; one grandson, Mark Ottmann; one son-in-law, Kevin Weiman; parents, Paul and Bertha (nee Van Bergen) Honatzis; parents-in-law, Elie and Carmen Corneau; one sister, Marie Skihar; three brothers: William Honatzis, Robert Honatzis and John Honatzis; and by one brother-in-law, Fred Komaike. The Prayer Service for Henry was held at St. Bruno R.C. Church, Bruno, on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB. Scripture readers were Megan Altrogge and Randy Pastl, and the eulogy was delivered by Larry Graham. The Funeral Mass was offered on Friday, October 5, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB. Others taking part were: Neil Honatzis, crossbearer; Yves Lepage, urnbearer; Laurie Creighton and Heather Bjorklund, scripture readers; Olivia Altrogge and Jackson Altrogge, intentions; Kimberely Pastl and Justine Honatzis, giftbearers; and the St. Bruno Funeral Choir, music ministry. An honor guard was formed by members of the Bruno Lions club and the Bruno Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Henry's life." Active pallbearers were Kelsey Weiman, David Pastl, Steven Bjorklund, Jeff Altrogge, Nathan MacDonald and Clinton Honatzis. Interment followed at St. Bruno R.C. Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be emailed to neiljph@hotmail.com. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the St. Bruno Parish Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.