April 13, 1931 – May 20, 2025
With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Henry Robert Konrad. We are grateful for his love and exemplary life fully-lived.
Henry was born in La Riviere, Manitoba to Anna & Johann Konrad. His early years were steeped in the rhythms of farm life.
In 1960, our dad married our mom, Evelyn Dirks. Their journey, with their three children, took them from Winnipeg to Kenora and eventually to Thunder Bay in 1970.
Henry has had a lifelong passion for education. After earning multiple university degrees, he gave back his knowledge to his community. His career spanned decades, with positions in Winkler, at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in Winnipeg, and in both Kenora and Thunder Bay – where he led the English Department at Churchill High School for 17 years. Following his retirement, he became self employed in the field of Addictions Research.
Henry lived a God-centered life, with a steadfast commitment to ministering to others. He served in various churches throughout the years, including Fort William Baptist and, more recently, First Presbyterian Church in Thunder Bay. His sermons reflected the complexities of faith, often weaving together themes of inclusion, compassion, and reflection through storytelling. He believed in the principle of forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and offering grace to others as a reflection of his faith.
Henry strived to—and encouraged all of us—to think critically, and live authentically. His moral compass was unshakable.
Family was always at the heart of our dad’s life. Our adventures were many—piling into the car, often with a dog or two, towing the tent trailer behind us and a boat strapped to the roof. Those trips were memorable, including being towed around the lake on his homemade water skis. He cherished family bonds, going to great lengths—no matter the distance—to stay connected and bring us together.
In his spare time, Dad enjoyed training our family’s four-legged friends as retrievers, and therapy dogs – they were true companions in life’s journey.
Our dad had a natural talent for making any room brighter with his boundless sense of humour. He was often the life of the party, through witty anecdotes or a well-timed (or not) joke. Family conversations were riddled with strong opinions, engaging debates and, of course, humour.
Henry never stopped being a teacher, even into his retirement. This passion was at the very core of his character. He was never afraid to raise questions, challenge others, and stand up for his values – characteristics that would be passed on to his family.
Henry will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 65 years, Evelyn; children, Richard & Kimberley, Marina, and Carolyn; grandchildren, Emily, Alexander, Peter, and Natalia; great-grandchildren, Oakin, Therin, and Durin; siblings, John, Martha & Harry, Wanda & Jeral, and extended families.
Henry was predeceased by his parents, Johann & Anna Konrad; son-in-law, Jonathan Giesbrecht; siblings, Katie & John Epp, Esther & Ernie Isaac, Irmie Konrad, as well as many extended families.
His impact will live on as his spirit continues to inspire and guide us all.
A Memorial Service in honour of Henry's life will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 1:00 PM in St. Andrews Presbyterian, 207 South Brodie Street, Thunder Bay, ON (across from the City Hall).
If desired, donations can be made to Friends of the Mennonite Centre, who support internally displaced people in Ukraine.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
