BARBORKA
Henry
January 19, 1930 - September 14, 2019
Henry Barborka passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Drumheller Health Centre on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the age of 89 years.
Henry Thomas Barborka was just nine years old when World War II broke out. Henry spent his early teens working as a chimney sweep, surviving the Nazi Occupation and then the Russian Oppression. After two failed attempts to escape Poland, he finally made it by swimming across a river on a chilly winter night at the age of 17. Henry made his way through Europe, continuing through many check points finally arriving in Belgium where he worked in the mines, in a refugee camp and even attempted to join the French Foreign Legion. Henry made his way to Toronto then to the Yukon where he worked in the silver mines. From the Yukon, Henry ended up in Drumheller where he reunited with Vera who later became the love of his life. Henry first worked for the Railroad in the Drumheller area before settling into various positions at the Drumheller Hospital until his retirement in 1990.
In his later years Henry loved to meet visitors to the valley speaking one of the languages he knew and relished playing bingo. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and a lifetime of friends.
Henry was predeceased by his wife Vera in 1983 and son George in 2018.
Henry leaves to cherish his memory, four children; Stan (Shirley), Lucy (Glen), Larry (Linda), Kathy (Fred), seven grandchildren; Jody, Bonni, Lisa, Lesli, Aimee’, Ryan, Dakota (aka; Cody), six great grandchildren; Paige, Dylan, Nathan, Sam, Carter, Rexx and his remaining brother in Poland.
Funeral Mass for Henry will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. There will be a luncheon to follow at the St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Hall immediately following the Service of Committal at the Drumheller Cemetery. The family invites all to come and listen to the Tribute, watch a slideshow and have a time of fellowship.
If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Sunshine Lodge Recreation Department.
Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.
