Henry Franz Gassmann

“Anything is possible.” That is what Henry Franz Gassmann believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Henry thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Henry was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

His parents were Heinrich and Bertha Gassmann. Henry was raised in Poland and Germany. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Henry could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability. He lost his father at an early age but that did not stop him from learning how to be resourceful and self-sufficient. Henry lived a good portion of his youth with a loving Uncle who provided him with a strong male influence.

This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Henry's family relationships. Henry was raised with one sibling. He had one older sister, Marianne. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Henry was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

As a young boy, Henry could be found building, exploring and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. He also had a bit of a mischievous side, but isn’t that true about all young boys.

On February 24, 1958 Henry exchanged wedding vows with Johanna Dietrich at Wingerode Catholic Church of Wingerode, Eichsfeld. Henry was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Henry was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Henry was an entertaining conversationalist, with everyone he met and was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Henry loved to argue for argument’s sake.

Henry's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun projects for his children and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Henry was blessed with three children, two sons, Henry and Rick, and one daughter, Ursula. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Brehanna, Lindsay and James. Someone who was quick to laugh, Henry found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them. He was a role model who reinforced that his children could do whatever they set their minds on.

As a born inventor, Henry was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Henry was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. His primary occupation before he retired was an inspector. He was employed for 27 years by General Motors. Henry always made an effort to be a team player, doing what was needed when necessary in order to get the job done.

Henry's “never say die” attitude and his ability to face any challenge no matter how difficult it might be were tremendous assets that Henry carried with him into the military. Henry was an Army Veteran. He was in the Polish Resettlement Corps from 1946 to 1948. Henry saw action for two years during WWII. He achieved the rank of 4th Cpl.

Henry's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Henry was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Henry simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were gardening, bee keeping and fishing.

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Henry. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Henry to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Europe, Dominican Republic and Cuba.

Henry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Henry's favorites was Sparky, a Dachshund dog. They were best friends for 12 years.

Even while in retirement, Henry never stopped exercising his inventive talents, and this new phase of his life provided new opportunities for stimulating his interests. In retirement, he found new pleasure in gardening and bee keeping. Even in retirement, Henry continued to stay in touch with his old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Henry passed away on May 3, 2014 at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital. He fought a brave battle against a chest infection and eventual Kidney failure. He is survived by his wife, Johanna; children Henry (Kristin), Rick (Charlene) and Ursula Syal; and his Brehanna, Lindsay and James. Services were held at Courtice Funeral Chapel. Henry was laid to rest in Bethesda Cemetery in Clarington, Ontario.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Henry. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Henry was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Henry, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Henry Franz Gassmann, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.

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GASSMANN, Henry Franz, at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville, on Saturday May 3, 2014, in his 89th year. Loved husband of Hanna, and father to Ursula Syal, Rick (Charlene) and Henry (Kristin). Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Brehanna, Lindsay and James.

Henry’s family thanks all the staff at Palliative Care Bowmanville, and especially Janet for their compassionate care.

Resting at Courtice Funeral Chapel, 1587 Highway #2, Courtice, ON, (905-432-8484). Visitation on Tuesday May 6, 2014, from 11:30 a.m. to Service time at 1 p.m. Memorial donations to the Lakeridge Health Palliative Care Bowmanville, would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.couticefuneralchapel.com .