Henry was born in Odessa, Saskatchewan and lived most of his life in Sacramento, CA. He was one of nine children born to Charles and Barbara Wild. Henry graduated from Sacramento High School in 1937 and was an ironworker until he enlisted in the US Navy in 1944. He was stationed at Mare Island, Vallejo, and sent to the Philippines during WW II. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.
Henry met the love of his life, Betty Frye, in 1947. He and Betty were married in 1948 and spent 67 wonderful years together. Betty passed away in 2015. Henry and Betty had four children: Marleen Allin, Henry Wild Jr., Paul Wild, and Janine Weglin. Henry has ten grandchildren: David Tucker, Lisa Tucker, Shannon Wild Johns, Adam Wild, Stephanie O’Donnell, Max Wild, Joseph Wild, Corey Weglin, Keith Weglin, and Kimberly Weglin. Henry has twelve great grandchildren, at last count! Henry is survived buy his dear sister, Rosalie Furgason.
Henry worked in sheet metal and automatic doors for most of his life. At 54 years old he started Wild Automatic Door, Inc., which proved very successful, and was eventually purchased by a Swedish Company when Henry was 70 years old.
Henry was active all of his life. In his retired life he and Betty traveled throughout Europe and the United States. In the US, they traveled in their motorhome and fully enjoyed their life together.
Henry was the primary caregiver for Betty for many years and he enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even at the ripe old age of 101, he still had the strength to venture out camping, visit Apple Hill, and playfully chase his great grandchildren around on his motor scooter.
Henry always wanted to know how you were doing and always had a smile.
This poem was written for him for his 100th birthday by Lisa Tucker, his grand daughter, and expresses his character and the love we all had for him.
There is a fire that burns inside you
Not sure if you know, we know
But it gives us hope every day
Your positivity and that glow
We see in you what life is meant to be
Devoid of suffering and woe
We see your heart
We see your joy
And unto all of us you have bestowed
A tenderness inside us
A genuine demeanor through and through
A love for life, a beautiful smile
And an adventurous soul it’s true
Even in times of despair
Your positivity teaches us love
You are our mentor, our role model, and our friend
And a gift to us from above
Henry will be greatly missed by all his family. We especially want to thank Rob and Stephanie O’Donnell for the loving care they gave him this last year. Due to COVID restrictions, Henry’s celebration of life will be held at a later date. Graveside services with military honors from the United States Navy will be conducted on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Ten O'clock in the morning at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy and online condolences may be offered to the family by signing the online guestbook at www.harryanauman.com
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