Passed away at home on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the age of 78. Beloved husband of the late Sandra Jean (Smith) Gackstetter for 43 years. Dear brother of Katherine Smith of Brussels, and brother-in-law of Joyce MacGregor of Lucan, Norma Cooper, and Mary and Roger Dilworth all of Brussels. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Henry and Frances (Littlejohns) Gackstetter, sister-in-law Nancy Warwick and her husband James, and his brothers-in-law John Smith, Larry MacGregor, and Adam Smith.
Until recent years, Henry was an active pilot and really enjoyed his time in the air. Church was important to Henry and he cherished his time spent with the friends he met through the church. His family and friends will miss his good sense of humour and generosity.
Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 22 Goshen Street South, ZURICH on Monday, February 27th from 10 – 11 AM, where the funeral service will be held at 11 AM with Pastor Nadine Schroeder-Kranz officiating. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
Donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jhonny Torrico
This news sad to me!! I was away of the country and I always talked to Henry!! He sold me his airplane couple years ago!! He enjoyed the conversation about the restoration of the old 172!! I still have the video of the purchase in YouTube!! And he was so excited for me too!! I can track his logbook and I hope one day to accomplish some of his cross country flying!!! See you later my friend
Ross Cordell
To the Gackstetter Family & Friends
I feel very honoured to be able to call Henry my friend at St. Peter’s.
A welcoming smile and twinkle in the eye, was Henry’s trademark. Such a kind and gentle soul. Henry was training me recently, to be a videographer for our services, and offered me endless support. The members of St. Peter’s will miss him. R.I.P. Henry
Ross Cordell
Sheila Jackson-Elder and Paul Elder
Suddenly with Henry gone our neighbourhood is less beautiful. We always loved the Christmas decorations at the Gackstetter home to bring a smile and put us in the spirit of Christmas. He was a true gentleman and will be missed
Sheila and Paul Elder
Don and Sharron Colter
Sending condolences to Henry’s family. We spent many hours at Sexsmith Airport with Sandie and Henry over the years. Many fly ins and fly outs for meals were enjoyed by all. Henry will be missed.
Don and Henry went to school at South Huron in their teen years and reconnected through their love of flying. Rest in peace Henry.
Carol (Ross) Coleman
To Henry’s Family, neighbors & friends. I had the pleasure of knowing Henry during my time at Dashwood Industries and the reacquainted during a motorcycle summer trip. He was always steady and you could count on Henry for anything! Such a kind gentleman! He will not be forgotten. God bless.
Marg Palsa
So sorry to hear this sad news . Condolences to the family. From George and Marg Palsa
Jim and Phyllis Ramer
i got to know Henry over the last year and found him to be a kind and gentle person . with some humor added in. Our prayers and thoughts to the family.
Jim Ramer
Mark Heimrich
To all Henry’s family, friends and neighbours;
Sincere sympathy in the loss of our dear Henry. Although I knew Henry for many years I really got to know him well the last few years, and even better post Covid. Henry was my fellow videographer at St. Peter’s Lutheran church. He was always a delight to work with. So accommodating, willing to help and the ultimate gentleman. I always enjoyed our phone conversations and visits at our church coffee hour. He will be missed by all. R.I.P. dear Henry.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Family and Friends of Henry Gackstetter, our sincere sympathy. Henry’s welcoming smile and friendly conversation made each conversation a pleasure. He will be missed.
Robert and Alma Westlake
mike Rau
a great person very kind
i am lucky to work with him at dashwood industies
Gary & Beth Jennison
Our sympathy to Henry’s family at this sad time. We enjoyed meeting Henry & Sandra when we became “flying friends”. We will remember him as a quiet, friendly, gentle man.
Sandra and Brad Marsden
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Henry. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sandra and Brad
Brad & Anne Mousseau
To all Henry’s family & friends, our sincere condolences in the loss of such a gentleman & friend.
Brad & Anne
Luitje Kapp
Henry’s family
Condolences to Henry’s family.
I worked with Henry for many years at Dashwood Ind. he was always friendly and happy.
He will be missed for sure.
Thoughts and prayers
Luitje Kapp
Wayne &Bonnie Keller
Henry…..You will be missed by all who knew you. We remember the infectious smile and your devotion for church. Rest in peace my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Bonnie &Wayne
Larry and Evelyn Elder
It is with great sorrow we mourn the sudden loss of our long time neighbour and loved friend, Henry. He was a kind, generous man, and he most certainly will be missed. We are thankful for great memories with such an adventurous, fun guy during outings on snowmobiles, motorcycles, and fly-ins, which he and Sandra thoroughly enjoyed. Praying for peaceful hearts that can hopefully find comfort in knowing he has finally reunited with his sweetheart, Sandra. We will always cherish the memory of this most decent of men with respect and great fondness of heart.
Bev & Hub Thiel
To our dear friend; the gentle giant. We will miss you and will be doing an eulogy together in our tribute to you. It has been an honour to know you and will cherish our friendship forever. Love Bev & Hub Thiel
Dennis Foran
To Henry’s family and friends, I am saddened to hear of his passing. I was fortunate to know and to work with Henry at Dashwood Industries. As a co-worker, I recall that Henry was well-liked, well-respected, and always approachable and personable. He will be missed.
Dennis Foran
Ken Thiel
Henry was great gentleman to be around. We had a good solo card group that played weekly before the pandemic stopped us , but recently got back at it. He was fun to play with and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Rest In Peace Henry.
waynne charlton
Condolences to Henrys’ family:
Spent many enjoyable hours at Sexsmith. Henry enjoyed his many hours flying. I have a picture somewhere of He and Sandra along our port side heading somewhere?? likely for breakfast. A pleasant smile and an easy guy to be around. Soar with the raptors my friend. The fuel is free. Rest in s peace.
Willi and Waynne
George Kuranyi
Worked with Henry many years.
Kind and knowledgeable man.
Condolences to his family.
Ross Alexander
To Henry’s family, friends and neighbours
i have known Henry for many years and we shared many interests .. his farm and work and cars and trucks and moter cyles and amature radio and sexsmith board and flying. A great friend and neighbour and his cheerfully conversations will be missed
Helen Wasson Graham
I knew Henry when he was a teen and young married man. I looked up to him as the kind, gentle soul he was. Condolences to his family.
Evelyn Vincent
To Henry’s loved ones
So sorry to read of his passing. Henry and Sandra were a great couple and good people.
Trust the good memories help bring peace and comfort
Liz Jenkin
Joyce and family
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Brother and Uncle. May he continue to “Fly”
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Henry’s family, friends and neighbours
Sorry to learn of Henry’s passing, he was one of the founding members of Sexsmith Pilots and he truly enjoyed his flying. He was an avid motorcycle rider also. So many talents.
Our condolences to all
Marg Deichert
We have lost a true gentleman.
Sending my condolences to Henry’s family. Will miss his smile on Sunday mornings!
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Marg Deichert & family