Henry Makinson

In Loving Memory of

Henry Makinson

1931 - 2013

Henry Makinson passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 10, 2013 in the R.M. of Shell River, Manitoba. He had reached the age of 81 years and was three days short of his 82 birthday.

Henry Makinson was born January 13, 1931 at Carnduff, Saskatchewan, a son of Henry and Annie (nee Bilinsky) Makinson. At a young age Henry moved with his parents and settled on a farm in the Shortdale District of Manitoba. Two sisters, Violet and Iris would be born later.

Henry attended Gilbert School and it became evident at an early age that he wanted to be a farmer for the rest of his life.

Henry was a hard working fun loving person who worked hard and played hard. At times he could be a prankster and enjoyed playing games on people. He was always full of love and compassion, was never malicious and would never intentionally offend anyone.

Although Henry enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing, his favourite pastime was flying. At the age of 44, Henry earned his wings as a pilot. Flying became his escape from the ordinary. His plane could be found in many places; farmer’s fields, airports, West Goose Lake in Roblin, and even parked up beside his house on Birch Bay in Roblin!

At the age of 51, Henry started trucking and he purchased his first and second 18 wheelers. At the age of 62, when most people are thinking of retiring Henry fell in love with Bison while travelling with a very special friend down to Yellowstone National Park in the U.S.A. He said at the time he was going to get some Bison. During the next winter he purchased eight Bison and this necessitated the need to drill fence posts in the frozen ground as well as lining up farm machinery to create his first buffalo fence. 

As years progressed Henry soon put up 12 miles of game wire, fencing off six quarter sections in total. At one time, the Bison herd was some 500 strong. Now think about this- that now in his 70’s, Henry had created in 10 years what would take most a lifetime. Soon his collection of animals included deer and sheep.

Henry maintained a working relationship with the neighbouring Isaac family who for three generations worked as hired hands on the Makinson farm. Until  the day of his passing Henry took care of his animals, right to the very end. He died with his work boots on, going out to feed up.

His ability to work with Bison was extraordinary and his herd was considered one of the elite herds in North America. Whether it was bottle feeding a Bison calf in his house, or later the same calf walking in with him as an adult into his house on the farm or in town.

Everyone will remember Henry and his collection of animals in attendance at the many fairs and parades throughout the countryside. There was a story told of Henry attending a Pow Wow at Birdtale Indian Reserve. As he was riding his buffalo an elder from the reserve was heard to say “only a white man would be crazy enough to ride a buffalo”.

Henry loved everyone. His ways may have seemed unconventional at times, but it in the end it always worked out for him. If it did not work the first time he would pick himself up, shake himself off, and keep trying until he got it right. A lesson to us all, he never quit.

Henry was very proud of his Scottish heritage and did get to go back to visit his roots in the Orkney Islands of Scotland.

Henry’s only wish was that his animals be taken care of and the farm carried on in his spirit and the spirit of his father. Unfortunately, as time goes on changes must occur and things can no longer remain the same. But the spirit of Henry will live on through his family, his friends, and his neighbours and in all the people his heart touched.

Henry reposed at his farm home for four days after his death, as the family believed he would be much happier at the farm. During those days friends and family called at the house to pay their respects, and shared many stories of days gone by and even a sip of Henry’s favourite apricot brandy. 

The family had hoped Henry would see his last sunrise at his farm on Friday before being taken back to Roblin for the funeral. At first light they were disappointed that it was snowing. But then there was a realization that mother nature too was crying because of the passing of this unique and wonderful person.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Annie Makinson.

Surviving to mourn Henry’s death and cherish fond memories are his sons; John Henry Makinson of Deland, Florida and Larry Robert Dwayne (Patty) Makinson of Roblin as well as four grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters; Violet Groves of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Iris Anderson of Hanley, Saskatchewan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Prayer Services were led by Reverend Mark Hammond at the Chapel of Nairn-Chyz Funeral Home in Roblin on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Armand Lucier and Connie Henry led the singing of “My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean” and “Home On The Range”. The Mennonite Choir sang “Bringing In The Sheaves”.

Henry’s Funeral Service was held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 2:00 PM from Knox United Church in Roblin, with Reverend Mark Hammond officiating. The piper, Mr. Doug Storey, led the processional and played “Scotland The Brave“. He also led the recessional and played “Amazing Grace”. The organist, Betty Wenner, led the congregation in singing “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “Auld Lang Syne”. Armand Lucier and Connie Henry played “Life In The Finland Woods”. Wayne Williamson recited the poem “High Flight”. Henry’s son, John Makinson delivered the Eulogy.

Casket Bearers were Wayne Williamson, Alec Lichkowski, Jim Krichkowski, David Bailes, John Henry William Makinson, and Walter Odowichuk.

Following the Interment Service at Roblin District Cemetery, a reception for family and friends was hosted by the United Church Lunch Committee in the church hall.

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,

I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark, or even eagle flew -

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untresspassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God. 

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee

No 412 squadron, RCAF

Killed 11 December 1941

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