Henry Sauerbier (front), son Ken, Andrea and daughter Linda James at the morning tea held in his honour last October. Mg201008c


Moving send-off
BY CONNIE STEVENS
13/01/2009 2:17:00 PM

One of Mudgee’s favourite son’s was given a moving send-off with more than 500 people attending his funeral on Monday.
Henry Sauerbier was a much loved member of the community and died on January 7 following a battle with the degenerative motor neurone disease.

His impact on the community was reflected by the large number of people attending the service at the One Life Family Church from different charities and walks of life.

Last October, his volunteer activities were recognised with a morning tea attended by his family and fellow volunteers.

Mr Sauerbier’s son, Bruce delivered an emotional tribute to his father whose life revolved around helping others.

“He believed in everything good and lived his life in such a way that he let his life shine.

“Faith was the driving force in all that he did in life,” he said.

He said he passed on to his eight grandchildren the best inheritance they could hope for by showing how a generosity of spirit could lead to a totally fulfilled life.

Eldest grandchild, Anne James said she had shared memories of her precious grandfather with the other grandchildren after Mr Saurbier’s death last week.

“I always thought of him as a hero with his work for the ambulance service and in other ways.

“He was always helping people.

“I feel lucky to have known him,” she said.

Greg Barnes, who was Mr Sauerbier’s pastor for seven years, reflected on his remarkable life.

“There are so many people here today because he touched so many lives.

“He truly was an amazing and gentle man,” he said.

Mr Sauerbier’s widow, Andrea said she shed so many tears when he was suffering that she felt now was a time of peace and reflection.

She talked about the life of the man she had been married to for 44 years with love and admiration.

“For many years, he had been a familiar face volunteering at nursing homes, Crossroads and Mudgee Courthouse.

“He was a member of groups such as the U3A, St. John’s ambulance, Mudgee Bushwalking Club and the Mudgee Performing Arts Society.

“He was part of such diverse programs as the PCYC, Young Drivers’ Education Program and the Mudgee Christian Bookshop

Mrs Sauerbier said the family had received tremendous emotional support from the Mudgee community through his difficult and debilitating illness.

In closing, she quoted from the Bible

“Well done thou good and faithful servant”

That sums up the life of Henry Sauerbier.

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