Henry (aka Hank) Barton Biem passed away at the age of 81 years on March 20th, 2024, at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. In the days and hours before his passing, he was visited by family and friends in person and virtually. He leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, resilience, self-reflection, and compassion.

Hank was born on July 26th 1942 in Swift Current and spent his formative years on a family farm near Neidpath, Saskatchewan. He attended high school in Swift Current where his teachers noticed his strong academic potential. This recognition led Hank to change the course of his life by setting his sights on medical school.

A dedicated physician, Hank completed medical school at the University of Saskatchewan in 1968 with an internship at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. He touched the lives of many through his practice in various locations, including Rosetown and Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, St. Albert and Medicine Hat, Alberta. He was a true general practitioner, possessing broad experience, sound judgement and well-honed knowledge and skills. His practice included delivering babies, providing care to families across multiple generations, performing office-based surgical procedures, administering general anesthesia, and resuscitating critically ill trauma patients. Hank’s impact also extended to counselling numerous individuals facing challenges with alcohol use and other life obstacles. To this day, we hear stories of how Hank helped and saved the lives of many.

Hank had two long-term marriages: one to Marjorie Anne (Player) Biem from 1962 to 1988; and one to Leanne (Eric) Biem from 1989 to 2020. While differences emerged, each marriage was marked by many wonderful memories and enriched by relationships with extended family that Hank deeply appreciated. In his 30s and 40s, Hank enjoyed spending time at Turtle Lake and Whitefish and traveling to Costa Rica, California, and Europe. In his 50s and 60s, Hank broadened his travel to Europe, Asia and spent more time in the United States. Hank’s curiosity and desire to continuously learn and fully embrace life propelled him to trial a multitude of activities from golfing (his life-long passion) to sailing, fishing, flying, brick laying, carpentry (he built greenhouses, boathouses, sheds, decks and the infamous treehouse), gardening, painting, photography, piano, guitar and acting. His community engagement at various points in his life included membership in Kinsmen and Kiwanis. He was passionate about whatever he did and remarked “There is very little in life I have not tried” a testament to his enthusiasm for life.

Despite facing health setbacks later in life, Hank's determination remained unshakable. He learned to speak again after a stroke, and admiringly adapted to living independently. He developed some remarkable friendships, especially through golf and AA, and deepened his relationships with his children during these later years. His commitment to personal well-being was evident in his gym routine three days a week. His passion for golf kept him active during the summer months, while he honed his skills indoors during the winter. He was a voracious reader and sports enthusiast (he was a fan of the Blue Jays, Oilers, and SK Roughriders). He impressed all who knew him with his unwavering spirit, connections with family and friends of which he had many, and continued travel to see family and celebrate many milestone events. Reflecting on life's unpredictable journey, Hank once remarked to a friend, “It’s a funny life but I go to bed happy and sleep well”.

He is survived by his sister, Noreen of Hamilton, Ontario; sons, Henry Jay Biem (Sandy Biem) of Beaconsfield, Quebec, Kim Biem (Robin McMaster) of Regina, Saskatchewan; daughters, Heather Hadjistavropoulos (Thomas Hadjistavropoulos) of Regina, Saskatchewan, Sherri Kozub (Chris Kisinger) of Medicine Hat, Alberta; seven grandchildren, Henry Jason, Marjorie Helen, Madison, Matthew, Nicholas, Dimitri and Miranda); great grandson, Brayden; step-daughters, Christine Horton (Brent Horton) of Houston, Texas and Shannon Nelson (Chad Nelson) of Medicine Hat; Alberta; as well as step grandchildren, Aaron, Alyssa, Jaycey, Presley, Aiden and Dylan. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Sarah (Goertzen) Biem; brothers, Glenn and Curtis Biem; sister, Thelma Schwartz; and former wife and mother of his children, Marjorie Biem.

As his family and friends gather to celebrate Hank's life, they honor a self-made man who lived life to the fullest and impacted many. He had a wonderful sense of humour, and a shocking level of perseverance in the face of adversity that will long continue to serve as a source of inspiration.

There will be a celebration of Hank’s life on Saturday April 13, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the Paradise Valley Golf Course Clubhouse Restaurant in Medicine Hat, Alberta. All who are interested are welcome to join a round of golf before the clubhouse gathering –tee times between 12:00 and 1:00 weather permitting. In lieu of flowers, please take time out to do an activity you enjoy – and even better do it with those you love. Donations may also be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences to the family may be shared at www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Henry Biem.