Obituary of Stan Henry

August 16, 1931 – Tillsonburg, Ontario

November 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

With deep sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Stan Henry, following a brief illness, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Stan’s father was a railroad worker, and their family moved many times between Windsor and Niagara Falls before settling in St. Thomas, ON in 1950. After attending high school in St. Thomas, Stan graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in 1955. Further studies at Queen’s University in personnel administration and industrial relations coincided with his starting work with Shell Oil Company in May 1956.  He soon married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Lewis, in 1957.

Stan and Marg moved with Shell from Montreal, to Toronto, to Nigeria, and finally, to Calgary where they settled and retired in 1987 from Stan’s position at Shell Oil. Decades of membership at the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club were a keystone to their circle of friends and their passion for golfing. Significant visits to New Zealand were also a source of conversation with Stan. Following many trips to Hawaii and after skiing was no longer a regular activity, a home in Arizona became part of their annual snowbird migration away from Calgary’s winter weather, to spend time golfing and enjoying the desert warmth.

Stan will be remembered for his passion for the game of golf, birdhouse design and creation, and his love of sharing wine with others as a cornerstone of his social life. As part of his community-mindedness, he proudly served as a board member for his condo association, especially at a time when significant maintenance and renovations were underway.

Stan’s kind and caring nature, and the way he engaged with those around him, showed in his ability to converse easily and knowledgeably. His travel, career experiences, interest in current events, and his love of jazz music and art allowed him to connect with a wide variety of people. His ready, genuine smile and sense of humour will be remembered by many. Stan Henry was a true gentleman in every way.

At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service, but as occasions arise, a toast to good times (and there were many), will be in order. As Stan quoted more than once:

They are not long, the days of wine and roses:

Out of a misty dream

Our path emerges for a while, then closes

Within a dream.

Stan was predeceased by his long-time wife and loving partner, Margaret Henry. Stan is also predeceased by his parents, Lorene and Francis Henry of St. Thomas, ON, and his sisters, Shirley Mansell (2000) and Brenda Gooding (2007). Stan is survived by his brothers, Frank Henry (Lin) of Chatham, ON, and Gerry Henry (Marilyn) of St. Thomas, ON, and many nieces and nephews.

On Stan’s behalf, family and friends were very thankful for the professional and compassionate care for Stan from the staff at the Foothills Medical Centre in recent weeks.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Unit 590, 1212 – 31 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7S8  Telephone: (403) 263-5300 or (toll-free): 1 (866) 547 – LIFE (5433), www.lls.org/canada.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Stanley’s family here.

In living memory of Stanley Henry, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.