1937 - 2024
Henry was born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on January 16, 1937 to Thelma and Charles Brown. He is predeceased by his parents, first wife Roma and two sisters and a brother. He is survived by his three sisters and two brothers. His love and admiration for his wife Theresa was evident to all who knew them. He was a devoted father to his four children and loving papa to his eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Family was the cornerstone of Henry’s life and spending time with them was his greatest joy.
Henry became a teacher and then a principal by age 19. He was an innovative educator, inspiring the first ever student-built computer in the mid sixties; taking his students on overnight winter ski trips; directing school musicals; and running environmental programs at Pembroke Senior Public School starting in the seventies.
He owned several family businesses in Pembroke including a boat tour company. He eagerly shared his passion for the Ottawa River with countless cruises on the Miss Pembroke, often landing at Oiseau Rock for a corn roast and swim.
In the nineties he fulfilled his lifelong dream of living and working in the Arctic as the senior administrative officer for Cambridge Bay and Broughton Island.
Henry was a changemaker and modelled community service. He served as councillor and mayor on the Pembroke City Council for many years in the seventies. He helped bring geared to income and seniors housing, a second ice surface, and the marina to Pembroke as well as helped facilitate the establishment of Festival Hall. He was an active member in every community he lived in, helping create positive change, including in his final Burlington village community.
His commitment to being a lifelong learner and his determination to remain positive while overcoming obstacles inspired us all. He left the world a better place.
He is peering through a greater porthole now. Rest in peace Polar Bear.
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