HENRY, Vasil Edwardson Henry - Tuesday, December 9th, 1941 - Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

Surrounded by his loving family, Vasil Edwardson Henry, formerly of Stratford, Ontario passed away on September 3rd, 2024, in Whitby, Ontario, after a long fought battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Vasil was a devoted father to Jason (Kim) and Patrick (Megan), and a proud "Papa," to Emerson, Clara, and Ronan. Predeceased by his long time partner Anne Stairs and beloved by her children and grandchildren. He is deeply missed by his siblings including Serene and Kathleen, nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends.

Born in 1941 on the island of Antigua, Vasil was the second youngest of a large family. From a very early age, he earned the affectionate nickname "Husband" for his constant willingness to help those around him. He fondly recalled his youth, frequently sharing tales of wandering the island for days at a time, savoring solitude and his connection to nature. These traits so evident in his youth would remain the rest of his life and manifested in his generosity of time, energy, and spirit; his love of nature, and being close to it; the strength to set out on an uncertain path and accept the struggles that may come. At age 21, he left Antigua with just two American quarters in his pocket, bound for the University of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 1968, Vasil emigrated to Canada to continue his studies at McMaster University before attending Teacher’s College in Stratford. It was there that he found his true calling in teaching, spending the largest portion of his career teaching Fourth Grade at Bedford Public School. He believed in nurturing every child’s potential to learn, create, and succeed. He saw education not merely as imparting knowledge but as encouraging each child’s innate creativity, imagination, and curiosity. He had a strong sense of justice, especially for children and recognizing them as inherently innocent and deserving of respect.

Those who experienced Mr. Henry's class left the school year with lasting memories of a one-of-a-kind educator who brought joy to the classroom, maybe breaking into song while drumming on an overturned bucket. Without fail, he would remember his former students by name, even if twenty years had passed between meetings. More than once, a former student from many years ago would reach out to say thank you, or ask advice, or to share an accomplishment that they felt Mr. Henry had helped them achieve, even if indirectly, through the quality of the experience they had in his classroom.

Vasil passed his love of science and nature to his children. When they were young, he would take his sons out collecting Monarch caterpillars, keeping them in Milkweed filled jars until the time came to gather round and watch as the butterflies emerged. Later he would build a dove coop in the family’s backyard and breed mourning doves, with the only goal to see them grow, and then to fly away.

His love for golf cannot be overstated, and for decades you could find him teeing off at sunrise at the Stratford Golf and Country Club. He listened to classical music and read old poems. He understood life’s simple pleasures, and when he smiled, which was often, you would see pure joy in his eyes.

There will never be another like him. Wander on, until we meet again and call each other by name.
For those wishing to celebrate his life please make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth.