July 10, 1949 - November 25, 2024
It is with deep sadness that the family of Paul Geoffrey Henry announce his passing on November 25th, 2024. He passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side at Whitehorse General Hospital.
He is survived by his daughter, Megan (Jordan); his stepson Hector J. Sanchez; and his ex-partner and friend, Otelina.
He is also survived by his siblings Beth, Guy, Hugh and Tom.
He was predeceased by his mother Joyce Alice Henry, and his father William Donald Henry.
Paul was born in St. Thomas, Ontario. While still very young, he and his family made the big move to Vancouver Island, where they called Duncan, BC, home.
For most of his adult life Paul found work and adventure throughout BC and the Yukon, paddling the Yukon and Teslin rivers both on his own and with friends. He got his steam ticket at Bamberton Cement Plant on Vancouver Island, which allowed him to have many career opportunities in the North. He was employed in construction in Inuvik, and at mines Cyprus Anvil in Faro, YT, and Tasu, on Haida Gwaii.
For some time he was a gandy dancer with the Yukon and White Pass Railroad and later applied those skills to the extension of the rail line at what was then the BC Forestry Museum, in Duncan. Later, Paul continued his mining career at BYG, Golden Bear and Minto Mine. He also worked for some time as a building engineer for YTG and the Whitehorse General Hospital.
Upon his retirement, Paul celebrated by checking off what had always been on his bucket list: taking a road trip across Canada for the summer. He spent three months on the road, meeting family along the way and soaking in all the landscapes the provinces have to offer.
With regards to his passions, Paul was a master of enjoying the simple things in life. He had a deep appreciation for the Canadian wilderness, and especially for the Yukon's. He loved reading, writing, canoeing, fishing and gardening. Those who had the deep honour of drinking beer with Paul will know him as funny, feisty, and a good, clear thinker.
What he often called 'the pleasure of his life' was being a devoted father. Paul provided Hector & Megan with a magical childhood, showing them all the things he loved to do, such as canoeing the Yukon river and taking them camping. Some of their favourite spots were Lake Laberge, Snafu, Tarfu, Little Salmon, Fox Lake & Haines, Alaska. Paul also enjoyed shooting targets with Hector; with Megan, he opened her eyes to the joy of reading (Dr. Seuss & Tim Kitten's Mittens often on repeat).
After Megan graduated university, she and Paul embarked on a three week trip to Europe, where they met relatives in England, paid a visit to Paul's uncle's grave in Bayeux, France and visited other WWII sites in Germany and Poland.
More recently, Paul walked Megan down the aisle at her wedding on a hot summer afternoon in August. It was an otherworldly, peaceful, beautiful day.
Paul was a pillar of support and friendship, which continued to the present. Even during his years of illness, he felt a need to protect Megan; they would have a phone call every night on her way home from work so he knew she got there safe.
Daddy, we love you, thank you for being the World's Best Dad. We will forever miss you.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors in the ICU at Whitehorse General Hospital, for the compassionate care they provided Paul in his final days.
A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held at Sanchez Cantina on Sunday, January 19th, 2pm.
All who knew Paul are welcome to attend.
Service Details
2:00 PM