It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Henry on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Joyful and healthy throughout his 89 years, he had a brief hospital stay, succumbing after complications following a surgery.
Loving husband to Mary “Lenore” (Campbell), his wife of 62 years, he is also survived by his daughters Leslie Hurry (Jeff), and Lisa Rutherford (Grant), and predeceased by his son Shawn (Bonnie). Cherished “Poppy” to his grandchildren Robyn and Lauren, Ryan and Michael, and Katie and Nathan, and his great-granddaughters Brityn and Emrie, and soon to arrive Spencer. Pre-deceased by his parents, Helena and Abram, and 16 of his 19 siblings. His spirit will live on in his sisters Rose, Marge and Liz and all of the surviving spouses, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family was everything to him and he was the big brother directly to his siblings and indirectly to many others throughout his lifetime.
Henry was born in Altona, Manitoba, a very close-knit community. He enjoyed a happy childhood but assumed adult responsibilities after his father passed away. This shaped his immediate future, and his strong work ethic, sense of duty and responsibility, and nurturing spirit became the hallmarks of his character. At the age of 22, he joined the ranks of the RCMP and in the early years was stationed in Saskatchewan, patrolling in and around Yorkton, Melville, Pelly, Esterhazy and Foam Lake. At this time, he caught the fancy of Lenore and she followed him when he moved to Ottawa where they were married in 1960. He also won over the hearts of her landlords, Gaston and Muriel Huard, and their wonderful family that created a lifelong bond for these westerners who were far from home.
Henry enjoyed a rewarding career for 35 years characterized by increased responsibilities and recognition including his commission to Officer as an Inspector in 1977. His curiosity, collaborative nature, and statesman qualities resulted in some very challenging and interesting work at Headquarters. He continued his formal and informal education and was recognized by being integral in many transformational and impactful initiatives over the years, including the development of Canada’s centralized online fingerprint system that was admired by law enforcement around the world. This gave him the opportunity to meet a wide array people inside and outside of law enforcement and he valued those relationships and experiences. By the end of his career, he was responsible for the Canadian Police Services Information Centre (CPSIC), Fraud Cheque, Firearms and Missing Children and involved in work on legislation with then Prime minister Kim Campbell. He was well respected and liked by everyone and upon retirement, a conference room at Headquarters was named in his honour.
As much as his career was important to him, his immediate and extended family and friends were his greatest source of joy. His love and commitment were first and foremost, and he treasured his time with Lenore and with his children, grandchildren and siblings.
As a husband he was supportive and kind, dedicated and steadfast, and very proud. There were many adventures off the beaten path, scouring for hidden antiques and finding the largest scoops of ice cream in small towns across Ontario. He loved to visit with family and friends and enjoyed activities that added to their social circle, including curling and summers at the RCMP camp. He was open and honest, funny and warm, and an amazing dance partner. He enjoyed togetherness but gave space to pursue individual pursuits. He was never jealous or unkind, and always a cheerleader.
As a father, Henry was modest, quiet, and calm, offering sage advice and guidance and unconditional love. He pursued sports that the family could enjoy and many weekends included skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer. Despite a long workday, he took the time to toss a baseball, fix a bike, clear a path through the weeds for swimming, read a book, and always give a hug.
The family are very grateful for the care and compassion shown by the residents and staff at Hazeldean Gardens Retirement Residence who were friends and caregivers to him over the past 5 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 21 in the National Militiary Cemetery (Beechwood Cemetery) RCMP section . A Celebration of Life will follow immediately afterward until 2:00 pm at the Hall of Colours, Beechwood National Memorial Centre.
For those wishing to express sympathy in Henry’s memory, he would want you to reach out to your loved ones and community to support them in any way that you can. Any formal donations may be directed to children’s charities or youth at risk through organizations such as Feed the Children, Kids Help Phone, Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba, UNICEF, The Boys and Girls Club in your area, or local organizations.
For those wishing to send flowers, please request that arrangements do not include lilies.
Digital Guestbook
Shawn Zentner
Robert and Bernie Moore
So very sorry to hear of Henry's passing. Lenore, we're sorry we couldn't be at the internment and memorial following the service, but we had told Evan and Jenn we'd look after their kids this weekend and we couldn't back out. While a somber occasion, it would have been great getting together with you and your family again. Take care and please keep us informed of your plans.
Helen Dyck
Hi Aunt Lenore and family, we're so sorry to hear of Uncle Henry's passing. We'll miss your visits to MB.
Sure enjoyed our visit there in Ottawa in 2013. Praying God's comfort for you all.
Melvin & Helen
Ruth and John Davidson
Lisa, Leslie and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out you. What a lovely tribute you have made for your Dad. We fondly remember your visits with Aunt Liz and Uncle Ray at Driscoll Drive and also visiting with your Dad around Manotick. He was the salt of the earth. Ruth and John
Dave & Judy Beer
We were saddened to hear that your beloved Henry unexpectedly passed recently. He had a larger than life presence and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You and your family were fortunate to be part of his world. We hope that all your wonderful memories of your life together will sustain you in this difficult time. Lots of love from here.
Dave weiler
My deepest condolences
Jeff lawrie hamilton
Our thoughts and prayer to the dick family.
Bryan Reingold
I am so sorry to just now learning of the Passing of Inspector Dick (Mar 9,2024). I was on a Corporate Assignment from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics to the Missing Children's Registry. Insp. Dick would drop by my desk each morning and we discuss world events. After he retired bump into him one day on Somerset St. He said call me Henry and I replied I will always show you the respect I had for you and refer to you as Inspector.. He was quite the man.
As you can tell from the Zentner comments, Henry and Lenore left a strong impression on the Zentner's next door. Like my siblings I have fond memories of times spent with the Dick's especially the Halloween pumpkin pie. Henry to me was the "strong silent type", but still gentle and had of course - his hair. I'm sure it was a weird request at the time, but I remember asking him when I was very young if I could touch his hair! My condolences to the Dick family, who have already had to suffer through Shawn's passing. Take care, the other Shawn.