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Henry Gillis was a truly beloved member of Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. who touched the hearts of all who met him. His death leaves many with a great sorrow, but his life leaves many with an even greater treasure of fond memories. From his integrity to his generosity to his sense of humor, everyone holds on to something to share.
Thoughts From Mirna Angulo
It is difficult to write as I feel sad for what has happened. All of the memories that I have of him come to mind and I simply cannot believe that he is dead. I'd seen the pictures that you had sent me when you were working at the warehouse; in one of them, he was standing on a Gaylord box labeling and I said, "Oh my God, Henry, what are you doing up there?" He was a hard worker who didn't care what situation he was putting himself into. All he wanted to do was provide help and support for those who needed it. Henry was one-of-a-kind; there are few people like him in this world in which we live. God give him peace in Heaven.
Henry gave so much of himself to others, and I am sure that God will have a special place for him, a place that he deserves in God's heart. I don't know what else to say. He was such a nice guy, so respectful and funny. I remember once walking back with him to the hotel El Colonial in Granada; he grabbed my arm and so kindly walked me through the park and on to the hotel. I'll never forget that.
Please give my condolences to Anna. I wish that I could be there to accompany his family and friends through this difficult moment. As you said, we will terribly miss him. Henry was a real man! Henry descansa en paz, Amen. The friends that you have left in Nicaragua will be your friends forever, even in death!
Thoughts From John Brown
I didn't see your message until I got to work this morning. I was terribly sorry to get the news, but I thank you for sharing some of your memories of Henry.
Meeting Henry was one of the highlights of my trip to Nicaragua. Thanks for pairing me with him at our hotels; it allowed me to get a better idea of what made him tick. Of course, I knew he was pretty special just from the fact that he was making the trip in his eighties, but from watching him and talking to him, I came to understand that the secret to all of his energy at his age was his concern for others and his positive attitude toward life. He seemed to be wired to do things for others - hauling suitcases, fixing machinery, paying for Mirna's and Lucia's educations. I never detected any hesitancy or any time spent deciding whether to do something; he always jumped right into "doing." A prime example would be the canopy rides.
He was an inspiration and I'll always remember him fondly. I didn't take many pictures during my trip, but the one that I liked the best was of Henry in the yard behind the fire station in Managua with an iron that he was working on in one hand while his other hand was extended to greet the horse that was roaming around the yard.
Thoughts From Alice Murray
Thank you for sharing the news of our good friend Henry's death. Many partners will be as astounded and sorry as I was when reading your sad news. Thank you again for telling us so that we can unite as a community and support each other in our common loss. I brought forth his name with a few sentences about his work in Nicaragua at the Prayer of the Faithful at our church yesterday. Of course, the whole community prayed for him, "Lord, hear our prayer."
I wish that I could get to the funeral, but it's a bit too far, and I have three people living with me for awhile. But, he will be in my thoughts and prayers.
You know as well as I do that Christians think of death as an entrance into a new life. While we admit and feel our sorrow, we can also thank God for Henry's passage into that life. May he pray for us!
Thoughts From Cynthia Owen
Thank you for sharing the news about Henry. If Henry could have chosen, I'm sure that he would have wanted to leave this world quickly and without being a bother to anyone. It would have been worse had he survived the accident and been permanently disabled. Henry would not have made a "good" patient. He had too much independent spirit to have people fuss over him for the rest of his life.
Everyone who knew Henry has vivid memories of him, his kindness, generosity, grit, faith, sense of humor, and loyalty. He was a true gem. We expect such exceptional folks to go on forever, but alas, they are human like the rest of us. I know that you will miss him terribly. He was more than a friend to you. You will find yourself talking to his spirit many times from now on. I'm sure he will be listening.
Thoughts From Elizabeth Vollrath
When I read the obituary today, I was shocked. I was expecting him to be on our next trip. He was unique and made everybody around him feel good. I will miss him. Thanks for telling us more about his death. I imagine that if he had to go, he would have wanted it to be while working.
Thoughts From Mary Lu Gallagher
You have my sympathy for the loss of Henry. I know how close he was to all of you. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know him and to attend mass with him in Nicaragua. He added happiness and fun to my first trip to Nicaragua. We are all privileged to have met him and to be able to call him "friend."
Thoughts From Jane Mirandette
I will cherish having the photo as a memento and will print it now. I will think of you all during your despedida for Henry. Oh, Amy, I am so sorry! What a sweet man he was. Isn't it nice to know, though, that he was so active and even had plans to travel to help others when he passed away? Please know that my thoughts and love are with Henry's family and all of you who were so close to him.
Thoughts From Leonor Guerrero
Gracias por avisar, por favor expresa a su familia el más sentido pésame desde lo más profundo de nuestros corazones por ese Ángel que se nos fue.
Que Dios le tenga en su reino con más felicidad que en la tierra. Amen.
Thoughts From Milo Harpstead
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Henry Gillis. You have relayed all of the wonderful things that we remember about him. There are few people who will be missed more than Henry. It is a tragic loss to the W/NP program.
Thoughts From Moisés Guillén
I had heard the sad news about Henry. He will always be on my mind. I was thinking about the great time that we were going to have when he came here to fix the electrical problems at the office.
Tell Anna that my prayers and thoughts are with her. I won't forget Henry; he was a special person in this world who could become a miracle in reality as he tried to help the Nicaraguan people.
Thoughts From Ronda Marchionda
I immediately cried. I had to come into work today and am still shocked. It would have been perfectly fine to call me - anytime for anything! I am still crying. It's just a tragic way for such a wonderful, thoughtful, and dedicated man to leave life. He touched so many people and did so much for everyone. He gave anything that could assist anyone. You put it well, Amy. Henry was in a class of his own. I did not know him in nearly the same way that you do, but he has affected me. Tom asked if I wanted to come home now and I said "No, Henry would appreciate me working!" He would work non-stop and do it because he was making something better or easier for someone else. I will always remember his smile and dedication.
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