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Henry, Robert E.
Webster: After a challenging battle with Alzheimer’s, Robert passed from this life on September 28th, 2017 at age 81 with his Daughter by his side.
He is predeceased by parents and son James David Henry. He is survived by his Daughter Judy Henry and Grandson Brandon Henry.
Robert E. Henry was so many things to so many people. He was a son, Marine, Husband, Father, Friend, Coach, Motivator, Leader, and a good Christian man.
He enjoyed spending time with Family in Dallas especially his cousin Etta Sharp and her extended family. His other passions included Gardening, Reading, Collecting, being active in Church, and his Career which introduced him to his many lifelong friends.
A paragraph or two cannot begin to represent Robert and what his Life represented.
Please join us in celebrating Robert’s life at the service following calling hours. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 15th 12-2pm at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location), 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd. Fairport, NY 14450. Interment will take place Monday, October 16th at 9AM, at White Haven Memorial Park.
Comments
34 responses to “Henry, Robert E.”
This comment is on Jack Bigelow’s behalf:
“Bob Henry was a paragon pf humility. He was a model of selflessness. He had a wonderful insight into what makes people tick, and I think that is because of his genuine interest in others at all levels and personalities. Bob always listened, and when he listened, it was with curiosity that was authentic and nonjudgmental. He was outstanding in coaching and mentoring others. As one of his colleagues at Anderson wrote, upon hearing of his death, “bob was always willing to listen to people and so often was able to lead them to their own answer.” His conduct as a leader was the epitome of empowerment of others. We all miss his down-home-style-delivered wisdom, his love for others, and the class with which he always conducted himself. “
Bob and I worked together at Arthur Andersen where he was instrumental in helping build the consulting division into the power house it is today (now known as Accenture). His abilities in dealing with others was second to none and was based on integrity, trust and genuine interest in assisting others. Whether a business associate, family member, or friend, Bob gave it his all until he was sure the situation was resolved. All of us that dealt with him will never forget how much he improved our lives by just being himself and leading the way. Thank you Bob for making me better.
I was fortunate enough to know Bob for almost 50 years. During that period, he became more than an acquaintance/friend. He was a trusted advisor and became the “brother” I never had! Although no one can do everything right, Bob tried to do right by everyone he met. I will have a “blank spot” in my life now that Bob has passed. However, I know he is in heaven getting everything ready for us to join him. RIP REH
Bob Henry was a wonderful man, a compassionate and enlightened supervisor, and an inspiring mentor. In all circumstances, no matter how trying, he behaved calmly and genially. He listened well, provided thoughtful and kind solutions to problems. Above all, he valued trust.
I value every moment I spent with him. Every person he came into contact with was lucky to know him.
My favorite quote from him, and one of the best bits of business advice ever offered, is “Conduct Yourself so that others around you will want you to succeed.”
PART 1
Space nor time will allow me to do justice to the memory of my dear friend, Bob Henry. Bob and I met many years ago as we both served on the board of a non-profit whose main purpose was to shelter children from the devastation of a cruel and unforgiving world. Bob had an extremely keen mind and was very innovative in ways to raise our support. I had local knowledge and knew the people well so we made a good team. We would talk of our childhood and realize that except for the grace of God, we would have been where these orphans were while under our care. His vast knowledge of the financial world gleaned from his many successful years as a partner with The…
Part 2
…Anderson company opened many doors for us. We became fast friends and later I was priviledged to be his personal physician. This allowed us the opportunity to explore life’s most pressing questions and try our best to solve them.We would often realize that we were just going in circles. Using these exchanges I saw into his mind and heart and he into mine. He was a regular participant in a weekly Bible study that really provoked his thinking and he would call me for my interpretation of the subject matter. We had both longed for deeper spiritual understanding and these discussions allowed us to grow in our faith. Bob was not perfect, but he strived for excellence in…
PART 3
…everything he did. He was brilliant but humble. He was strong but with a tender heart. He was bold but understood the art of compromise. He was truthful and honest yet was forgiving of others who found the need to be otherwise. He loved deeply but remained closed off except for a select few.He cherished the relationship with his daughter, Judy, and often lamented that he wished he had done a better job at fatherhood. He would have been proud of Judy’s diligence exercised in his care over the last days of his life, but I am sure in his heart he expected no less. After all he taught her to seek excellence as well. I will add that she raised the bar for those of us who…
PART 4
…emain by showing love, respect and genuine compsssion for her Dad. My final thought is that I am a better person because Bob Henry passed my way. Would that the same thing be said of us all. He loved his family,friends,and country but his God came first. Thank you my friend for showing me the way.
In loving memory and great and abiding respect to my friend and brother Robert Henry.
Jim Ford (James M.Ford, M.D)
This comment is on behalf of Vicky Michalik:
“He was one of the nicest “bosses” anyone could have. He will be missed.”
PART 1
I had the privilege of knowing Bob for 35+ years. He was my mentor, friend, roommate and a fellow believer. He was a man full of humility and kindness. He was beloved by all.
PART 2
….I spent many times in his home when we talked into the night about family, careers, dreams, our faith and life in general. Whenever we were both in the same city at the same time, he would always carve out time for us to get together. He was very wise…
PART 3
…and I referred to him as my “HR Guru”. Most important was his Christian faith. Whenever he would send me a handwritten note, a card or an article to read, which there were many, he would include a Bible scripture pertaining to the subject of the document. I will miss him greatly.
PART 3
…and I referred to him as my “HR Guru”. Most important was his Christian faith. Whenever he would send me a handwritten note, a card or an article to read, which there were many, he would include a Bible scripture pertaining to the subject of the document. I will miss him greatly.
PART 4
Bob sent me years ago the book; ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN by Robert Fulghum.
PART 5
Toward the end of the book is says; And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into this world, it is best to hold hands and stick together”… Bob will be waiting to hold our hand once we are reunited in heaven. i will look forward to that time.
My cousin Roberts best two attributes for me was other than being thoughtful of others is he was intelligent and soft spoken. My family which was mine and his mother’s side’s would always ask How’s Robert? and 99% of the time he was the first nephew any of his Aunts and Uncles as well as cousins would ask of. In 2010 and 2011 he was there for me in some of my darkest hours and for that I’ll always be grateful and hold those days in my memories the most. God now has one of his best. RIP My Dear Friend and Cousin.
I have known Bob since the middle 60s when he was the person who assigned me to audirT engagements at Arthur Andersen. A few years later Bob brought me in to work under him when he was Director of Personnel for Andersen’s .Chicago office. What an experience that was to be with him and learn so much from a master. He was truly a teacher and mentor like no other. Many who joined our group and succeeded owe much to Bob’s teachings. He was always, always there for all of us
Years later he joined a group of ex-Andersen executives at Discovery Zone and helped develop the company in numerous areas. He, as usual was there when I needed guidance.
On a personal note, our families were very close. We visited Bob during his career in multiple locations(Georgia, Texas, California, South and North Carolina). Our children bonded, Leslie and Judy and Jamie and Jimmy, very well. We always looked forward to our visits.
Bob is someone we all admired. Never one to have negative comments about others. Always looked at the bright side of life. A man full of positive quotes. He referred to me as “Brother and Bob, Pete Peace and me as “The Three Amigos.
Bob will always have a place in our hearts. We miss him. Shalom Brother.
Jim, Chris and the Dublin Family
I miss you, Bob. You leave a huge whole in my heart.
I thanked you so many times for giving me the opportunity to start my career in HR. You gave me that chance. Because of you, I met, worked and learned so much from HR and Recruiting All-Stars like Jim Dublin, Terry Blum, Larry Austermiller and so many more. Of course, you always had a hard time accepting these words from me because of your genuine humility.
I would take great joy when people I referred to you for professional coaching would call me and thank me so much for introducing you into their lives. You changed their lives, Bob.
And most importantly, how can I find the words to thank you for always being there for me, especially when I hit some rough patches in my life. The words are hard to find.
So, so long for now, my dear friend. We are blessed knowing you’re up there as our Guardian Angel. I know your son, Jimmy is having the time of his life now with you.
I love you, Bob. God Bless you,
Pietro
It was my very good fortune to work with Bob Henry at Arthur Andersen in the 1980s. Bob was a mentor, a friend, and an “older brother.” In addition to supporting me professionally, Bob was a tremendous support to me personally as I cared for my late wife, Betsy, who lived with MS for 37 years. I was pleased to be able support him as he and his family cared for his late son, Jimmy. I left Andersen in 1991 to move to Denver to work as a hospice nurse. Saying goodbye to Bob was the toughest part of that move. I will honor his memory for the rest of my life.
Bob,
As I have reflected on the last 30 years we have known each other, I can say there have been 4 men in my life who made a considerable difference in the woman I have become, and you are one of those 4.
Our relationship started when I applied to become the Director of Human Resources for the Professional Education Division at Andersen. Now, that may not seem like a big deal to most people. But, it was. I was 27 years old and hadn’t even been promoted to manager. I had been with the Firm for only 4 years. I can’t even imagine how much resistance you got for even considering me as a candidate. You listened to me, and you took a chance. You launched my career to what it is today, and in a way nobody has done since. You believed in me and there are no words for me to express my gratitude for all that you did.
During the time we worked together, you mentored me, showed me the “Texas way” of delivering tough messages, showed me how to balance the needs of business with the needs of people, shaped my thinking in new ways, and brought so much kindness to every interaction I watched you have with others, and always with a sparkle in your eye, and a smile on your face. I think you made me laugh almost as much as my father did. I don’t think I ever told you, but we nicknamed you “the Hallmark Card with balls”. You always had the perfect way of saying things, and you were a guy. Back in the 80’s, you were truly a new breed of man, and one that I grew to adore and cherish. I think you also knocked the New Yorker out of me, and molded me into a real Texas woman. It’s partly why I moved to Houston and have loved living in this state ever since.
Your body may have left this earth. But, Mr. Henry, I can assure you that your spirit lives on in me and I will gladly carry the Texas flag in your name wherever I go. I know you are in a better place and I rest easy knowing that you are looking down on all of us, especially Judy, making sure she and all of us are okay. Rest easy Bob. You were loved and adored by so many, including me. One of your bigger fans!
Love,
Lori Grubs
I was fortunate to help take care of Robert at the end of his life. My only regret is that I wish I would have known the man he was before the Alzheimer’s set in. By all accounts he was a kind, intelligent and wonderful mentor. Even though he wasn’t vocal he still managed to give me a smile or wink. It truly warmed my heart to know that somehow I made a difference and brought him and his family comfort. It was truly a honor to take care of Mr. Henry and I feel very lucky to have been involved in his care. May you Rest In Peace now
Dear Bob,
My greetings to you, my friend. Since my communications to you the past few years have been by letter, I continue that practice today. Only this letter is going to a new address. I must admit to some curiosity regarding your new location. But my concept of heaven is a place filled with souls like that of Bob Henry, and so I have the feeling that you are making new friends, listening, advising, leading, and are conducting yourself so that others want you to succeed. As you always do.
I’ve been thinking about our times together. I remember meeting you through the grace of your close personal friend, Jim Dublin. I was going through a time of wondering whether to stay with Andersen, and he suggested that I talk with you, who had gone through the experience of leaving The Firm. Your advice, in no uncertain terms, was to stay with Andersen if at all possible. I took that advice, as did so many others, and was glad I did. Your advice was pithy, folksy, and always spot on.
Part II:
I remember meeting you through the grace of your close personal friend, Jim Dublin. I was going through a time of wondering whether to stay with Andersen, and he suggested that I talk with you, who had gone through the experience of leaving The Firm. Your advice, in no uncertain terms, was to stay with Andersen if at all possible. I took that advice, as did so many others, and was glad I did. Your advice was pithy, folksy, and always spot on.
Part III:
We really got to know each other when you rejoined Andersen. And then is when I developed—like so many others—a deep friendship with you lasting to this day.
That friendship from my end stems from deep admiration for what makes you Bob Henry. Your humility dazzled me, especially when coupled with how you communicated genuine respect. That respect was earned, I know, through your insight into what makes people tick. That is what made you such a good coach and mentor to others. You were honest in your coaching, but you had a way of making the feedback truly constructive to people. As one colleague in St. Charles put it, “Bob was always willing to listen to people and so often was able to lead them to their own answer.”
Part IV:
Bob, you delivered bad news to people in a way that transmitted respect. The message became data; not a spear aimed at the person’s self-esteem. Bob, you were World Class in that ability.
Another St. Charles colleague wrote, “He was such an inspiration to me. Among my favorite quotes [from Bob]: ‘If it’s not fun, let’s not do it.’ Words to live by from a man who really set an example of kindness, decency, and wisdom.” I say, “And how.”
Part V:
Bob, you are a man of big ideas and dreams, but also attentive to the little things that can make a big difference to people. One day you gave me a tour of one of the reconstructions of St. Charles. I remember the twinkle in your eyes when you told me that you were putting in a café that would have milk and cookies available for the tired travelers just arriving from who knows where.
Part VI:
One of your big ideas was to invite me to work with you in writing a book for people thinking about changing careers. As always, it was fun to work with you on that project. We never finished the book to publisher-ready state. That was not unusual. One day, I asked you what was holding up the publishing of the book, and your reply was something to the effect that the draft did not seem to convey enough spirituality, to your satisfaction.
Part VII:
Which brings me to Bob Henry, the Spiritual Friend. I occasionally received photocopied pages from the bible, with passages underlined, highlighted, and commented upon in the margins. You relied on your spirituality to get you through some hard times, my friend. And while you have never shielded that spirituality from others, you always, always, demonstrated respect for their beliefs.
Part VIII:
Bob, lest this letter run too long, I want to transmit to you a few more comments left in a St. Charles Facebook group chat, before closing:
• “What a great guy!”
• “…A gentle-spirited, kind, man and I enjoyed working with him.” I might add that all of us did.
• “No question that Bob ran a great race and fought a good fight throughout his life. A class act with a big heart.” One word that describes you, Bob, is the word, “selfless.”
• “I keep a small momento from Bob on my desk to this day. Side 1 says, ‘Management is the development of people, not the direction of things.’ By Lawrence Appeley. Side 2 says, ‘Conduct yourself so that the people around you will want you to succeed.’ I rotate that momento regularly to remind myself of what is important.”
Part IX:
So, Bob, there are legions of your colleagues, family, social acquaintances—all of whom are your friends and members of your fan club. We grieve that your address has changed. But we rejoice in thinking that the time was right for this move. And we believe that you deserve to be among the angels, and that you are, indeed, conducting yourself so that the angels around you will know of your success.
With love, Your Friend,
Jack