Henry Fair - A good man lost to us all.


There is a great deal I have always appreciated about Henry Fair.  The first thing that comes to mind when I think of him is that he was kind.  He always had time, always expressed himself well, and always cared for kids.  I think that's the second thing that comes to mind; Henry had a great passion for kids.  

His devotion to helping others was best illustrated by his time spent teaching alternate learning at Garibaldi Secondary School.  KOALA (Kids On Alternate Learning Aims) was a program for at-risk youth that Henry ran for many years.  He was compassionate and understanding towards those under his purview and treated everyone with the same degree of care and professionalism.  

One of the more amazing things about Henry was that nothing seemed to phase him.  I can tell you from experience that a remedial program will test the patience and metal of anyone, yet he never let it get to him.  Every student was valuable to him and worth his time and effort.  He was a constant advocate for their needs.  Henry cared, a lot.

I always listened when Henry spoke.  His thoughts were well ordered and carried the weight of someone who understood what he was saying.  He wasn't one to speak off the cuff, but rather presented himself with great confidence and intelligence.  He couldn't be riled, startled, or angered.  When he spoke, you needed to listen.

The name Henry means "ruler of the home".  His last name, Fair, expresses that same compassionate nature I so often saw in him.  He was the ruler of his domain, but he was fair and the kids knew it.  He had much to offer, so much to give.  It is sad that he is gone now.  The world was a better place for having him in it.

Rest in peace, my friend.  You will be missed.

Eric Svendsen

Comments

  1. DeirdreMarch 2, 2022 at 9:36 PM

    What a lovely tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 3, 2022 at 9:11 AM

    I remember Henry for his wise sayings that came from his mother. When things were a little wonky, he'd say, "We have to take the high road, no matter what others do" and to students, "Well, if you're in a canoe, and we're in the canoe with you, we've got to be paddling the same direction or we won't get anywhere". He was the most patient teacher I've worked with. When he joined me as my teaching partner, we both worked out of the same office and same classroom full time and I have nothing but positive memories. (He did put football posters up in the office though.) He's gone too soon. Julie Lane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric SvendsenMarch 3, 2022 at 9:28 AM

      Yes it's true. Everyone has the same understanding of how gracious and kind Henry was. We were all better because of him.

      Delete
  3. 99 in the shadeMarch 3, 2022 at 4:50 PM

    Rest in Peace, Henry! Always loved talking sports with you. You're a beauty, brother.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMarch 4, 2022 at 9:00 PM

    What a wonderful tribute for an obvious gifted person. Whether as a teacher, friend or an encourager. This world has been blessed by this man.
    I know my brother, Tom definetely has been and as reading many replies others have been also.
    Many lives have been blessed by this dear man.
    My sympathy to all. 🌹

    ReplyDelete

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