Harvey Henry

In Loving Memory of

Harvey Henry

1950 - 2013

Harvey Henry passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2013 in his home at the Roblin Residence in Roblin, Manitoba. Harvey Henry, age 63 years, went to be with his family on the other side.

Harvey Henry was born to Clara Rose Delia Henry (nee Poitras) and Prosper Henry on July 5, 1950 in Boggy Creek, Manitoba.

Harvey attended Grande Prairie School in Boggy Creek then later attended Roblin Collegiate in Roblin.

Harvey started his music career by age fourteen playing for dances in and around the San Clara area with Billy Dumont, Ron Zelmer, Joe Andronik , Ephrem Paul, Charlie Wilkinson, Armand Lucier, and Dave Branconnier, to name a few.

Harvey’s passion was his music and his home in the valley. In 1969, Harvey moved to Winnipeg to further his music career. There he performed with various bands including The Shell River Ramblers, Banshee, Masquerade, Midnight Ryder, Harvey Henry Band, The Downs Show Band, The North 40 Band, and Bear Claw, to name a few. 

Harvey, and his brothers Al and Len formed the well known group The Henry Bros. They played various bars in the Winnipeg area, mainly the Downs Hotel. There would be line ups at the door to see them play. Al quit the group as they started touring Canada and the USA. In 1977, the Henry Bros. were voted “Top Country Band” in Manitoba. They also backed up Artists like Ferlin Husky, Dick Damron, and made television appearances and also did charitable functions with well known stars such as, Allan Hamel, Bobby Cartolla, Artie Johnson, Joanne Whirley and many others.

Harvey received many awards over the years for the best song of the year, best male vocalist of the year, best entertainer of the year and best band of the year at the Manitoba Country Music Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Tequila Creek was the last band that Harvey played with, consisting of his brother Al, his sister Connie, Scott Paul, Ephrem Paul and Keith Grexton. They played for various functions around the Roblin area. The very last gig was at the Community Centre in Roblin for the Roblin Centennial celebrations in July, 2013. His vocals and bass playing were just like old times. His harmonies were right on key. He will be greatly missed.

In 1976, Nichole, his daughter was born, and in 1984 his son Joe was born. Harvey also had five step children; Christina, Michael, Scott, Jordon & Jerri-Lynn.

Harvey loved to take things apart to see what made them tick. But he never could put things back together. Gordon Paul went to visit Harvey in the valley one summer day. He asked grandpa where Harvey was. He said “he’s over there by the old cars; I think he’s building an airplane”. He was trying to take the roof off his car to make a convertible? He was known to crack a good joke or two. Harvey also had a few nick names, like Grawn Job, and Ma-ra-koonce.

Harvey moved to Calgary in the late 80’s, it was there he started counselling troubled teens and provided supervised visits with their parents. This took a toll on the personal and mental aspects of his life. His empathy for others started to overwhelm his everyday life. Harvey took time off his work and moved back home, to rejuvenate himself. He struggled to find a balance between work and home. He started volunteering at the elementary school with the breakfast program, which he enjoyed. He joined the Hero Club and compiled recipes for a cookbook to raise money for the club. They went on camping trips and day trips for shopping, etc.

Harvey was predeceased by his father Prosper Henry in 1978, his mother Clara Henry in 2011, his baby brother Robin, older brothers Kenny and Alex, his sister Jean, his nephews, Larry, Glen Perry, Chad, and nieces Beverly and Shawna.

Harvey will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Nichole and granddaughter of Winnipeg and son Joey of Montreal, as well as his step children Christina, Michael, Scott, Jordon and Jerri-Lynn.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Florence Scott (Neil Martin) of Winnipeg, Albert ‘Laddie’ Henry of San Clara, Leonard Henry ( Bernice Owens) of Thorold, Ontario, Alvin Henry ( Julie ) of Boggy Creek, Terri (Harold) Dixon of Boggy Creek, Connie Henry Paul (Gordon) of San Clara, Irwin “John” Henry of Roblin, Nieces and Nephews; Derek and Miles Langan, Brad and Kim Scott, Melody, Karen, Wanda, Samantha, Pamela, and Dean Henry, Sheila Henry Wilkinson, Carey, Cory and Cindy Finnson, Darcy Warcup, Dallas Walker, Jonathon and Jason Henry along with numerous great nieces and  great nephews.

Harvey was the seventh son, which was believed to inherit healing powers. People would come to him when they were ill. He began to feel that this was not a gift. He returned back to his native spiritual side to heal his mind, body and soul. As of this moment, his journey has just begun.

Harvey loved eagles, and it seems that one certain eagle loved him. One summer, Harvey worked at Blue Diamond Agra for Dave Gerega. He was hauling manure to the manure pile, back and forth to the pile, when he noticed an eagle sitting on a fence post watching him. This would happen from time to time. When Harvey went back to Calgary after harvest that year that eagle would sit in a tree for hours. Ephrem Paul named that eagle, Harvey. Once in a while you can still see it there perched in that tree. So if you happen to drive by Blue Diamond Agra and see an eagle souring in the sky, or just sitting there watching you, give him a wave- it just might be Harvey.

Prayer Vigil Service was held Saturday, October 12, 2013, at 1:00 PM from the Chapel of Nairn-Chyz Funeral Home in Roblin, with Rev. Fr. Paul Bisson officiating. Ruth Angus read the Scripture Lessons and Penny Wilkinson delivered the Eulogy. The Henry Family sang the following selections in honour of Harvey; “Peace In The Valley”, “Why Me Lord”, “I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You”, and “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. Following the Prayer Service, a time of fellowship and sharing of memories was held at the Chapel.

At 2:30 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2013, family members of the original Henry Band (Len, Al, Connie, and Laddie) as well as other musicians who had played with the band joined forces in honour of Harvey Henry at the Roblin Motor Inn Bar. Harvey’s son Joey was able to join in as well. The Bar was filled to capacity with folks who called to pay their respects to Harvey and listen to the wonderful music.

Loved Him

Father we entrust our brother

to your mercy.

You loved him greatly in this

life: now that he is freed from

all its cares, give him happiness

and peace for ever.

Welcome him now into paradise

where there will be no more sorrow,

no more weeping or pain, but only

peace and joy with Jesus your Son,

and the Holy Spirit

for ever and ever.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com