Obituary of David George Henry

Obituary for the best dad of all time

In 1945, David George Henry was born in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, to Janet and George Henry, with older brother Bob eagerly awaiting at home, (who are all now welcoming him into heaven).  As a child they relocated to St. Catharines, where he met local boy Bill Hughes, who became his best friend throughout his entire life, by his side for more than 65 years, including every single day the last 3 weeks of his life. Like his father he worked many labour jobs as a teen before deciding to study. With no money for university, he needed a scholarship, so “crammed” to get high enough grades to achieve that. Then, in first year university, he received the University of Western Ontario’s Gold Medal, for highest grade in the entire university, earning him full scholarship to any program of his choosing. He chose medicine, which turned out to be wise not only for his following career as a family doctor, but also for meeting Patricia Teal, his future wife for the next 57 years. They married in 1968 and graduated from medical school in 1969, moving to Toronto for residency before moving permanently to Fort Erie. “Doc Henry” was a family doctor for 55 years, treating thousands of patients, and delivering many residents of the town. He was a staunch supporter of Douglas Memorial, protesting the closure so passionately that he was eventually arrested for rebel-rousing (bailed out by his brother-in-law John Teal LLP).

David was humble; despite so many achievements, his only boast was how he had never bought a watch for more than $10. He was adventuresome – windsurfer, sailor, one-time self-made hang-glider. He was handy – a 1950s man that could fix a car and plow a lot with his tractor – both things he was doing right through the summer of 2025. He was a self-taught musician, playing guitar, banjo and harmonica, and there was rarely a day gone by without some music he was playing on the guitar filtering through the house.

He was an animal-lover of the highest order, taking food scraps home from restaurants to feed the local raccoons and feeding birds to the point they would literally alight on his shoulders, and of course was a kindred spirit to every dog walking the earth. But of all of these qualities, none compare to his incredible abilities as a father. He made every lunch, coached every team, played his guitar to lullaby the kids to bed almost every single night, and was still driving his grandkids to tennis tournaments right up until a few weeks before he passed.

This man did EVERYTHING, everything, for his family. We will never know the greatness that could have been, the successes, the achievements that he could have accomplished for himself, if he had even one ounce of selfishness in his body, to pursue personal greatness. He spent his life moving mountains for his family, and also his friends, his patients - quietly, humbly, and rarely a stone ever lifted for himself, apart from his quiet luxury of spending time walking with his dogs in the park.

He is survived by his best friend and wife, Dr. Patricia Teal, daughter, Kathleen Henry, son Patrick and his wife Christina; daughter-in-law Carrie Henry, sister-in-law, Flo Henry, brother-in-law, John Teal (Paula); as well as several nieces and nephews.   He was the proud “Pappy” to Finn, Hudson and Jack.  The Alpha to Duke, Cisco, Bo, Jangles, of course Sheeba, and all the dogs lucky enough to have lived in his home. Predeceased by his parents, brother Bob Henry, and his wonderful son, Christopher Henry.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Benner Funeral Services from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A private family service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Fort Erie S.P.C.A would be greatly appreciated.

We now remember the man who, through his family’s eyes, was the greatest man that ever lived.