Pagosa Springs resident Paul Wayne Henry went to be with the Lord unexpectedly in his home on Monday, Sept. 22. He was 67 years old.
Paul was born to William and Audrey Henry in Tucson, Ariz. Paul attended various colleges and graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
While attending NAU, Paul met Cathy and they were married on Aug. 9, 1975. After living in Arizona, they moved to Pagosa Springs in 1977, where Paul built his family home and began teaching art at the high school. He taught for seven years and coached high school volleyball. During that time, he participated in numerous school and community activities. Paul owned and operated Pine Tree Home Care and worked at Ole Miner’s Steakhouse until his retirement. Paul was active in his church and taught Sunday school for 12 years.
He spent much of his time rafting, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. His friends and family have many memories of time spent with him in the mountains and the canyons. Paul had a love of vintage cars, and spent recent years fixing up his 1952 VW Bug and 1940 Chevy truck. He took great pleasure in cooking and loved sharing a good meal with friends and family.
Paul was best defined by his dedication and involvement in his family. All who knew him were touched by the generous way that he gave of his time. He had a heart for people and a clear understanding of what was important in life. He was considered a best friend and mentor to many. He was also characterized by his compassion, humility, patience and thoughtfulness.
Paul was happily married to the love of his life, Cathy, for 39 years. He loved his daughters and son immensely and nothing gave him greater delight than to see them all happily married. It was his joy to see his children become the individuals God created them to be.
Paul is survived by his wife, Cathy, his daughter and son-in-law Allyson and Gary Coraggio, of Durango; son and daughter-in-law Todd Cy and Angela Henry, of Grand Junction; and daughter and son-in-law Janna and Daniel Ross, of Kiev, Ukraine. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives: Kenny and Mary Henry, of Gilroy, Calif.; Jim and Dale Henry, of Paige, Ariz.; John and Paula Henry, of Mesa, Ariz.; Gary and Joyce Henry, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The celebration of Paul’s life was held at Pagosa Bible Church on Sunday, Sept. 28.
In memory of Paul, you may make donations to Janna and Daniel’s ministry — Children’s Hope Ukraine — or Sonlight Christian Camp in Pagosa Springs.
First Love International, P.O. Box 15836, Loves Park, IL 61132. Please designate to Children’s Hope Ukraine.
Sonlight Christian Camp, 1536 Sonlight Place, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.