Obituary of Henry Black

Henry Neil BlackSeptember 26 , 1925 to February 24, 2020On February 24, 2020 it is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father Henry Neil Black at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Center in Ottawa, Ontario.Henry was determined to live as long as his father until the ripe age of 99. He survived a fall in November 2019 that led to major hip surgery. The recent second fall tragically ended his life.Henry was predeceased by his parents Alice and Henry Black. He is survived by his wife Donna Black, son Randy Black (Marg Chaloner), daughters: Meridy Black and Heather Black, brother Andrew Black (Anne Black), sister Elizabeth Holland, cousin Joan Neilson, grandchildren Twyla Black, Hannah Todd and Austin Cloutier-Black as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews .Harry was born in Toronto and attended Upper Canada College. He was active in many sports at college including, Rugby, Football, Junior B Hockey, and boxing. When Henry was a teenager he became an avid swimmer and canoeist while working in the summer as a camp counselor. After graduating from Upper Canada College Henry decided to enroll in the military as a paratrooper. At the young age of 17 Henry took training in Shilo Manitoba and Trenton, Ontario before going overseas to England at the tail end of World War 11. When the war ended Henry was accepted in the Faculty of Engineering at University of Toronto where he graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering. His first job as a junior engineer was building the very first oil rig in Leduc Alberta. While working at the Ford Motor Company he fell in love with the most beautiful employee, Donna. Henry and Donna celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on July 7, 2019. Henry (also known as Harry) and Donna lived in Toronto, Ottawa, Fredericton then found their forever home in Montreal where they raised their three children. Henry became a manager of engineers at Domtar’s head office where he worked for over 31 years.As a father Henry coached hockey, served as a scout leader, church board member and on the Hillcrest Gardens Community Association.Henry volunteered for three years as an advisor with the Junior Achievement program.Henry’s family enjoyed over 50 summers at their cottage on Lac Simon, Quebec. There was a great sense of community at the lake where neighbours worked on projects together and enjoyed many celebrations on patios and beachfronts especially with the Stevens, Partridges and Norris families.In the winter months the family enjoyed alpine ski trips to the Laurentian’s and Eastern Townships in Quebec.Henry was a distinguished member at Summerlea Golf and Country Club where he served as the Club Captain, founder of the Twilight League and organized many tournaments. Both Henry and his grandson Austin are members of the “Hole in One Club” at Summerlea! On Harry’s 90th birthday he enjoyed his final round of golf, 9 hole Texas Scramble with family followed by a birthday celebration dinner.We are all so proud and grateful to our father for many good years of life. And seeing him live his best life.Many thanks to the health care professionals at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre who were kind, compassionate and supportive of our father’s care.In lieu of flowers please donate to the Perley Rideau Health Centre Foundation, Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, or your charity of choice.A celebration of life will be held in our father’s honour at a later date.