“Tabaswetung“

clan: Caribou (Atik)

With his family by his side, Anthony Henry a resident of Whitedog, passed away on May 27th, 2026, at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, at the age of 84 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Valerie; and his children Heather, Dean (Carol), Grace (Greg) Sylvia, and Nicole. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Michael Jr. (Zoe), Kimmy (Elvis), Kahmiwin, Jamie (Hannah), Renita, Christina (Connor), Raeleen, Hayley (Matt), Keena, Max, Cassie ‘his beloved Boo Boo” (Trevor), Alexandra, and Ares. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Frank Henry.

He is remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, Albert, Andrew, William, and Patrick, and nieces Caroline (Roger), Edith (Ivan), Myrtle (Tom), Donna, Pauline, and Christina (Byron), along with many additional great-nieces, great-nephews, nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to mention.

He was predeceased by his parents, John Thomas Henry and Tressie Grace Henry (née Bear). He was also predeceased by several loved ones, his sisters Agnes Fraser (Henry/Duck) and Mary Letandre, and brother Paul Henry who was his partner in everything. His son Michael Henry, his daughter Gloria Henry, his grandchild Zhannel White and his adopted daughter Sheri Reimer.

He was predeceased by his nephews Billy, Johnny, Tommy, Barney, Freeman, Derrick, Dean (Charlie Brown), and Chad; and his nieces Dorothy, Tina, and Rebecca.

Special thanks to his niece Pauline Henry for being by his side since he got sick until he passed. She provided comfort to him by speaking to him in his native language and her presence provided much support to the family.

Anthony Henry was born in 1941 in the rice fields at One Man Lake.

He attended St. Mary’s Residential School for three years during his childhood. This experience formed part of his early life story and the path he walked into adulthood, where he carried forward strength, resilience, and connection to his family and community.

He lived his early years in One Man Lake, in a traditional way off the land and waters. He was a hunter, fisherman, logger and trapper often harvesting deer and moose, and cooking food from the land. He enjoyed many traditional foods, his favourites being sturgeon, walleye, rabbit, moose and deer meat, and others.

In 1957, following the flooding of One Man Lake, Anthony and his community were relocated to Whitedog, where he made his home for the remainder of his life where he raised his first family.

Anthony found work as a guide and a commercial fisherman. He also worked for Hydro. During the early 60’s, Anthony moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he worked at the Assessment Office. He returned to White dog in the early 70s. In 1974 while working as a Teacher’s Aid, he met Valerie. They married June of 1975. Together they shared 50 years of marriage and built a life together.

Throughout his career. Anthony dedicated himself to serving both his community and his family. He worked with Juvenile Probation Services in Kenora as a Probation Officer, helping and supporting young people. He later joined the Legal Clinic, where he worked for 15 years. His commitment to his community extended beyond his employment. He served as a Band Councillor and completed one term as Chief, contributing to the leadership and well-being of his community. Anthony concluded his working career as Band Manager, a position he held for several years. He served on numerous boards, such as the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Board and the most recent being the WCWA board which brought him much happiness and satisfaction.

Anthony had many interests throughout his life. He especially loved outdoor activities in all seasons. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, trapping, fishing, and going on nature walks. These activities were an important part of who he was, and he remained closely connected to the land throughout his life.

He took great pride in sharing the traditional way of life, especially with his wife, Valerie, and made efforts to teach her the skills and teachings he carried from his upbringing. He found great joy in these practices and in being on the land.

Anthony and his brother-in-law, Bill Fraser Sr., were among the last two men in Whitedog to own and travel with dog teams. He had many dogs throughout his life – more than his wife felt necessary – but he loved them dearly, and they were an important part of his life. He will be greatly missed by his dogs, Squishy, Creature, Ava, Daisy and Lilo.

In his younger years, Anthony pursued his pilot’s license and completed a solo flight, a lifetime accomplishment he often remembered and spoke of with pride. He also enjoyed traveling to distant casinos and gambling before COVID.

Anthony was known for his great sense of humour and his ability to make those around him laugh. He never judged people and treated others with acceptance and understanding.

He carried strong values and a deep sense of ethics, taught to him by his parents and carried with him throughout his life. He held a strong belief in social justice, and a clear sense of right and wrong guided him in his decisions, his work, and the way he treated others.

These values were passed on to his family and will continue to be carried forward by those he leaves behind. His life and teachings have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue through the generations who learned from him and loved him.

A Wake Service will begin at the WCWA building on Sunday at 2:00 pm, May 31st, 2026. A traditional service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, officiated by Elder George Land. Burial will take place at the Whitedog Cemetery.