Henry Mardis has been a dear friend and volunteer for the MHA Compeer program for many years. He and his partner Jan are a constant fixture at Compeer events and the MHA Annual Dinner. This past year, they received the Compeer Volunteer of the Year Award.
This weekend we were saddened to learn of his passing. Henry has been fighting cancer for over a year. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Jan and their children.
Henry and Jan are probably the most loved members of Compeer. The room lights up when they arrive. Whether it is spending special time with their dear friend, Becky, or in attending an event and making new friends, they are a great source of warmth and hope. Henry, a quiet man, shared his life with each member of Compeer. His wife Jan, more gregarious, is a perfect companion for this loving and gentle man.
Henry’s birthday was at the beginning of August, and he kindly celebrated with the Compeer family at a Hawaiian Party. Several members brought gifts and the happy crowd ate cupcakes with their dear friend. Even when he was very ill and limited in his social time, he always welcomed friends into his home and shared his enthusiasm for life. He is a role model for all a friend should be: compassionate, caring, funny, accepting and supportive.
He has taught us all a great lesson about how to truly live our lives with joy and compassion. We will miss him at our events, but he is always with us in our hearts.
Let us remember our friend as he lived-full of life and love.
--Kristen Frame
Compeer Coordinator
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