It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George M. Henry at St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, after a short illness. 

Born in Whitehorse, Yukon, to George and Pansy Henry (nee Smith), George is survived by his beloved partner and wife of 41 years, Jan Staples, sisters Joanne Henry, Sharon Kerr, Colleen Henry and brother Don Henry. George was blessed with 15 nieces and nephews, and a growing brood of great nieces and nephews. 

George attended Brooks Brook School, Lower Post Residential School and graduated from F.H Collins. He went on to study broadcast communications at University of Alaska, Fairbanks, before transferring to Ryerson Polytechnical University, Toronto to complete his Bachelor of Applied Arts.

He returned to the Yukon to help build Northern Native Broadcasting, Yukon, including the start-up of CHON FM, Nedaa – Your Eye on the Yukon, and Television Northern Canada. George went on to become the first Indigenous Vice President of Yukon College, before heading to Victoria in the early 90s to pursue a law degree from UVic before being called to the Bar of BC.

A member of the Teslin Tlingit Council Kookhittaan Clan, he remained active in his First Nation’s affairs, contributing to the nation’s economic interests and cultural affairs. 

George was known to all as an avid sports fan and music lover, but his greatest love was his wife Jan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date when we can all gather safely together.