Gordon Howard Henry

Gordon Howard Henry, 84, husband of Patricia A. Henry, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND

Gordon was born September 9, 1940 in Bottineau, North Dakota and grew up on the family farm south of Westhope, North Dakota. He was the youngest child of the late Howard I Henry and Ethel Arline (Convis) Henry. Gordon graduated from Westhope High School in 1958. While in high school, he played basketball and every summer he drove to Mohall, ND where he pitched for their American Legion baseball team. Gordon attended Minot State Teachers College where he played basketball and baseball (and was scouted as a pitcher by the Cleveland Indians before a shoulder injury). He earned a Bachelor's degree in Science Education and Coaching. While at Minot State, he met the love of his life, Patricia O’Brien. They had their first date February 1st of 1962, were engaged two weeks later on the 14th and married that same year on June 23.

After marriage, Gordon and Pat moved to Tioga, ND where Gordon taught high school biology; coached basketball, track, and was the assistant football coach. His JV teams were undefeated during his coaching tenure.

In 1965, they moved to what would become their permanent home, Grand Forks, ND. Gordon had accepted a position as the Head Resident of Squires Hall, and later Walsh Hall where they lived three more years as Gordon finished his Doctoral degree in Counseling and Guidance, graduating in 1970. After completing his Ed.D., he worked as Dean of Men and Assistant Professor of Counseling until 1972, when he was appointed Dean of Students. In 1979-80 the family moved to Tempe, Arizona so he could continue his education with post-doctoral work at Arizona State University. In 1984, Gordon was named Vice President of Student Affairs, overseeing several departments including financial aid, student health, and the student union. Gordon also was instrumental with the UND Angel Fund and the UND Crisis Team. As an administrator, he based his decision on his frequently asked question, “But is it right for the students?” He was a member of many local, regional, and national organizations and was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Grand Forks.

Aside from the title of husband, Gordon’s most cherished role was that of Dad and Grandpa. He loved nothing more than hearing about the adventures going on in their lives. Family was vital to him; he was well known to show up at games and events of his nephews and nieces and their children at events across the country. He was the king of the ‘dad joke,’ loved taking his family on road trips, and of course, loved golf, reading and bird watching. Gordon and Pat hosted hundreds of UND basketball, football, and track members at their home for meals along with student government members and scholarship recipients.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Pat; sons: David of Grand Forks, and Michael (Anne) of Peterborough, UK; daughter, Judy of Fargo; grandchildren: Isaac Henry, John Meier, Elizabeth Meier, Emily Huber and Miles Huber; sisters in law, Nancy (John) Hamilton, Jan Maness, Glenda Blowers; brother-in-law Robert (Judy) Blowers, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers-in- law: Roberta (James) Hesketh, Donna (Duncan) Perry, Phyllis (William) McGinley, Darrell (Joann) Henry, mother-in-law, Marjorie (Virgil) Blowers; sister-in-law Karen Classen. 

Please direct memorials to the UND Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association or one of your choice in his honor.

Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00PM at the Henry Ballroom located in the University of North Dakota Memorial Union. A short service will start at 7:00PM. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, at 11:00AM in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. 

Parking may be found in the parking garage located at the intersection of University Ave and N. Columbia Rd.