Alexander "Sandy" Henry

Alexander "Sandy" Henry 1940-2013 73 Years Old We lost Sandy on Friday evening, March 15, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Since the diagnosis of cancer hit this January, it has been hard to conceive of life without Sandy in it. The day after the cancer diagnosis, Sandy had to fill out some general forms. One had a question on quality of life. Chose between 1-10....Sandy checked the box for "9" and wrote "I have a really good life." That was Sandy, exactly. Born January 22, 1940 in Fremont Township to Earl and Ruth (McCready) Henry and grew up there with his brothers, Curt and Dean. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1958 where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. Following High School, Sandy served in the United States Army stationed in Korea. Sandy took his love of sports with him to Korea and organized both baseball and basketball on base. It is no surprise that Sandy enjoyed his time in Korea and really shined when he spoke of his time in the service. He could still recall all the guys he served with and even the positions they played on the ball field. When he came home, Sandy continued serving his country as member of the St. Charles American Legion and a Past Commander of Lewiston American Legion. Sandy found a career he loved and he managed Wyattville Feed Mill and Hulshizer Grain of Utica, sold feed for Big Gain of St. Charles, managed Benson Feed of Utica and currently sold feed for Benson's of Lewiston. Benson Feed in Utica/Lewiston became a 2nd home with a 2nd family for Sandy. He loved you all and loved coming to work. Always a smile and that bit of a jokester made Sandy friends wherever he went. Going out with him, whether to the Mayo Clinic, LaCrosse, Winona, it didn't matter, someone would yell "Hey, Henry". Yes, Sandy knew someone wherever we went. Always! Sandy could find the best in any day. This positive attitude has to be the source of all the love and respect everyone has for him. Humble always, Sandy was shocked to find how many in his community rallied around him at his cancer diagnosis. He said, can you believe this many people care? Yes, truly, he deserved it. Trying to say he is missed just can't touch the loss of this great man, who thought he was just ordinary. Just weeks ago, Sandy enjoyed one of his favorite hobbies, going to the casino. Gambling, whether a pull tab, scratch off, or the real deal, he loved. Lida and Sandy took many a trip to Vegas with their friends. This day was with two of his wonderful nieces who shared the day with him at Diamond Joe's. He loved the day and he loved spending time together. One pride has been serving as the long-time Mayor of Utica. Being Mayor of Utica was something Sandy was so proud of. Trying to talk him into putting up the signs we made for his first election, he thought we were crazy. He thought no one would vote for him. Wrong! No one was prouder of him as he tackled this role than his grandkids. They never missed a chance to say, "My grandpa, the mayor." Another pride was his family. Survivors include his long time companion Lida Greethurst, a granddaughter Billie Jo (Steve) Bishop, great-grandchildren, Julia and Isaac Bishop, two brothers, Curt (Margaret) Henry of St. Charles, Dean (Margaret) Henry of Utica, his nieces and nephews and Lida's daughter Vonda (Richard) McAllister. He was preceded in death by his parents. Sandy was devoted to Lida and she to him. They were a couple that surprised us all at first, but they fit so well. He has cared for her in the hardest of times with dignity and never a complaint. 30+ years together took them on many ups and downs, now he goes ahead to make her path clear. Never apart, certainly he is with her in spirit still today. Maybe he mentioned his grandson plays basketball, oh say, maybe 100 times or so? Well, not at his level yet. They were going to work on it this summer, but grandpa now is watching. As for his grandkids, well hopefully he knew that he rose and set the sun. He could do no wrong and we looked to him for everything. Christmas two years ago found him shoveling a path for the bbq grill, on which he proceeded to grill grandpa's famous cheeseburgers. Because, he said, Christmas is for the kid's and this is what they like! No one could be luckier than we were to have Sandy as our grandpa. Love for him just cannot be expressed big enough, wide enough, or loud enough. We thank you Lord for grandpa, our richest blessing. Biggest of all was his kindness, compassion and pure joy. We thank you for sharing him with all of us, friends and family.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/382252