My Friend Henry

I had just returned to Las Vegas after a short time flying out of Kennedy Airport in New York. I was walking up to the gate where my aircraft was to depart and noticed this man standing at the podium at the gate.

He was busily typing on the keyboard and looking over the paperwork on the desk. He was a tall and slender man, and as I sauntered up to the podium he looked up from his duties and with a smile and warm good morning I introduced myself. He then stepped away from the podium, put out his hand and with a smile I will never forget said, ”Good Morning Captain, my name is Henry and I’ll be your gate agent this morning.” With a firm handshake, we became instant friends.

Henry had this way about him. He always seemed happy and willing to do whatever it took to get the job at hand completed. We hit it off instantly. We started some small talk and soon found out that we were both Ex Air Force. I had served four years and he had retired from the service. Hence our instant connection. We had both been Sergeants, non-commissioned officers, and had the same military work ethic. That also accounted for his demeanor, the way he carried himself and the way he treated everyone that he came in contact with. His white shirt was always pressed and he wore his name tag proudly over his left breast pocket.

Over the years there was never an unkind word between us. I was always pleased to see that he was in charge of my flights. I considered him the Captain till the door was closed. He would always check with the crews, both front and back, to make sure we had what we needed. He would come into the cockpit and always make sure that all was well. He cared, he genuinely cared, not only for the crew but the passengers.

I still remember him coming into the cockpit. Sometimes he would sit on the jump seat behind me and watch as we went thru our routine. When the time came, he would ask if we were ready and if it was okay to board. It was always a pleasure to have him aboard.

Over the years we established a bond. We were more than just employees doing our jobs. We were like brothers who could talk to each other about anything. Whenever I got there early and the plane was empty I would make coffee and make sure that he had some. We shared laughs and sorrows over coffee while sitting in the plane. Sometimes the time got away from us. Oh Well.

I had the pleasure to have been introduced to his charming wife. They had a relationship that I truly envied. Whenever you saw them together you instantly knew of the love and respect that they shared. It was an honor to have known them both.

I left the flying community in 2006. I was offered a position that took me away from Las Vegas and those that I knew. We lost touch until this thing called “Facebook” came along and I reconnected with Henrys wife Marcia. I was sad to hear that Henry had passed and was now watching down on all of us. He is still taking care of us as he always had.

I will never forget the man with the smile and handshake that instantly set you at ease. He was a true friend and one of those that you just can never forget. He was a part of my flying career and I don’t know if he knew it, but part of my dream of flight. He is a bright thread in the tapestry that makes up the life that is mine, and I am sure many others whose lives he has touched.

You are missed my friend, by me and countless others whose lives you touched. You set an example for others to follow and aspire too. Henry, I am proud to have called you friend, Thank You. You made everyday I saw you a little brighter and a little better. God Bless Captain.

Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy