Obituary of Walter Albert Henry

     Walter Albert Henry passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St Luke's Hospital in Boise, ID on May 29, 2021. Walter was born on Nov. 21, 1923 in Chester, VT; second son of Hugh Horatio & Clara (Offutt) Henry. He was the 5th generation of the Vermont Henry's.

Graduate of Chester High School class of 1941, president & salutatorian of his class.  He enrolled at Norwich University, Northfield, VT in 1941; then enlisted with U.S. Army in Sept, 1942; re-enrolled at Norwich University in Feb 1946, graduating with High Honor & a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in June, 1947.

     As part of the 71^st Regiment, 44th Infantry Division, Walter was with the first to land in France after D-Day. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, served as squad leader (S/Sgt) with the regiment in the European Theater of Operations from Sept 1944 until the end of WW II in Europe in May 1945. Awards & citations included the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star & the Purple Heart Medal.

Walter married Edith Laura Stoddard in Chester, VT on June 7, 1944 while home on furlough. They were married for 73 years. Walter was employed with the VT Highway Dept. from 1947 until 1955. He and Robert Dufresne founded the Dufresne-Henry Engineering Co in 1955 in Springfield, VT, which later became Dufresne-Henry, Inc. The corporation, by the early 1980's, had grown to the largest consulting civil & sanitary engineering firm in New England north of Boston. He last served as Treasurer & Chairman of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 1992.

     Walter & Edith moved to St. Simons Island, GA in 1989. A life-long Episcopalian, Walter was active as a member of Christ Church, Frederica on St. Simons Island. In 2016, Walter and Edith moved to Boise, ID

Being very active as an alumnus of Norwich University, Walter was involved in capital fund drives, one-star general membership in the Partridge Society, Honorary Member of the Board of Fellows, Board of Fellows Medallion award, and Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1990. He also was a Garrison Associate Founding Member in the Partridge Society.

     Walter was a Registered Professional Engineer in VT & NH, as well as a Registered Land Surveyor in both states. He was a Life Member on the VT Society of Land Surveyors & the National Society of Professional Engineers.

     Walter was an avid skier (both snow & water), & taught many friends to water ski at his summer camp on Lake Rescue near Ludlow, VT. He enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, & other outdoor activities while living in VT. He was a long-time member of the Springfield (VT) chapter of the American Red Cross.

     Walter is survived by his daughter, Cynthia & son-in-law Richard Hella of North Andover, MA & Boise, ID; Grandsons Michael & wife Beth Hella of Groveland, MA, & Matthew Hella of Boise, ID; 3 Great grandchildren - Katie Hella of Groveland, MA, Asher & Rowan Hella of Boise, ID; nephew Hugh Howard Henry of Chester, VT. He was preceded in death by his wife Edith Henry, his parents, Hugh & Clara Henry, his brother Hugh (Buster) Henry & his niece Alice (Suzy) Forlie.

     A full military graveside service will be held in the future at Norwich University Cemetery in Northfield, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Honor Flight, Box L-4016, Columbus, OH 43260-4016 or online.