| Nekrolog |
- July 3, 2012
Henri J. Floch passed on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.
Henri was born June 1, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY, to parents Henri G. and Martha, both newly immigrated from France. While still a young boy, Henri got the opportunity to live in France, and he remembered it fondly. Growing up in Brooklyn during his youth, he enjoyed immensely all that the city had to offer. Sit with him long enough and you were bound to hear stories about jumping off piers and swimming in the East River, the wonder of museums large and small, having to carry home whole fish, head and tails intact, or a chicken still to be plucked from the open air markets, visiting Coney Island and seeing many of the jazz greats when they were just starting out.
He met his wife Doris, of nearly 58 years (she was also raised in Brooklyn), on a blind date while in college. He showed up for their first date with live lab rats in cages in the back seat of his car. He must have made a very good first impression.
After graduating from SUNY Oswego, he started teaching the sciences at Phoenix Central Schools. He was drafted soon after for the Korean War. Upon his return he resumed the teaching that he loved so much. He often credited Mr. John C Birdlebough for shepherding him through all the steps a new teacher has to learn.
Henri and Doris were married in 1954 and started a family, having three daughters. His family was his pride and joy, and together Henri and Doris gave their children a rich and loving life, teaching them the beauty of a quiet beach, the joy of a good book and the simple pleasure of a campfire.
Henri went on to teach children and shepherd new teachers himself for over 38 years. His students often came on their lunch breaks to feed the many fish, rats, hamsters and gerbils that he kept in his classroom. He always wanted to make science exciting and interesting for all the kids that came his way. He was excited and proud to put these ideas on paper, writing and publishing two science textbooks over his career. Whether he was showing his much loved grandson where the mouth was on a sand dollar or taking his cherished daughters to see "just one more" museum or walking with his beloved wife and many beagles on the shores of Lake Ontario, he was always a good, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Henri leaves behind his wife, Doris (Burkle); daughters Margot Floch and her husband, Greg Irving, Nancy Mansson and her partner Sheila Blais, and Barbara Floch and her partner Bonnie Foley. He also leaves his grandson, Andrew Mansson, and his wife Christina Mansson, as well as his two great-grandchildren Henry and Jillian Mansson.
The family would love you to share your love and remembrance of Henri on July 12, 2012, between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m. at Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, 431 Main Street, Phoenix, NY. The family is planning to establish a scholarship fund in Henri's name in the near future. Please make your donations directly to the family.
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1928 - 2012 (84 år)
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