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John and Lorna Ferguson pledged to donate to Henry Labatte YMCA Scholarship Fund

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Henry was a great champion of leadership development. We are appy to support his legacy.

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David and Elizabeth Cuddy uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, May 29, 2022

We were saddened to learn of Henry’s passing in the Globe. He was a devoted and loving companion to Jean for many years. He broadened her horizons, and introduced her to jazz. In return, she persuaded him to attend the ballet, on occasion. They travelled widely, and enjoyed seeing the world together. Their last adventure was to the West Coast by train, and included an exciting helicopter flight in the Rockies (photo). We were very fond of him, and will miss him. Our sincere condolences to the Labatte family. David and Elizabeth Cuddy

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Mike Cuddy posted a condolence

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Dear Neil, Brian and Mary We are very sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. He was a wonderful man, and true companion to my mom for many years. She was very fortunate to have met him! Kathi and I spent many mornings having breakfast with them both at the Avenue Rd diner, at Nespresso, at the hotel, and other locations. He was a kind and caring man, and we always enjoyed watching the Leafs or the Blue Jays on TV with him. We have many pictures of my mom and Henry together, to remind us of the great times they shared. Mike and Kathi Cuddy

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Rose and Ellen Dubin posted a condolence

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Dearest Labatte Family, Our hearts go out to you. Henry was an amazing gentle soul with a sharp wit and a strong mind. He was a huge part of our lives- He was a dedicated friend who visited my husband Carl every single Friday afternoon at Sunnybrook Veteran's Centre. Always with a smile, a chocolate bar and a newspaper, he would read the paper with Carl and explain the news to him. No matter what mood Carl was in, Henry was always upbeat, patient and kind. Henry and Carl formed a special bond at the YMCA and worked out together. They shared many laughs and stories. They also shared a love of jazz music and would go to the Montreal Bistro together to hear their favorite musicians. Theirs was a special friendship. The accomplishments of Henry are huge- what a life he lead. So ahead of his time. He will be greatly missed. We hope he and Carl are listening to some Duke Ellington up in the sky... All our love, Rose and Ellen Dubin

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Sid Finkelstein posted a condolence

Saturday, May 21, 2022

My deepest sympathies to Henry’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I joined the board of the YMCA toward the end of Henry’s tenure as president. It was a time of great expansion of the bricks and mortar and I was always impressed by the strong clear and decisive leadership that was characteristic of Henry. What impressed me the most was the fact that Henry could always be found working out at the North York Y and was always available for a friendly chat and a great source of advice no matter what the problem. When I was selected, as a volunteer, to go with staff to visit the Prague Y it was Henry who came out to meet with the team that was preparing to go. He met with us for 2 hours, four times, explaining what he had discovered about that Y on a visit of his own shortly after the facility in Prague became a Y again after years of occupation by the Nazis and then the communists. His insight and knowledge was vital to our visit in setting the twining of the North York Y and the Prague Y. He was an amazing teacher, full of useful facts and insightful recommendations. I always looked forward to Henry’s visit to prepare us. Most of all Henry was always welcoming to me and a true embodiment of all the great values that made the Y the the wonderful organization it was and continues to be.

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Wendy McDowall posted a condolence

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Dear Brian, Neil, Jean and families, I was very sorry to hear about Henry's passing - it is strangely surprising that he is gone. In reading his obituary you truly get the full scope of his contribution and what a full life he led. I think back fondly about the annual lunches we would have to discuss his generousity. I learned after the first one to come prepared! He had reviewed our financials and recent updates and he had insightful comments and sometimes challenging :-) questions, but always wrapped up our meeting with kind words of encouragement. Thinking of you all during this time. Wendy McDowall

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The family of Henry J.D. Labatte uploaded a photo

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Henry J.D. Labatte

1927 - 2022

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