Joey Appleton (Du. 1979-84) writes:
"Henry or just plain H to his friends was a larger than life character on and off the rugby field. H played for the Old Brightonians soon after he left the college and was immensely loved by all his team mates. He was a gifted runner with ball in hand and a real nightmare for the opposition, described as the Jonah Lomu of School and OB’s rugby, and if his time was not in the amateur era, H would surely have made a living out of the Grand Old Game. Another OB backrow colleague said following H was like drafting a stolen bus never knowing who he would bull-dozer next.
In recent years H has travelled extensively in Asia and his favourite place was Cambodia where he had hoped to return after the lockdown travel restrictions had been removed.
His views were intellectual and interesting, always conscious and caring about the environment. Green at Heart, he genuinely cared about people close to him with that cheeky smile beaming all over his face.
H was a joy to be around, in fact a really special person; you will be missed and much loved for everything you shared with your friends. Even your love of Red Wine and Fanta Orange in the same glass!"
Henry's funeral will be held on Wednesday, 31st March 2021, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, at Woodvale Crematorium, South Chapel, Lewes Road, Brighton - and will be a closed affair due to COVID restrictions but there will be a live stream (see below). In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Henry's memory to support Mind: Brighton and Hove.
Because of the restrictions on numbers the family would also like to have a "Celebration of Henry's Life" on the 27 August 2021 at a venue in Brighton so friends and rugby mates can pay their respects.
Caroline Holcombe writes:
"Although not there in person I know that you will be with us in spirit.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible when we join together to celebrate Henry, in Brighton, on what would have been his Birthday; 27th August 2021. Please let me know how many will be attending so I can source the right sized venue."