KERRY PAUL HENDRY

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KERRY PAUL HENDRY

December 3, 1958 - August 23, 2025

Kerry Paul Hendry passed away after a determined and courageous battle with glioblastoma. Given only a few months to live, he was determined to fight and told doctors to give it everything they had (and they did). Such strength and determination were simply the way Kerry lived his whole life as well as his love for life, for family and friends, and for a really good time. He was a passionate and relentless colleague and volunteer, ready to take on any number of projects and challenges.

Kerry was predeceased by his parents Bill and Emily Hendry, his brothers Billie, Mark, and Collin, and his sister Susanne. Left to mourn are his brothers Gordon (Donna) and Ian (Wendy), and his sisters Sharon (Lloyd) and Nena. Also grieving are his children Kelly Gislason (Joe and their children Magnus and Kristjan) and Trevor Hendry (Jenny). Numerous nieces and nephews will also miss “Unkie Kerry”: Craig (Janelle), Tannis, Ashley (Adam), Ryan (Brittany), Charna, Joe, Tyson and Nick (Charlene). Also great-nephews and great-nieces: Lilja, Mitch, Teddy, Logan, Emma, and Zander. His loving wife Mary Benbow will miss him with all her heart but has been left with the treasured gifts of a beautiful family, cherished memories, and laugh-out-loud reminiscences.

Kerry was competitive in everything from hockey to fishing to the 50:50 on the bus from Stonewall to Blue Bomber and Jets games. Kerry was recognized for his many contributions from the Platinum Jubilee Medal for community service and first place for the best male legs in Moosomin, Saskatchewan in 1978; he was particularly proud as a Life Member of the Kinsmen Club of Stonewall. Kerry first joined Kinsmen in Moosomin (illegally as he was under age) followed by joining Kinsmen clubs in Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg (All Saints) and in Stonewall. He was involved in numerous Kinsmen related initiatives ranging from raising funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis, many seasons of Christmas trees sales, and playgrounds and the splash pad in Stonewall. He was particularly proud to participate in the world under 17 hockey challenge where he met a young Alexander Ovechkin who at 16 was a man amongst boys.

Born on December 3, 1958, in Selkirk, Manitoba Kerry was the seventh of nine children (lucky number seven he said) to Bill and Emily Hendry. He went to Selkirk High School and after was immediately employed at the Bank of Montreal, moving numerous times, managing many branches, and eventually becoming account manager for Winnipeg for a total of 21 years. He then joined South Interlake Credit Union (becoming Sunova and now Access) for a total of 24 years retiring in 2020 as director of risk management. The credit union and its crew brought not just great opportunities but great times, friendships, and celebrations. Whether it was karaoke at planning sessions or the “Spark Parties” or fly-in fishing in the North, Kerry continued to stay in touch with so many from “Credit Union Land”.

Kerry loved to travel, visiting the US, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the UK. He especially loved the Hawaiian Islands travelling to each one with Mary, watching an erupting volcano, surviving a tsunami warning, and experiencing so many lovely places. He relished listening to Hawaiian music live and meeting people while barbequing at VRBOs. Kerry was an excellent travel planner (ably abetted by Lesli Malegus) to hunt down every airline, accommodation and rental car bargain. (He once even flew from Winnipeg to Manchester, England just to surprise Mary). Kerry was a voracious reader of military history (especially Canadian Second World War books) and biographies. He also loved music (classic rock), fishing (occasionally) and golfing (badly).

Kerry was a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens, the Winnipeg Jets, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Either traveling on the bus from Stonewall (thanks Citizens for Safety) or watching the game from a garage, Kerry enjoyed sharing the experience, wins, and losses with a cast of characters (not least Trevor, Chase, and Scotty in full Bombers regalia). Whether it was a crowd for a game or a Friday evening “to solve world problems” his garage (the Pony Corral or PC) was a hive of activity.

We wish to thank the many doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and radiation therapists who worked tirelessly to help Kerry; Cancer Care Manitoba is truly not only a centre of expertise but also a refuge of caring and compassion. Drs. Almojuela, Kakumanu, Pitz and others steered us through the journey of diagnosis, surgery, treatments, and palliative care. Dr. Ralf Macek, our family doctor, has provided the most diligent and gentle care anyone could imagine. Many thanks to the Stonewall Hospital and their kind and caring staff for making Kerry’s final days calm and comfortable. Also thanks to Cancer Care pharmacists as well as local pharmacists Trevor Johnson and Jason Nutbean for explaining the complex details of drugs and dosages. We have been surrounded by an incredible network of family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends bringing food (so much food), wonderful visits recounting great memories and all sorts of jobs to help us in our home (special shout out to everyone who made it accessible in record time - Kevin, Chris, Dave, Laurie, Derek, and Mark). So many people helped Kerry continue to make great memories from Bomber Games (Curtis), family photos (Joanne), and trips to Clear Lake (Kevin and Dave) and Lobstick Bay (Ed, Dave, Kevin, and Trevor). We were driven to medical appointments by a crew of friends, misfits, and rebels notably Dave, Brian, Ed, Terry, Mike, and Jim, affably organized by Kevin who drove on every road possible to Winnipeg (and a few questionable routes to add to the adventure). Despite the stress of these appointments these fine gentlemen cheered us up, and were an unlimited source of conversation on the Jets, the Bombers, and complaining about the government full time.

Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life (and what a life) will be held at MacKenzie Funeral Home (433 Main Street, Stonewall) on Friday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the Stonewall Legion. You are encouraged to wear your favourite team jersey (Leafs only if you must) or Aloha wear. Flowers are gratefully declined. Instead please consider making a donation to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, the Interlake Community Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

And now a note from Kerry (because he insisted):

“If you are reading this I lost the battle but won the war. F U cancer! I had a great life and hope I made a difference while on this Earth. I am going to miss everyone but especially my dear wife Mary who has been my strength and love of my life. We enjoyed laughing, travel and spending time with family and friends. Our grandsons Magnus and Kristjan will be missed but rest assured that they are loved. To my children Kelly and Trevor, I am proud of the people you have become. I will love you forever.

If I can ask one thing…… Volunteer in your community or pick a charity in need and that you have a passion for. As a lifelong volunteer, I got more out of volunteering than I put in. Charity is not all about writing a cheque although monetary donations are always appreciated. Thanks for making memories and enhancing my life. Love you all!”

MacKenzie Funeral Home

mackenziefh.com

204 467 2525

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2025