Henry at Milton Academy

Henry attended Milton Academy, where his dorm head described him as “the heart and soul of Goodwin House.” Milton was a time of important friendships, intellectual growth, and—a particular highlight—being part of the sailing team that won a national title.

Memories

Picture
When I think of Henry I think of the most powerful booming laugh imaginable.  Henry and Charlie Enright used to come and sit in the Activities Office on a regular basis to engage in conversation with me.  I think all we did was laugh.  

This photo is of the Class of 2002 Milton Academy graduation and is tacked on the bulletin board of my office.  It never fails to bring a smile to my face.  

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Masters family.

- Fran McInnis
Henry was a student of mine at Milton. I taught physics, and Henry was capable and (I don't have my grade book with me) I remember he did very well. Not A+, but quite solid. But more than that, he was a solid person, grounded, in touch with everyone around him. When he came into the classroom, it was always with a heartfelt greeting, for me and everyone else in the room at the time. And a delightful, light sense of humor. He was never seduced by the power that his physical size implied, and I liked him very much for that. When I learned if his death, I thought, how unfair. Here is one of the best, ripped out of us, gone from our community of people trying to help others. Tests your faith, it does.

Fondest regards,
Chris R. Brown, Milton faculty, 1999 - 2004
I joined Milton's class of '02 as a new junior, it was difficult for me to redefine myself in a group that was so tight knit. It didn't take me long to figure out who Henry was, he stood out because of his laugh. To me Henry laughed with his entire being, such a strong, joyous laugh, it was contagious. He was often the first person I heard in as I walked to homeroom, a clear indication that fun was to be had. Although not always a participant it felt as though Henry was always involved in all the adventures our class had, at least tangentially. Be it through retelling the story or inventing a new game, he acted as a nexus of fun. Whether it was the homeroom chair tower, or the senior 4 square court, his is the face I picture when I think of our class at Milton Academy. Once during the winter of my junior year he invited me to hang out with a bunch of kids during a free period in homeroom. Although it was a minor gesture for him it was a really important moment for me, it felt as though I had gained the acceptance of the class. That was one of the reasons he was such a special person in our community, he wasn't a popular kid who happened to be nice, he was a nice kid first, and because of that, popular. I wrote Henry an email  during our senior spring it where I called him "the heart and soul of '02", that really hasn't changed. I'll always remember him as the funny, caring soul that he was. I'm really grateful to have known him, he taught me a lot about friendship and community. My prayers and good wishes go out to the Masters family and to all of the many lives that Henry touched. He will be missed greatly.

- Miguel Williams, Milton Class of '02
I have no idea if Henry remembers this or even if it meant anything to him. But the last time saw him was at the vet's office. I never expected him to be there. I didn't know he worked there. I'd brought my wife's dog there before and never saw him behind the counter. But this time would be the last time I brought Etta to the vet. We came into the office, our 13 year-old Rottweiler in my arms, unable to walk. I can't tell you how much a relief it was to see Henry when I stepped into that office. I was a wreck because we weren't coming to find a cure for this old pup. We were coming to say goodbye. But to see Henry after spending two year's as his advisor, after watching him breathe life into Goodwin House's fading sense of community, after hoping and praying with all I could hope and pray with that he would find a way out of the hospital, was a blessing: a comfort I wouldn't have even known to ask for.

And that is how Henry will always be for me. He is an unlikely comforter. He is the life I find in joy and the joy I find in life. He is strength. He is the friend that everyone will rally behind, not because he asks you to but because he is just the type of guy you know will lead you somewhere good.

- from André Heard, Milton Academy
To Henry's family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I went to Milton with Henry, and he was always welcoming and joyful. He had a way of putting those around him at ease. We are blessed to have had him as a friend.

- Lea Reynolds, Milton Academy