The thread that runs through Henry’s life—his leadership, purpose, mentoring, and capacity to effect change—is best expressed through his ten-year relationship with The Food Project, an organization fostering personal and social change through sustainable agriculture. Henry started there at age 14 as a crew member, rising through the ranks of summer positions to crew leader, Roxbury farm manager, and later, between college and graduate school, a year full-time as youth coordinator, building programming and curricula that ensured a level playing field for young participants from all backgrounds in the Boston metropolitan area. The Food Project embodied Henry’s hopes and dreams for society, not to mention his enjoyment of good food—grown well, harvested lovingly, and distributed to those for whom a healthy diet was economically challenging. It was a practical way to change the world, reflected in youth development.

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Henry Masters is his infectious laugh.   If he thought something was funny, the rest of our crew probably ended up laughing too.
 
That summer truly changed my life and Henry was a big part of it.  It was his first time being back at TFP for awhile so he was really trying to do his best.  We ran into some challenges early on in the summer; our crew wasn't getting along and  various other things occurred that was a challenge for all of us to deal with.  However, Henry Masters brought such a positive and real energy, we all ended up bonding and having an amazing summer.   
Henry was never fake he was always real and that meant a lot to me.
 
That summer is very close to my heart.  I continued onto the Academic Year Program and an Internship the following summer but SYP was definitely the most fun. Thanks Henry Masters ! RIP

- Ali Smith

Henry was a really big part of my life....ive known him for only 2 1/2 years but he became like a best friend, a brother, and a father figure to me. He was a role model who always believed in me, and who will always believe in me. He brought out the best in me whenever i was feeling my worst. It was mainly because of that laugh, and that crooked smile. He was a great man. To all those that knew him, both family and friend, he will be sorely missed. Thank you Henry, for being there for all of us with that gigantic hug of yours.

- Hannah Kazimer

I met Henry during my first summer with The Food Project, his second.  I was a crew leader and Henry an Assistant Crew Leader.  I remember Henry and Jeff B. cracking each other up all summer long.  After a number of years as Lincoln Site Supervisor and a couple running the DIRT crew, I moved on, but in 2006, I came back for one more year on the Lincoln land.  Henry, too, came back - as a Crew Leader.  I recognized the same humor from six or seven years earlier, but also a maturity, patience, and strong sense of self - that infected others.  I loved watching Henry guide his crew that summer.  And was overjoyed to learn that he returned again after that summer to supervise in Roxbury and the DIRT crew.  Always thoughtful, Henry would drop me an email now and again to catch up and to share his happiness with the work he was engaged in.  In January 2008, he wrote:

"I have really found that I love working here in this supervisory capacity. I still get to be close with the youth and work on the land, but I also have a role in shaping the curriculum and making positive changes in the organization. I'm so happy that I've been able to work here, and I'm looking forward to everything the next year will bring."

You will be missed, Henry.

-Mike Evans

I just received the heartbreaking news about Henry today. Even though I was only at TFP for a short time, I was touched and inspired by Henry´s warmth and genuine spirit.  Even in the short time I knew him, he felt like a real friend, and I think of that as a testament to his kindness and open nature.

There are few people who have touched as many people and changed as many lives as Henry did. His were accomplishments we all strive for in our lives, and that is all the more remarkable given his age. This kind of loss is very difficult to bear.  My thoughts are with you all.

- Daniel Ungier

I'm sorry to see Henry pass.  He was a bright young man that touched my life and I'm sure others as well.  I was Henry's assistant crew leader when he first started with The Food Project.  I remember his jovial spirit, but also his strong sense of responsibility.  It was a hard summer.  A number of our crew members dropped out, but Henry remained strong and was one of the voices that helped keep our crew together.  Because of Henry and other crew members' resolve, we grew closer together.  It was a fun summer filled with different trials.  Henry's character shown through in the difficulty.  I haven't been in touch since then, but I was touched by the website dedicated to him.  I can see what a wonderful man Henry became.  I could see the core of who he was at 14.  It just seem to have bloomed from there.  I send my love and best wishes to Henry and his family.  I'm happy I was able to be part of Henry's life.

- Mark Liu

I only met Henry once or twice at Food Project gatherings but for several years I have know of his powerful impact on my son Bharat. I know there are scores of other Food Project youth who also count Henry as a pivotal influence.  In the past three or four years, as Bharat became crew leader, and eventually sight supervisor, Henry has been his role model and became his friend.  Henry's humor, energy, sensitivity and compassion have been guide stars for Bharat.
  
Henry is a person whose life was transformed by his experience, faith and the love that surrounded him.  He became  transformational figure in each of his communities.  May we all hold his special qualities in our memories, grow them in our lives and magnify them in the world.

- Nancy Shippen

Four years ago when our quiet son, Ryan Devlin, started working at The Food Project, it was Henry's warm smile, embrace, and comforting words that made us realize that Ryan was in good hands.  Time and again, Ryan would come home remarking on Henry's leadership, care, positive attitude, humor, and warmth.  Ryan looked up to Henry.  Henry helped so many teens from many different cultures, towns, and schools come together to work hard, have fun, and learn.  Henry will live on in our thoughts and dreams - we will always work to nurture the "Henry" in our sons and those children that we work with.  He is a "star" to us and when we look up at the bright stars over our house we will think of one as his bright spirit.  Our love and prayers to you, Henry's family and girlfriend.  It is such a grave loss.

- Maureen Devlin

Some of the best memories I have about The Food Project include Henry. I remember him helping me throughout the DIRT program to build my confidence in public speaking. He is even mentioned in my college essay as someone who has greatly influenced my life. I always remember Henry with a big smile on his face no matter what kind of task we were doing. Henry, I will miss you so much and I will never forget the role that you have played in my life. Thank you for always being there and being such a great role model and friend.
 
Celina Chan, The Food Project

I had the great pleasure of getting to know Henry during the summer of 2006. It was Henry’s first time back at The Food Project after having been away for a couple of years. As a crew leader, he and I were responsible for 10 youth workers. We were faced with several challenges that summer and I am so glad that I was able to tackle them with him. I really could not have asked for someone better to work with. One of the reasons why that summer stands out is because of the time I was able to spend getting to know Henry. I just remember laughing with him all the time and the great level of comfort that I felt around him. I remember he was dealing with a very painful shoulder injury at the time that would make it difficult for him to work in the fields. But, no matter how bad the pain got he wouldn’t let it slow him down and he would always be right there working along side the rest of us. I have great admiration and affection for Henry and I will miss him tremendously. I’m glad to be left with the memories of his vivacious laughter and his warm smile. I am all the better for having been able to cross paths with him. My sincerest thank you.

- Cindy Garo, The Food Project

My deep condolences for your loss. How lucky you were to know Henry as well as you did. I only knew him a little bit when he was site supervisor in Lincoln at the Food Project in the summer of 2008. I very much enjoyed working with him and under him at the Food Project. He was always a reasonable and happy man; I also enjoyed going to the Northeast Organic Farmers Association Conference in Amherst with him. He drove the van that I was in on the way out and the way back, and I slept in the same tent with him. I very much enjoyed the time I spent with him and appreciated the leadership he showed as site supervisor; my work crew had a lot of problems among ourselves, and Henry really helped us.

Thank you Henry! I'm glad I knew you!

- Russell Weiss-Irwin, The Food Project