Henri (Hank) Masson

In Loving Memory
Henri André Masson (Hank) 
April 16, 1948 - May 16, 2025

Henri passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by 18 of his loved ones. His final words spoke of his deep love for his family-those with him, and those he held in his heart.

Born to Anna (Dumont) and Adelard Masson in Oak Lake, Manitoba, Henri grew up on the farm with his five siblings - Don, Ron, Marguerite, Paul, and Ernest. He loved sports, especially hockey, and always preferred the outdoors to the classroom.

Henri lived a full, hardworking life-starting in printing, mining, and construction, then settling into farming in Ste. Rose, where he met Fern. They married in 1976 and raised four children -Dustin, Sacha, Darcy and Emily - in a tiny farmhouse filled with love, noise, and laughter. Later, they owned Chicken Chef, where Henri thrived-feeding people, telling stories, and mentoring young staff.

In 2001, he built their dream home at the lake. It became his sanctuary, where he hunted, trapped, fished, gardened, fed the critters, and gave tractor rides to his grandkids (Seth, Tristin, Anika, Hudson, Wren). He loved a good project, a well-stocked wild meat freezer, and perfectly cooked pickerel.

Henri was endlessly generous, a little mischievous, and always had a “treasure” tucked away in his garage just in case someone needed it. He had a gift for fixing things, making people feel loved, and showing up when it mattered.

Henri lived with adventure in his heart-ski trips to Banff, 4 months in Australia, the Caribbean, Maui, motorhome travels across North America, his 60th birthday Red Corvette from Palm Springs, and dipping his toes in the frozen Arctic Ocean in Alaska. He built a life rich with laughter, generosity, and unforgettable memories. 

He was a devoted husband, proud dad, cherished uncle, loving papa, and loyal friend. His life was built on love, hard work and joy in the little things. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on through every trail he walked, every skill he taught and every life he touched.

“ It'll be okay, I love you all.”

- Henri’s final words

A Celebration of Henri’s life was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Ste. Rose Cemetery in Ste. Rose du Lac, MB.  All are welcome to attend the service and we ask that those attending the service to please bring your lawn chair for seating.  

Should friends so desire, please consider remembering Hank with a donation to the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.