HENRY ARTHUR GLUCH 1959-2023
Henry passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2023 at the age of 63, surrounded by his immediate family, after a stoic 11-month battle with cancer. He is survived and deeply missed by the loves of his life, wife Madeleine and sons Conrad and Alexander; sister Elizabeth (Kenneth) and brother Zenek (Marie-Josée); brother-in-law John; nieces, nephews, their partners, and great nieces; family members in Canada and Poland, and a circle of dear and loving friends.
The second child of Jan Gluch and Genowefa Gryn, Polish World War II survivors, Henry was born and raised in Montreal. Those who loved him feel Henry lived many lives. He was a man of action – leading family and friends in pickle and sauerkraut making (his legendary pickles fetched high prices at silent auctions), adored by his sons for playing hookie Friday afternoons to take them mountain bike racing and for creating odd snacks (snack man). He was driven to solving the predicaments of those closest to him rationally, and was deeply attached to his siblings, extended family, and lifelong friends. His unique brand of friendship – faithful, unwavering, never judgmental – and his invariably wise counsel enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Music was Henry’s lifelong passion – early on he formed the White Eagles Band to play for Montreal’s Polish community, studied saxophone at McGill receiving a Bachelors of Music in performance (legit and jazz) in 1984, and toured with the Munich Quintet. In Toronto, he made ties and supported causes through music, co-founded the Advocats Big Band, gigged with the Tokyo Giants, and played soprano with DMSQ (coffee and Baileys included). He instilled this passion in his sons, who carry on his legacy in their own chosen professions.
Henry was an ardent student and practitioner of the law, and Madeleine would often remind him at dinner to pause and take a first bite, as he regaled her with his thoughts on solicitor-client privilege. He received a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1987, and had a sterling career with the Justice Canada Tax Law Services Section (once voted as the guy others would most like to be stranded with on a desert island). He ultimately served as Deputy Assistant Deputy Minister before retiring as Senior General Counsel in 2019, and continued as a consultant where he embraced his role as mentor.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to health workers and caregivers for their dedicated and tireless assistance, and for everyone’s steadfast support during Henry’s illness.
Henry will be remembered for his inimitable style – picture burnt-orange corduroy three piece suit – which we will honour at a memorial celebration of his wonderful life, to be announced in the coming weeks on this memorial site.
For those who would like to make a donation in his memory, the family has selected a local organisation in support of music education – Sistema-Toronto.ca/Donate.
Offer Condolence for the family of HENRY ARTHUR GLUCH 1959-2023
Helene Archambault
To Henry’s family,
My deepest sympathy to Henry’s family. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Henry was a very nice person.
I will cherish the time we worked together when he served as Deputy Assistant Deputy Minister in Ottawa.
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Robert Karam
I’m deeply saddened to hear this. Much love to you, Conrad and Alex. Last night I was chanting Om Mane Padme Hum as an offering to Henry in the Bardo. I “saw” him enfolded in radiant Light and with a huge, content smile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7vQ6ztojNQ
Lucie Masson
To the Gluch family,
We are very sorry to hear about Henry’s passing. He was in high school with us and Peter has some humourous memories from their times together. We didn’t know he was ill.
Our deepest condolences.
Lucie Masson and Peter Maher
Cathy Jones
Words cannot express the sorrow in our hearts for the family and for all his friends who will miss him so so dearly. He leaves an unsurpassed legacy of love and kindness and will be remembered for his beautiful smile and heart of gold. Cheers to you my friend. I know you’ll have the mojitos ready when we get there. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jim Dougherty
Henry Gluch
My deepest sympathies to Henry’s family and friends. Henry was one of those people that I feel so blessed to have had in my life. A true Renaissance man with his love of law and music. Madeleine is a cousin to my wife and sister in laws. The few times we spent together in Toronto, New York City, or here in Columbus were all memorable and comfortable. Henry made us all feel like we were an important part of their lives. During the first year of the pandemic our monthly zoom conversations allowed us to get to know this genuine person even better. The world was a better place because of Henry Gluch.
Nick De Cicco
Our sincere condolences to the family. Henry was our high school friend and we have beautiful fond memories of our high school years. May he rest in peace! Friends Nick De Cicco and Maria Palazzo.
Alan Scheer
Henry will always be remembered by me as being the kindest,funniest,smartest fellow of our crowd. He was a wonderful loving father of Conrad and Alex and a dear love to his wife Madeleine of forty plus years. Henry always had the most energy and would help me with anything he saw the need for assistance. His generosity was enormous as were his passion for music and law. Henry will always be remembered as a great friend with the biggest smile. I want to wish Madeleine and the boys and the entire extended family a great deal of support in this time of your grief. There will never be another person like Henry again,he was that great a person. He is already missed immensely by his friends and will never be forgotten.
Jane Melrose
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Henry was a wonderful person, and he will be greatly missed. I’m thinking of you all and sending caring thoughts your way.
Tony Speranza
Henry and I met in the 4th grade at All Saints Elementary, in Montreal North, when we were ten years old. He invited me to his place for some school-related activity, I believe. I’m not sure how long I was at his place but I remember we laughed the entire time. That is how our lifelong friendship started.
We lived only two blocks away. I got to know his family and he mine. When I was married to Jennifer, Henry was my best man. From a distance, as Jennifer and I live in Florida, but also in person when we got together, he followed my family, including my two girls. Likewise, we followed Madeleine and the boys. Henry and I never spoke without inquiring about our families. Throughout our lives, we were serious when it was warranted, but mostly we had fun and laughed.
Henry was a remarkable, high-energy, high-on-life, wise, dependable human being who lived life to the fullest and accomplished so much in his relatively short life. Anyone who knew him knows precisely what I am referring to. He was a dedicated family man but was also always there for me, and his other friends, as he had an enormous capacity to give of himself.
Jennifer joins me in offering our sincere condolences to Henry’s family and all the people he touched in his life. He was unique, irreplacable and such a loyal friend. He will be so dearly missed.
Rick Karam
Madelaine and family,
Even from afar, I could feel the sentient bond of a fellow musician and thinker. The Bavarian band connection, as well as time spent during Marge’s funeral will remain forever embedded in my heart. We love you Henry, and Christ Is holding you dear. Karen and Richard Karam and family
Brent Vickar
Deepest condolences to Henry’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Henry on the Nightwood Theatre Lawyer Show, where his musical craftsmanship and good humour were deeply valued by our cast and crew.
Frederika Rotter and Philip Berger
We were very saddened and shocked to hear of Henry’s untimely death. A spirit so friendly, lively and energetic — it is difficult to realize he is no longer with us. I first met Henry when he was a young law student — I was his supervisor at Parkdale Community Legal Services, in the Immigration and Refugee section. As the child of immigrants, Henry showed a real empathy and understanding for his clients’ problems — and an innovative and creative approach to dealing with their legal issues. He was learning to be an excellent lawyer.
I would speak with Henry almost daily during his semesters at Parkdale, and later would bump into him fairly regularly, at legal events, or just on the street. He always greeted me and my husband Philip with warmth enthusiasm and good spirits. Somehow, we always laughed when we saw him, We were grateful and happy recipients of his Polski Ogorki (Polish pickles).
He will be sadly missed.
Frederika Rotter and Philip Berger
Eric Grossman
I extend condolences to Henry’s family on his untimely passing. We were classmates at Osgoode starting in 1984 and Henry was always engaging, warm, quick with a joke and just generally pleasant to be around.
Barb Stein
So sad to hear of Henry’s passing. Sending you three much love and sincere condolences.
Jamie Trimble
Henry and I were classmates. He was then and always a talented musician, a skilled lawyer, and a gentle person. We did not meet often in the 36 years since law school but each visit left me lighter and smiling. Henry, May the road always rise up to meet you, the wind always be at your back, and the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.
James Gorham
Madeleine, Conrad and Alex, I am so sorry for your loss. Henry was a great friend and mentor to many of us at DOJ. The last time I saw him, he was on his way to do volunteer work with a community group on the Danforth. It was a reminder to me of his generous nature. Once again, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Andrrew Hercun
My condolences to Henry’s immediate family. Losing a parent and a life partner at such an early age is devastating. I grew up with Henry and his siblings at St.Mary’s Polish church in Montreal with the Polish dancing groups that were part of the Polish community This was during the period of Canada’s Centennial. My condolences to Henry’s immediate family which unfortunately I never met, his siblings Betty and Zenek and all his cousins, GeorgeP and HenryP. Apologies if I may have missed someone of Henry’s family.
Rest in peace, your love of the saxophone will always remain with me.
Karen Wishart
My condolences to dear Madeleine, Conrad, and Alex, and Henry’s family and friends. Henry lived life to the fullest, whether playing his sax, practicing law, bike riding, skiing, or making pickles. He was warm, friendly, kind, wise, and all around great guy. He gave helpful counsel when needed, and cared deeply for family and friends. I know he was so proud of his boys, and that Madeleine was the love of his life. We will all miss him so, but I know when we think of Henry, we will all think of him with a smile on our face.
Linda Wright
Madeleine, Conrad and Alexander,
I can’t imagine the pain you are going through on the passing of Henry. My deepest condolences go out to you, Conrad, and Alex. Henry was a wonderful Husband, Father, Sibling, that enriched the lives of not only family; but extended family and many friends. May words of tender comfort and sweet memories fill your heart.
Sharing in your sadness.
Linda Wright
Eva Rembisz
I never worked in the same division as Henry at DOJ but he was a familiar face in our hallways. My deepest sympathies to Henry’s entire family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Najgłębsze kondolencje.
Michelle and Michael
We are truly saddened by Henry’s death. His life was taken much too soon.
Henry will be lovingly remembered for his energy and enthusiasm, his kindness and generosity, his big hugs and welcoming smile, and that playful spark in his eyes. Henry lived his live with passion and that passion will continue in the lives and hearts of many.
To Madeleine and family, our deepest condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.
LISA MACDONELL
Dear Gluch family,
I am so sorry for your loss. As a work colleague of Henry’s I never got to see this wonderful, musical side of him. But I can tell you from a professional perspective, he was one of those rare, passionate people you come across in your career, helping and influencing lawyers across the country and having a strong hand in the development of the law in his practise areas. He was our “go to” person for so many years. He never held back his view, and was always witty, charming and simply a pleasure to talk with, always willing to help out anyone who called him for advice. He was a wonderful, irreplaceable person and will be greatly missed.
Lisa Macdonell (Vancouver DOJ)
Stephanie Henderson-Canada Revenue Agency
My deepest sympathies to the Gluch family on the loss of Henry. I had the pleasure of working with Henry as he was counsel assigned to a number of my CRA litigation cases over the past 15 years. Henry was an amazing litigator and I have been blessed to have learned a great deal from his guidance and instruction. He was an excellent teacher and a passionate professional who was always willing to provide support and guidance and did it with such a fun and engaging approach! He was always forthcoming and honest and a pleasure to work with, even in instances where we might not agree. A bright light has been extinguished and he will be missed beyond what words can express. Gone far too soon.
Ralphie
My condolences to Henry’s family and other friends …
I really can’t remember having spent time with Henry without laughing at or about something …
You were my brother from another Mother,
Gone but never forgotten,
Without you to guide me around NYC,
the Big Apple shall now seem rotten …
Caroline Coderre
Henry was my neighbour in the Toronto Tax Litigation section. He was the best work neighbour ever! His huge personality, passion for work, cleverness, ebullience and keen sense of humour greatly contributed to the productive and pleasant atmosphere at work. My heart goes out to you, Madeleine, Conrad and Alexander (he was so proud of you all) and family.
Sebastien Budd
Henry was an inspiration. He was one of my colleagues who immediately came to mind whenever I wondered, “what kind of person and lawyer do I want to be?” I worked with Henry in the Toronto Tax Law Services division and had the privilege of introducing him and the Advocats Big Band at an office event a few years ago. Henry was an incredible mentor, generous with his time, full of positive energy, and led by example in both his professional and personal lives. He also had an inimitable joie de vivre and I can scarcely believe he is gone, far too soon. Henry will be deeply missed.
Madeleine, Conrad, Alexander, and to your whole family, I am very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you all.
Pailagi Pandya
Dear Madeleine and family please accept our deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. I can hear the music in the parlour of Cornell House during lamplight as I write this where Henry and his friends played music every year. Wishing you strength, love and lots of light in this difficult time.
Pailagi and Pandya Family
As well as team Scarborough Museum
Rose Ann Rousseau-Harbour
you will be missed. RIP Henry
Rose Habour
RIP Henry