Henry Heinsohn

MILLERTON — Henry Heinsohn died at his home in New Lebanon, N.Y., on his 91st birthday, Oct. 7, 2013. Because his emergency occurred outside of hospice business hours, he was not able to “go gentle into that good night.”A graduate of the State University of New York at Delhi, Henry was a lifelong farmer, raising, through the years, Hereford cattle, pigs, dairy cows, German shepherd dogs (some for the U.S. Army), Jack Russell terriers and Paint horses and — inadvertently — a bumper crop of feral cats. There was no animal that didn’t learn to love and trust him.He gave up a farmers exemption to enlist in the Army during World War II, overcoming a fear of heights to train as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division.Returning to Millerton, he farmed by day and worked nights for 27 years at K&E to support his family — always whistling or singing.In his youth, he was an active basketball player, once scoring 55 points in a game. He perfected a one-handed shot before other players were using it; he said he had to because he practiced in a cold gym and it enabled him to keep one hand warm. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Celtics.When his children were young, he also coached youth baseball teams in Millerton. He was a (disappointed, this year) Yankees fan.Henry worked hard all of his life — caring for his animals even after losing his vision, still singing — and was a kind and gentle soul and kept his humor right up until the day he died.He leaves behind his wife, Gail, to whom he was best friend, hero and half of a team for 31 years and whom he loved with all his heart. He also leaves a cherished daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Bill Edwards, and two remarkable grandchildren, Katie and Danny, all of Latham, N.Y.; an “adopted daughter,” Dawn Whitten, of Salt Point; a son, Peter, of Millerton; a half-sister, Marion Smith, of New Hampshire; and a cherished friend, Julie Schroeder of Millerton. His first wife, Edith, died in 1981.Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Stephentown, NY 12168, is in charge of arrangements. There are no services.Because he leaves many beloved animals behind, a fund is being set up to provide for their care. Those wishing to honor his memory may send a contribution in care of the funeral home.