Thomas A. Henrie

1923 - 2012

Thomas A. Henrie

Feb. 6, 1923

Dec. 31, 2012

Thomas A Henrie was born in Sutherland, Utah, on February 6, 1923, and died at his home in Orem, Utah, on December 31, 2012. He was one of eleven children born to Emily Judd and Francis Henrie. The family later moved to Panguitch, Utah, and then to Marysvale, Utah where father and sons operated a large sheep and cattle ranch. Like most during the Great Depression, they worked extremely hard and led humble but happy lives.

Shortly after marrying his first and only love, Faye Davis, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 10, 1943, Tom joined the Army. His military service lasted two years; his marriage lasted 66 wonderful years. At age 21, he fought for his country in World War II in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded, received two purple hearts, and returned to his bride and the ranch he loved in 1945. Like so many others of the Greatest Generation, he was a true patriot and proudly flew the American flag in the front of his home.

Tom became the first in his family to pursue a college education. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in physics and chemistry in 1952. Under the mentorship of Dr. Henry Eyring, Tom received his PhD in Metallurgy from the University of Utah in 1955.

Dr. Henrie went on to a distinguished career as a research scientist with the U.S. Bureau of Mines, working in Nevada and Washington, D.C. He led the development of much of the technology used in the modern mining of precious metals and rare earth minerals. He became the Chief Scientist and Deputy Director of the Bureau, and was awarded the highest honor of the Department of the Interior, The Distinguished Service Award.

Both Tom and Faye were deeply devoted to church and family. He served in many capacities in the LDS Church while living in Reno, Nevada; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Orem Utah including Bishop, High Councilman, and lastly as the finance clerk in the Sharon Fifth Ward for over 20 years. They were also ardent temple workers in the Washington D.C., Provo, and Mount Timpanogos Temples.

Tom was preceded in death by all of his ten siblings, and by his precious wife, Faye. He is survived by six children: Dale Henrie (Sandy), Joy Johnson (Michael), Bob Henrie, Jane Scott (Larry), Janice Robinson (Gary), and David Henrie (Norine).

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 4 at the Sharon Stake Center, Orem, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinhoopes.com.