Henry Reents

1943 - 2023

Henry Reents
February 12, 1943 - January 24, 2023
Boise, Idaho - Henry Gustav Reents Jr., of Boise, died Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Henry was born February 12, 1943, in Alameda, California, to Henry G. Reents Sr. and Jean M. Reents. Henry Jr. lived his first years without his father, who was a naval officer in the Pacific during the war. He spent much of his childhood in Weed, California, a paper mill town at the base of Mount Shasta, where Henry and his brother, Jeff, honed lifelong skills in skiing, hiking, camping, and staying out of trouble.
As a senior at the University of Oregon, Henry met the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Bartron, a precocious freshman in his calculus class. After Henry earned an MBA from UCLA, they married in 1967. They moved to Boise in 1969, and Henry started a 25-year career at Boise Cascade as a manager of employee information systems.
Henry's career reflected a lifelong passion for technology. Present near the beginning of the computer revolution, he could personally testify to its amazing march, from punch cards to artificial intelligence. At Boise Cascade, he helped shepherd in a number of innovations, including email, word processors, and desktop computers. He was a beloved manager and friend to countless colleagues.
After an early retirement from Boise Cascade, Henry embarked on a second career of pursuing his passions and public service. The ambit of his pursuits was broad, including developing database systems for public schools, designing and building custom furniture, and working for the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho. Henry served on the boards of several nonprofits he admired.
Henry brought creativity and careful competence to all his pursuits. He was a master craftsman in his beloved workshop. No project was too mighty or too menial, from tackling home renovations to guiding kids in his family and the neighborhood with their own projects. He taught himself to sail and built his first boat from a kit, hoisting sails wherever he could find water. He later bought a larger boat, which he sailed in the San Juan Islands, and he imparted his love of the water to friends and family alike. He enjoyed backpacking through Idaho's wilderness, cross-country skiing, and working out with his friends at the YMCA. He was an active member of St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral for nearly fifty years.
Beyond his talents and interests, Henry had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. Patient and kind, he was a wonderful listener and teacher. He took a sincere interest in the lives of his children and grandchildren, researching their pursuits and sending notes of congratulation for their accomplishments. He nurtured friendships of uncommon depth and durability. His loving marriage to Sue deepened over 55 years into a tender partnership. He was an unparalleled husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend.
Henry died peacefully, a day after being struck by a car, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his brother, Jeff, and his wife, Paula; his children, Stephanie and Scott, and their spouses, Steve and Caitlin; and his grandchildren, Sebastian, Ivan, and Arlo.
There will be a memorial service February 11 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral. In place of flowers, the family invites donations in Henry's name to Jesse Tree (www.jessetreeidaho.org), an organization that provides support to people at risk of homelessness.