Henry Pemberton Organ

1930 - 2022

BORN

1930

DIED

2022

About

Stanford University

Henry Organ Obituary

Henry Pemberton Organ was called home, passing peacefully on December 8, 2022. "Butch" to his siblings and "Hank" to friends and colleagues, was the youngest of three born to the late Claude and Ottolena Organ, a Railway Mail Postal Clerk and homemaker respectively, in Denison, TX, December 4, 1930. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Henry Pemberton, a prominent educator in Marshall, Texas. Henry's degrees from Bishop College in (BS, Education) and the University of Illinois (MA, Educational Psychology), served him well in his teaching and supervisory roles at the U.S. Air Force Technical Schools and Lockheed Missiles and Space. The latter relocated Henry from Chicago to Northern California where he eventually left Lockheed to begin a rewarding 25+ year career at Stanford University in fund raising and development. Over the years, Henry cultivated many civic and personal interests about which he was passionate. These included Affirmative Action at Stanford, the Use of Human Subjects in Research, Catholic Interracial Relations in California and Urban Development in his community. While in Menlo Park, Henry was a vocal and informative force within his parish, St. Thomas Aquinas and community. His charitable pursuits included support of St. Jude's, The ASPCA and The Thomas Merton Center.Preceded in death by sister, Claudesta, brother, Claude, Jr., brother-in-law, Roy Gould, sister-in-law Elizabeth Organ and nephew Dr. Paul Organ, Henry is survived and missed by loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Services are pending. To those wishing to make an offering in his honor, Henry identified the following non-profit organizations: Girls to Women; Kenya Help and The Peninsula Peace and Justice Center.

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Published by Mercury News on Jan. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Organ

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7 Entries

Tony Press

March 6, 2023

I'm saddened, as we all are ... this life, this life (I just learned of his death this very night). Henry Organ was one of the kindest people I've ever met, and one of the most inspiring, too. Without question, he has (gently) guided me (and others) well - leading by example.

We had many delightful lunches over the years, but recently it had been only email, plus real mail, and the very occasional phone call. I am missing him already.

Mrs. Clay (Mary) Holland

February 27, 2023

I was crushed to learn of Hank's passing. He will continue to live in my heart and memory.
Mary (Clay) Holland

Judi Powell

February 26, 2023

I was so sorry to hear of Henry´s passing and I send my condolences to his family and loved ones. I met Henry in 1989 when I went to Stanford for graduate school and he took me under his wing. He was a mentor in the best sense - quietly steering me in the right direction, sometimes without me even realizing it. It´s impossible to say how much I learned from Henry and how much I enjoyed our friendship. At the least, I owe my 20+ year career in philanthropy to the introductions that he made for me early on. Although we lost touch over the past many years, we always exchanged greetings at Christmas. He would always send a handwritten note, often with a photo, in response to my annual card.

I often think of Henry´s generosity of spirit, his quiet activism, and his sense of humor. I´m so glad to have known him.

Anne Miner

January 19, 2023

I worked with Henry from late 1960's through about 1978. He was both kind and tough. Steady and passionate about justice. In last few years I visited with him off and on, and he remained steady and compassionate. He was a man who knew who he was, and stayed true to his values in ways that inspired me. Will miss his presence in this world. Grateful to have known him.

Jean Libby

January 11, 2023

Henry has been a friend and role model in Civil Rights since 1963. Condolences and sorrow

Eleanor Boswell-Raine

January 10, 2023

(Pictured toR are Eleanor Boswell, Henry Organ and Stephania Pimberton in 2021). Dear Henry was a prince among men. It was a privilege to be counted among his friends. "Prayers for Willie" was my gift to him. Its frayed pages are testimony to his devotion to prayer.

Candace Brown

January 9, 2023

Hank was the most gracious, humble and well-spoken man I have ever met. We spent many years as his neighbor and often when tending to the adjoining home in the German family from 1987 to 2020. I am so sorry to hear about his passing but know that he is now with family members that he often talked about and missed so much. He is a dear, dear man and I am sure now also visiting with Robert and Terri German who both passed too young. Blessings to you dear Hank and to all his nieces and nephews. Please let us know about any pending service.

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