Kyle Garth Henry

After a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, Kyle Garth Henry passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on October 3, 2026. He was 51. Kyle faced his diagnosis with a quiet confidence and vowed to live each day he was given with adventure, love and as many rides on his mountain bike as he could squeeze in.

Through physical pain and days of rain, he would still be planning his next ride with his best friends. At a time when many people would panic and fear what lay ahead, Kyle took a graceful and stoic approach. He calmed the fears of the people around him by finding the beauty and making the most of every day. His church was the forest. By foot or by bike, he attended every day he was able. It was hard not to feel inspired. He used to say that he accepted the diagnosis, but he would never accept that it had to define how he lived. It was impossible not to live in that light with him. Kyle was never one to be counted out or underestimated. Suffice it to say: he dug in. He fought hard, with grace and heart. Every. Single. Day.

Shortly after his birth in Port Hardy, Kyle's family moved to Sandspit, Haida Gwaii. He spent his childhood dressing up as G.I. Joe and playing out his missions, fishing in the creeks and exploring the wild island shores. He was always on his bike, adventuring with many of the friends who grieve with us today. Kyle's respect for nature and for the rich Haida culture, along with his passion for all things outdoors, was rooted in his homeland. As he grew, Kyle spent many hours on the water with his father and brother, navigating the channels and tides of the cold northern waters. He understood the power of the ocean and respected it. If you were on a boat he was driving, you were safe. There is indeed a Henry fishing hole around Moresby Island, but we are not going to tell you about that.

After graduating in 1993, Kyle didn't have a clear trajectory for what to do next. Luckily, his dad had some thoughts. He took Kyle off island and got him fitted for his first pair of caulk boots. Jim was a professional forestry engineer, and he intended to teach Kyle everything he'd learned over his many years. Kyle's brother, Derek, recently shared that when Jim went out to survey or check an area, he would not go up and over and on to the next point. Nope. He would go up and then down, and then back up and down. No shortcuts. Kyle took that lesson to heart. Do it right. Do a good job. No shortcuts. Much to the chagrin of his wife, when they went mountain biking years later, there were "No Shortcuts!"

After two years of working in Haida Gwaii, Kyle met his good friend Brian, decided it was time for a new chapter and relocated to Campbell River in 1995. Kyle felt most alive working outside. In 2003, he started his own contracting company and picked up a lot of work in camps across the North Island. He flew into some and boated into others, and he was always in awe of the rugged beauty of the West Coast. He truly cherished his work. He especially loved Bute Inlet and the view from the head of Loughborough Inlet. Whatever the weather, he was grateful that he didn't have to do it. He got to do it.

In 2011, Kyle's skills in resource planning and supervision led to opportunities in the mining sector. He worked in Chile and Peru before starting a position at the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories in 2021. In 2022, he was offered the role of Project Supervisor. He held this role until his diagnosis in January 2023.

When he wasn't at work or out on the trails, Kyle could often be found curled up with a good book. He was a fan of Jack Whyte, George R.R. Martin, Ken Follett, Robert Jordan and Stephen King.

Kyle made friends easily. His closest friends describe him as one of a kind. He was solid and sincere. He always had time to help anyone in need. He was kind and smart, and he really listened. He had a way of disarming tense situations and helping others see a different point of view. He had a sharp wit and loved to make others laugh and feel at ease. He also never forgot to text you on your birthday.

Kyle and Kelly first met in the mid-nineties, but their connection didn't spark until one fateful night in 2007 at the Quinny. Kyle was the designated driver for a couple of wayward ski buddies. Kelly had been dragged out by her friends during a particularly dark time. They waved at each other and started a conversation that lasted the next 19 years. Kyle and Kelly were married on the beach at Dolphins Resort in July 2014. It was a beautiful day. They were surrounded by all the people they loved most in the world.

Left to mourn are his loving wife and biggest fan, Kelly; their daughter by choice, Lina (Germany); his mother, Gail; brother Derek (Stephanie); sister Meredith (Mike); mother-in-law Darlene; and Nana Bev (Oregon). Kyle was very proud to be uncle (FUNcle) to Roper, Taggart, Oliver, Connor, Bowen and Rowan. He was deeply loved by his Auntie Trish (Tom), Aunt Kathie and Aunt Patty, and his cousins Rusty (Amy), Randy, Heidi, KC (Kelly), Jackie, Kurt and Wade. Also missing him are the 16 international students from around the globe who lived with Kyle and Kelly while they studied in Campbell River. He touched so many lives.

Also left behind is Sully, his true companion and buddy on so many of life's adventures.

Kyle was predeceased by his father, Jim; grandfather Chuck; Grandma Nina; and Papa Bill.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Brooks and Dr. Valev of BC Cancer, Dr. Ramsey, Dr. Morrison, Dr. Proctor, Dr. Malloff, Rebecca and the amazing team in the Campbell River Hospital Cancer Care Unit, the many wonderful nurses on 3B and Dr. Robin Sutmoller. Thank you for making Kyle's journey comfortable and for caring for him with such warmth and humanity.

Lastly, thank you to our community and the many wonderful friends who have supported us both from day one. Feeling this loved and supported through such dark times has been a beautiful and humbling experience. Your kindness led us through the hardest days and continues to hold us even after Kyle has left this worldly plane.

A celebration of Kyle's life will be held on Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m. at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River. It will be livestreamed for those who will be with us in spirit. Details to follow soon. Memories and photos for the family to treasure can be sent to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kyle's name to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation or to the River City Cycle Club to help maintain the trails Kyle loved to ride for so many years.

To Join the Livestream:

https://tinyurl.com/zoom-celebratekyle