It is with heavy hearts that the family of Henry Thomas Jr., 90, of Grosse Pointe Woods, announces his peaceful transition into Heaven on May 5, 2021, in his home with family by his side. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sybil, with whom he celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in Heaven on May 10, 2021.
Always making time for family, Henry was the loving father of Suzanne Barbara (Jim) McCuish, Lisa Louise (David) Hill, and Dr. Julie Lynn (Michael Enyeart) Thomas and was the adored Grampa of Mackenzie Louise Hill (23), Henry Thomas Hill (20) and James Stephan McCuish Jr. (20). Loving brother-in-law of Justine (the late Keith) Miller of Harbor Springs, and Uncle to Graham (Stefanie) Miller and Blair (Katie) Miller. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Rudy V. Thomas.
Henry was born to Henry and Rosa (Daschner) in Unteroewisheim Germany on November 19, 1930. They traveled to America in 1932 to start their new life. He graduated from Denby High School in 1950 and earned an engineering degree from Lawrence Tech. Henry worked as an engineer for various companies until 1964, when he joined the Cadillac Division of GM where his career as a design engineer began. In 1975, Henry began designing concept engines and over the next 20 years created and modified various types of engines, including some which were thought to be impossible. He was awarded numerous patents for the concepts and inventions he came up with during his time at Cadillac and never once used a computer – doing everything by hand. Cadillac even named one of the engines that Henry designed after him – the HT4100.
Henry was a brilliant man. He was able to solve virtually any mechanical or engineering problem, not only at Cadillac but also in his daily life. He loved the challenge and was known to come up with most of his solutions in his sleep. It brought him joy whenever he was asked to fix something for family, neighbors or friends. He loved passing his knowledge and wisdom first to his daughters, then to his three grandchildren, who all have a love for mechanics, with Mackenzie following in his footsteps by earning a degree in engineering. Henry was also a great cook, specializing in traditional German dishes and enjoyed sharing his recipes and techniques.
Henry enjoyed spending time with his family at their summer home on Lake Huron. He purchased the land in 1950 and designed and built the entire home himself. It was the ‘never-ending project’ he loved, as over the years he added a 2nd story, large garage and beautiful windowed porch where he and Sybil loved to relax. The cottage provided a wonderful place for the family to retreat to and where many cherished memories and traditions were made. Henry made sure he always had something to work on - his motto was ‘he’d rather wear-out than rust out’, and that he did.
Henry was a kind, humble and hardworking man - always making time to help anyone who needed it. He made friends easily and always loved talking shop with them. He was adored and loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.
Henry was a member of First English Lutheran Church for over 60 years. His unwavering faith gave him the sure and certain hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
A private memorial service will be held for family.
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