1934 – 2021
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Henri Constant, loving husband, father and brother passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Henri was born in 1934 in St. Boniface to parents Fernand and Simone Constant. He grew up in St. Boniface as the eldest of three brothers, attending school, playing lacrosse and working at the nearby family pasta making factory, Constant Macaroni, with his father.
Henri met his future wife Solange in St. Boniface. They were married in 1961, and moved to Transcona shortly after. Henri and Solange had been married almost 60 years at the time of his passing and have three sons, Claude of Mississauga, Ontario; Guy of Carrollton, Texas; and Gilles of Ottawa, Ontario.
Henri began his career working as a telegraph operator with the Canadian National Railway. His role required him to travel frequently between Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario. Wanting to stay closer to home after starting a family, Henri then began to work as a mail sorter for Canada Post in their downtown mail facility. Henri then later became a letter carrier for Canada Post and worked there for almost 35 years before retiring in 1999.
Having a great interest in sports himself, and seeing that interest develop in his sons, Henri began a distinguished and selfless career as a volunteer supporting youth baseball and hockey programs in his beloved community of Transcona. Henri began by coaching his sons in baseball in the summer, and became a respected and valued referee for youth hockey in Transcona. Later, Henri spent many years as a referee assignor for youth hockey and acted as league commissioner, division coordinator and tournament organizer for youth baseball. Later in life, Henri found his passion caring for the Transcona Stadium baseball field, and could be found there every day grooming and lining the field in preparation for that evening’s games. Henri performed this task well into his seventies, and was recognized for his contributions when the filed was renamed Henri Constant Field in a ceremony held on June 22, 2018.
Despite all of Henri’s volunteer activities, he and Solange never missed any of their boy’s games, whether they be played locally, in rural Manitoba or even across the country. His sons’ always knew that Henri was in the stands watching and supporting.
Henri was a passionate fan of the Montreal Canadiens, a proud husband and father, a renowned man of integrity, a selfless and dedicated volunteer, and a kind and gentle soul that will be missed greatly.
In addition to being survived by his wife, Solange and three sons Claude, Guy and Gilles, Henri is survived by his brother Raymond and wife Jocelyne, and sister-in-law Angela. He was pre-deceased by his parents and by his brother, Louis. Henri was also a loving father-in law to Ida, Bonnie and Alyson, and was especially proud of his grandchildren Jordan, Dillon, Matthew, Michael, Isabelle and Oliver. His later years were supported selflessly by his niece Monique and her husband Wayne, and by friends Val, Doug, Bernadette and Henry.
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage all to share a message or memory in the comments below.
A service will be planned at a later date.
9 thoughts on “Henri J. Constant”
So many of us who grew up in Transcona playing baseball or hockey did so with the unmatched volunteer efforts of Mr. Constant. We are all grateful for him and the others he may have inspired.
Condolences to the family. The community has lost a great person.
Condolences to the entire family on the loss of such a great man. One story in particular comes to mind dating back almost 40 years. Myself and a number of Regent hockey players decided to take up refereeing and spent the weekend at East End taking the course with Henri. When all was said and done the majority of us had failed the written test. However Henri made us all come to his house after school the next day and rewrite the exam. He had tables and chairs set up in the basement and sure enough we all passed and from there a number of wannabe Andy Van Hellemond were born. RIP Mr. Constant
Heaven has gained an Angel. It is impossible to have a childhood sports memory without seeing Henri’s face. He worked tirelessly to make sure the kids of Transcona had smiles on their faces. An incredible man with an incredible legacy. I am most certain he was unaware of how many lives he touched. A humble man with a huge heart. Condolences to the Constant family.
It is with great sadness that I saw the obituary of this so kind lovely and gentle man Henri Constant..my condolences to Raymond and his family for this loss..sincerely ..Louise Gauthier…( my childhood memories of our families friendship fills my ♥️ heart)
Gauthier.louise@gmail.com
My condolences to the Constant family. I met Henri through hockey when he would time keep at Roland Michener arena. He was a great time keeper and a terrific person. He was a true gentleman who always supported the officials. RIP Henri , we as officials were fortunate to have known you.
It is with great sadness that I saw the obituary of this so kind lovely and gentle man Henri Constant..my condolences to Raymond and his family for this loss..sincerely ..Louise Gauthier…( my childhood memories of our families friendship fills my ♥️ heart)
Gauthier.louise@gmail.com
A la douce memoire de mon cousin Henri
Nos Sympathies
Joseph et la famille
Mr. Baseball in Transcona. Was there to watch so many games over the years with so much knowledge. Huge Expos fan and hockey volunteer. A role model for so many of us. Had such an impact on so many of us over the years. Conversations were always so positive. Can picture him on his bike watching the baseball games from the clouds. Condolences to the family.
I remember playing road hockey with Claude and Guy 50 years ago and Mr. Constant would often come out and participate as a referee for those games. We were always glad when he did that – those are the moments that bring a smile to my heart and are always a part of my childhood stories I tell people. He also refereed many of my hockey league games and was a person of integrity and always friendly on the ice. It is individuals like Mr. Constant that leave such positive impacts on our lives as children. It is sad that the generation of our parents are passing away, but the memories and impact they leave stay with us and help shape the person we became. My condolences to Mrs Constant and all of her family.