Henry Strobel Obituary

It is a tough month for the Strobel family as Henry's younger brother James Madison Strobel passed away November 18, 2020. God bless and keep them, they are together again with the Lord.

I would like to share some words I wrote on the occasion of Henry's retirement:

Thank you for giving me the chance to say a few words on this occasion in honor of my colleague, friend and mentor Henry Strobel.

There's so much that could be said about a person whose career has spanned the life of this medical school. I could not begin to summarize all that Henry has contributed to every aspect of our work here - to his first love, science; to the education of our students, as teacher, mentor and role model; and to the support and advancement of our faculty members. Few people have given as much, so well, so tirelessly, for so long.

Instead, I would like to offer a more personal view.

The character of a man or a woman is evidenced not only in the big accomplishments of life but in the way that he or she lives life daily. Countless small choices made in the course of the day reveal the sort of person we are, and over time, those same choices come to shape us further in the directions we have chosen.

Knowing Henry Strobel over the years in which I have been privileged to do so, I have often been witness to his character in matters big and small. Again, there is much that I could say. I want to mention two qualities that stand out to me in particular.
One is his unflagging attention to the significance of values. Henry's work and life have been characterized by a deep awareness of the God-given dignity of the human individual. This value has been reflected in the way he has chosen to treat every person (including me!) with whom I have seen him interact. It accounts in large part for the deep resonance his guidance and leadership have had with students. It has been revealed in the care with which he has treated faculty, some of them very distressed, who come to him for help and direction. There were doubtless times when it would have been easier in many ways to do less, to care less, to turn away. It is not in Henry's character to do that. In the words of C.S. Lewis, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." Henry Strobel embodies integrity in this way.

A second quality that I want to mention is one we rarely think about in the midst of our all-consuming work. That quality is joy. Joy is not merely an emotion we feel when something extraordinary and positive happens. Joy is also in the basic character of a person whose world view reflects both humility
and gratitude for the world we have been given.

Henry's essential joy leaks out constantly through a twinkle in the eye, a skip in the step, a laugh when most needed.

He is a beacon of joy. This quality is one that draws people to him, and that leaves them to take away with them more than they came with. It has always been Henry's way to give away the best he has, to others. His students, colleagues and friends have been enriched enormously by his generosity of spirit. As C.S. Lewis also wrote, "Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours ."

It has been my pleasure and honor to know Henry and to work with him here at UT Medical School, Houston. I know that his journey is not complete, that there is much more ahead for him in life, and I know that his influence will continue to benefit us here even as he retires . Henry, my warmest wishes and gratitude go with you, wherever you go."

My deepest sympathy to all of Henry's family on their loss. He will be greatly missed.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never knew Henry but I have known James for many years. My condolences to the family.

Rick Croucher 12/23/19

I'm sorry to learn of Dr. Strobel's passing, but I know he is having great conversations with our Lord and Savior. He was such a great dignified man who was full of love and compassion for his fellow man. He will surely be missed.

My condolences to the Strobel Family.
Henry was a great friend and neighbor at the Barclay. You will always be missed.
Rest in peace, my dear Henry.

Safe in the arms of Lord. Prayers for comfort.

I am sorry to hear of my cousin's passing, but I know he is happy with God in Heaven

It is with profound sadness that I learned of my beloved cousin Henry Strobel's passing. He was a complex and loving person. I will always remember the rock in the fence. My brother, Earl Thornton, Henry, and Nolan lane would kick it down the dirt road in front of Earl Lane;s house. then all the way back. They talked, joked, and laugh all the way in both directions. We are all proud of his legacy and will miss him greatly.