In Memory of Prof James S. Henri

We are tremendously sad to pass the news that one of the HKTLA serving consultants, Prof. James Stuart Henri, has passed away in the afternoon of Sunday, March 4, 2018.  Now there is an end to his suffering of illness and his eight months in hospital.  

Prof Henri has contributed a lot in the field of Hong Kong teacher librarianship in terms of professional training.  He played the key role in organizing as well as teaching in the HKUSPACE course named ‘Diploma in Teacher Librarianship’ which was initiated by HKTLA at the early days, back to late 20th century.  Most of the early TLs in Hong Kong were his students.  James is not only a teacher, but also a friend of most of them.  He was well known by his sense of humour, good relationship to students and endless inspiring ideas. ‘Ma Fan Yau’ (麻煩友, troublemakers) was one of his famous cantonese mantras to himself as well as his students.  He encouraged us not to be afraid of ‘making trouble’ to improve current status.  He was such a great teacher and mentor of school libraries and HKTLA.  

Recently, Prof Henri has been participating actively on the school library education in Mainland China.  His powerful influence in TL profession is just uncountable.

We are sad about the passing of a most inspiring teacher, encouraging mentor, and innovating educator.  He has left a great legacy and we can honour his memory by continuing to build on the ideas he has brought to us.

On behalf of HKTLA, I would like to send our deepest condolence to his wife, Carmelita and the family.  RIP, Dear Prof James S. Henri.  You are always on our mind.  

Karen Ip, President of HKTLA

 

 

永遠懷念 Jame S. Henri 教授

在此沉痛告知各位同工，本會顧問 James Stuart Henri 教授，經過與病魔搏鬥八個月之後，於上星期日(三月四日)下午辭世。本會同寅深表哀悼。

Prof Henri對本港學校圖書館界貢獻良多，一直致力於專業培訓。當本會於上世紀末，推動香港大學專業進修學院設立學校圖書館主任文憑課程時，教授就是組織課程的關鍵人物，本港早期的圖書館主任大多是其門生。對這批學生而言 Prof Henri 亦師亦友，教授不單有澎湃的幽默感、與學生打成一片，還給予我們源源不絕的啟發。大家都熟知其口頭禪「Ma Fan Yau」(麻煩友)，他一直勉勵我們要改變現狀、不要怕麻煩。無論對於圖書館主任或本會，教授都是傑出的導師。

除了造福本港，近年教授還積極參與中國大陸的學校圖書館培訓活動，對圖書館主任專業發展的貢獻實難細數。

痛失這位一直啟發和鼓舞同工、不斷創新的良師，令我們倍感悲慟。吾等當以懷念之心，將教授留給學校圖書館界的遺產發揚光大，庶幾不違教授之期望。

本人謹代表香港學校圖書館主任協會，對師母 Carmelita 及其家屬致以深切慰問。望教授安息，吾人將永誌不忘。

會長 葉錦蓮