Today, November 29, we remember Henry Vandenberghe. It is now 12 years since his passing, the day after he was attacked on his way to work.

Henry was not just a long-term executive assistant to the company, but a friend and, for all intents and purposes, family member. Henry dedicated 18 years of his life to serving the artistic community through his work at WCT. Kamloops also lost a champion that day. He served on the local arts council and was a current member of the arts commission; he worked tirelessly with Theatre BC; he was involved with Volunteer Kamloops; and coordinated the opening and closing ceremonies of the the 1993 Canada Summer Games.

His presence at WCT continues to influence us, through the Henry Vandenberghe Memorial Fund. This fund provides bursaries to students in financial need with a strong interest in the arts who wish to enroll in the Stage One Theatre School. As well, the fund grants scholarships to children who appear in our productions. Over forty students have already had a chance to enter the wonderful, imaginative world of theatre through support from the fund.

In Henry, we honour a beautiful, wonderful man and celebrate his continued presence in our lives.