Tribute

It is with a heavy heart we announce that our beloved friend, father, mentor and husband, Henry Yorke Mann has passed away. He was surrounded by family and friends in his home and after a brief illness, died in Oliver, BC at the age of 84. Henry will be lovingly remembered byhis newlywed partner of 20 years, wife Denise, his stepsons Eric Hillmer-Mann (Nancy) and Kym Franklin, and stepdaughters Theresa Slater and Cindy Bahm. Further, he will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Sarah and Colin Hillmer, and Payden Siemens, as well as, his brothers Richie (Audrey) and David (Susan) and nieces & nephews.

Henry was born and raised in Rossland, BC. He received an athletic ski scholarship from Washington State University and raced competitively. Henry was training to qualify for the 1952 Olympic Winter Games; regrettably, an athletic injury removed him from the competition. Henry transferred to the University of Oregon in 1952, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1954.

In the years from 1955 to 1970 Henry worked as an architect in Vancouver, first with Mercer & Mercer Architects, and then on his own in 1963. In 1970, Henry left architecture to take a new direction with his then wife Elizabeth and stepson Eric. They developed a homestead in the Upper Squamish River Valley.

By 1972, Henry sought to move his cattle business to more land and a dryer climate. This resulted in the purchase of McCuddy Creek Ranch on McKinney Road near Oliver, BC. The purebred herd known as Mann Polled Charolais became nationally well known for the quality performance tested cattle. In 1995, Henry planned his return to architecture and in 1997 sold the herd and the ranch property with the exception of his residence.

Henry’s home the Manndala was built on the ranch in 1993, and is quintessential to Henry’s design philosophy; a melding of the spiritual and the physical functions in structural integrity, and sustainability, using natural materials, and respecting the essence of the client and the site. Henry has an extensive national exhibition catalogue, and endless image and prestigious article publications.

Henry continued his hand drawn practice of sacred architecture through to the last month of his 84th year. At his side, his wife Denise was an acting confidante, cook and dance partner. It will always be a pleasure to recall this generous spirit in a cowboy hat, with a Porsche and a penchant for blues music.

Join us to Celebrate the Life of Henry Yorke Mann, Sunday, April 26, 11:00am – 3:00pm at their home, 222 Old Camp McKinney Road Oliver, BC. We invite and encourage anyone to share a few short words, a prayer or a song. Hor d’oeuvers, wine or other refreshment would be appreciated.

A special thank you to Dr. Myslek and the Interior Health Palliative Care Nursing team for their loving support. Also, thank you to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service for their service and guidance. Memorial contributions may be sent to Desert Valley Hospice Society, PO Box 1261, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0 or online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/desert-valleyhospice-society/