Henry Alexander Chouinard

I met Henry sometime around 2015 when I started attending CrossFit Fireside. I remember seeing a tall, awkward teenager lift more weight than my grown adult male body could. I did my best to make friends with Jeff, who was 700% cooler than me. His mom scared me a little. In a weird way, I didn’t want to disappoint her and thought I would never be good enough to get in with this family. Over the years we grew closer to each member of this amazing family, including younger brother Jackson, who shares a love of reading with my wife and kids. We had family dinners, worked out on the weekends, and overall enjoyed each other’s company as much as our busy lives would allow. My family ran a fireworks stand every summer, and I always needed help breaking down boxes, organizing product, and cleaning up during the busy season. Henry was a natural fit because of his incredible work ethic and love for explosives. He worked every summer for several years, always doing an incredible job. He brought a joy to our fireworks stand on those busy, hot, dirty days that was desperately needed. Henry was quick-witted and possessed a humor that was as dry as it was gripping. To know him was to love him, and that humor was at the core of his personality. I will always remember those days in my fireworks stand working with Henry. Shortly thereafter Henry reached out and asked for a job reference, which I was happy to provide. It was a joy to write down why any person, group, or organization would be lucky to have him as a member of their team. During our last season of fireworks Henry grew out the most gloriously atrocious mullet that I have ever seen. On one hand I was jealous at his courage to pull that style off, and on the other I was mortified every time I saw it, and I routinely expressed as much to him. In fact, it became such a highlight of our friendship that he would routinely text me videos of him “shaking it out” in front of the mirror. In the summer of 2023 my family visited Idaho after moving away two years prior. We spent an evening at the Templeton’s home and I was sad to show up to Henry’s absence. I texted him that I missed him and he said he missed me too. I told him “prove it”, and he showed up about 20 minutes later. His mullet had migrated to his upper lip and he had grown another 3.5 feet. I gave him a big hug, told him I loved him and was happy to see him. I’m so glad that I was able to see him again before he was tragically and prematurely taken from us. To know Henry was to love him. There are few people that you come across in life that have the ability to imprint on a soul the way that Henry could. Every member of my family loved him. Jeff called me early in the morning on the day that Henry passed and we shared tears and stories. There were no words at that time or since that I could share to fill some of the gaping space that now existed in his families (and my) heart. I think Henry would want us to remember the mullet, the mustache, the fireworks and mudding, the Trump flag and guns, the platform and weights. He wouldn’t want tears, but that I can’t agree to. So here is the last pic Henry sent me with the caption “hide your moms”. With my greatest love. -Nate

Henry, I am deeply saddened we only met for one brief moment in a video chat with your mom, but even in the smallest moment you had an impact on my life. Through your mom’s stories, I was able to see your amazing qualities of being a smart, funny and fearless young man. Stories about teaching yourself to drive tractors I couldn’t even imagine getting in, or the time you brought home a 300 gallon water tank and two hundred pound brush strapped to the roof of your car, or when you taught yourself to do a little roping. You truly are a beautiful soul that I will think of with every beautiful sunset like the picture your mom shared. Please watch over your mom, dad and brother while we try to comfort and help heal until you all meet again. You will be missed beyond measure.

henry was honestly one of the most genuine people ive ever met in my life, he had my back when no one else did. he was the truest friend to me and i am so thankful that i got to be apart of his life. i love him with my entire heart and i know he will thrive up there. the picture in the upload is one of the instragram posts he would send me at least once a day, “your energy is contagious” he would just remind me he thought about me and was there. no matter what i could go to him and he would make it a good time. henry was my rock, he was one of my best friends and i forever will be grateful for his humor, his kindness, and everything about him.

This will always remind me of sweet Henry❤️❤️❤️ Love you Henry, my heart hurts.

He was the sweetest kid and the most amazing person. always had something to say and always put the biggest smile on everyone’s face. he was always there for everyone and made sure everyone was okay❤️

Henry was like a brother to me. We met in FFA and became really close. He also became really close to my family, and would be over at our house all the time. One thing I loved about henry is his power to make you laugh. He always lightened up the room! I have so many memories with Henry but one of my favorites is stealing traffic cones off the road! It was so much fun! He will always have a special place in my heart. I miss you so much Henry ❤️

Henry was a friend that I could always count on if I needed someone to talk to or hang out with. You could call him at any hour if the day and he would help you. He always would put others in front of himself. That’s one of the things I loved most about him. One of my favorite memories with Henry was helping him with his flatbed for his pick up. We spent hours and hours on it. When someone wrong came up he always had a positive mind set and said we will fix it. He always had a way to fix a problem. Even if it was a little red neck, it worked if Henry worked on it. Henry also helped learn how to weld. That is something I will never forget that he taught me.