Colonel Henry Gariepy, OF, was promoted to Glory from hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, on Saturday 3 April 2010, after a lifetime of service for God through ministry as a Salvation Army officer.

Born in January 1930, Henry Gariepy was to become a household name throughout the Salvation Army world, and beyond, through his prolific output as an author of more than 20 books – dealing with subjects theological, historical and biographical.  Just one example of each of these categories being 100 Portraits of Christ – produced in nine editions and in several languages, Mobilized for God - The History of The Salvation Army Volume Eight 1977-1994 - and General of God's Army - the biography of General Eva Burrows (Ret).  In addition to his own published works, the colonel contributed to many other books and wrote numerous articles for Salvation Army and other periodicals.

Marriage to Lieutenant Marjorie Ramsdell in 1952 brought Henry Gariepy into a powerful and effective partnership of ministry that was to continue for 58 years.  To Colonel Marjorie Gariepy, with her four children, twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, we express prayerful wishes that they may know a deep sense of God's abiding presence within the family as they celebrate the life of one whose service God richly blessed to the extending of His Kingdom on earth.

Colonel Gariepy served in corps appointments in his first 16 years as an officer, and became involved in youth work through his work as camp coordinator for many summer camps in the USA Eastern Territory, and as a divisional youth secretary.  From 1969 to 1974 the colonel and his wife pioneered the work at the Army's Multi-Purpose Centre in the riot-scarred Hough ghetto of Cleveland, Ohio.  More than  10, 000 members were associated with the various programmes at the centre, with about 1, 000 people coming through its doors every day.   When Dr. Billy Graham visited the centre, he referred to it as 'Christianity in action'.

Colonel Gariepy's craftsmanship with words was later to become the area of ministry that was his main focus, as he undertook editorial appointments, culminating in his last 15 years of active officer service being spent as National Editor in Chief and Literary Secretary at the Army's National Headquarters in the USA.

Ever an encourager (“a sterling role model and intellectual giant” was a description of the colonel given by one leader who had known him for many years), Colonel Gariepy coordinated the Army's first ever International Literary Conference and, just prior to his retirement from active service, initiated a format and proposal for the Army's National Book Plan for the USA and the Word & Deed journal.  Among his many published works, one which has brought benefit to aspiring Army writers around the world, was his Guidebook for Writers and Editors.

Following retirement the colonel continued to travel extensively as a speaker at conferences and seminars, as a literary consultant and as a teacher at the School for Officer Training in the USA Eastern Territory.  He also enjoyed various hobbies, including reading, jogging and outdoor sports.  He completed three full marathon races.

It is not surprising that a prolific writer was also a keen student.  Colonel Gariepy loved to learn.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the Cleveland State University and, in 1994, was honoured by his alma mater with its Alumni Lifetime Leadership Award.

His multi-faceted ministry in youth and community work, as well as in corps and divisional leadership, have borne their own rich fruit in changed lives through the years. It was his tireless efforts through the ministry of the written word, however, that were specially recognized as being worthy of The Salvation Army's highest recognition, and on 10 June 2007 Colonel Henry Gariepy was admitted to the Order of the Founder.  The citation on the certificate that was awarded to the colonel included the following observations:-

'Colonel Henry Gariepy has devoted himself to his sacred calling as an officer and through a notable, tireless ministry of writing has inspired and blessed countless others around the world.  With more book titles to his name than any other writer in the Army's history, he has humbly continued through the years of both active and retired service to teach, mentor and influence others for Christ……This selfless, creative and unique contribution to the life of the Army would commend itself to the Founder.'

In accepting the honour Colonel Gariepy was typically generous in his acknowledgment of those who had been an influence in his life.  He said, “A countless number have made their contribution to this award by their encouragement and influence, most of all my life partner, Marjorie…. I am further grateful for the recognition it gives to the ministry of writing, to encourage others whose gifts can contribute to our literary ministry and heritage …”

We salute the service and honour the memory of a great servant of God – Colonel Henry Gariepy, OF.  May God's love and peace surround and support all those who have been especially near and dear to him, particularly his wife, Colonel Marjorie Gariepy.