Henry Coons: Leader, Teacher, Lifelong Mentor
Henry Coons is nothing if not consistent. Henry came to Mowglis in 1965 in Akela and he was in the Den of 1967. His brother Tim came the same year. Barry Beal was his nemesis on the Tennis court but off the court they were great friends, they even dressed as husband and wife for the old Fancy Dress Ball. Jim Hart, Jim Van Schaick, Peter Berking, Steve Punderson were among his friends. Henry says they were the best when they were good and the worst when they weren't! He thinks a comedy movie might be in order about the group, and I agree.
Listen here: https://feeds.podetize.com/1FwCQNyY0.mp3
Henry spent a lot of time at the waterfront, getting his White, Red, Green and Brown ribbons, as well as the Orange, Yellow. Needless to say he was Greybrother. Brother Tim vowed he would be Greybrother as well - and he was. Henry was a member of the Mount Washington Squad and has hiked Washington since with his old friend Billy Ray who came to Mowglis as a counselor for one summer in 1974. Henry and Billy had an exercise routine together that was designed to prepare them for the football season.
On racing crew in 1967 he was part of a moment in Mowglis history. Henry was on the racing crew and brother Tim was the Cox. In the Blue boat Barry Beal rowed and his younger brother was the Coxswain.
Henry loved being a member of the staff after his graduation from Den and enjoyed working with the boys. He marvels at the ability of Smitty to feed the Mowglis hoards day after day for 8 weeks. He loved Smitty's spirit and his gentle nature.
Kipling remains one of his favorite authors and he memorized the "A Legend of Truth" for his students when he was later teaching at Avon.
His life after Mowglis began with four years at Mullenberg College where he played both football (defensive halfback) and baseball (Center and Rightfield). The majority of his career, after some fun, but short-term, gigs, was largely spent at Avon Old Farms School where he rose to the position of Director of Alumni Affairs and made the cover of Avonian Magazine, with a large "Fond Farewell" inside spread, when he announced his retirement. Henry laughs and says it was a "slow news time", but it's clear that was not the case.
Now living in rural Otisfield Maine, within sight of the Presidential Range.
Henry says that the only good thing about Covid was that hiking became
4 grandchildren and three of his own children.
YouTube Video
A Legend of Truth - The Kipling Society
Apr 14, 2004— Publication. This poem was first published as an introduction to the story “A Friend of the Family” in Debits and Credits (1926).
A Fond Farewell: Avon Old Farms wishes "Good Hunting" to Henry
In the Summer issue of the Avonian is a piece about Henry's induction into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.
(Pages 26-29)
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