Steve Henry

Steve Henry, a resident of Pacific Palisades since 1978, passed away peacefully at the age of 81.

Steve loved his family—his wife Harriet Zaretsky to whom he was married for 46 years, and his daughter Taylor and son-in-law Jace Winter. Steve was predeceased by his son Dillon Henry in 2007.

To all who knew him, including his Rustic Canyon neighbors, Steve will be remembered as quick-witted, humorous and incredibly kind.

An amateur golf champion in Kern County, Steve played golf in college and throughout his life. A member of Riviera Country Club since 1981, Steve both served on the board and as president. Steve never lost his swing, and at 81, he was still blowing it by the younger players. He helped coach the Palisades Charter High School golf team the past year and mentored many young golfers. Steve’s patience, kindness and generosity of spirit flowed through his teaching and all aspects of his life.

Ardently passionate about politics and social justice, Steve supported and actively contributed to causes and candidates he cared deeply about. If you were lucky enough to have a conversation with him, you always heard a thoughtful and distinctive point of view, often at Cafe Vida, where Steve held court on a virtually daily basis.

The Dillon Henry Foundation, which Steve and Harriet started in 2007, provided over 100 Pali High students with college scholarships, and endowed internships at the Surfrider Foundation for environmentally conscious graduate and law students.

The creation and maintenance of the Congo Peace School remains one of Steve’s most significant accomplishments. The school serves 578 impoverished students in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from preschool through high school graduation.

The family shared the joy of visiting the school on several occasions, where they personally witnessed the transformation of these young people’s lives. Experiencing adventures and worldwide travels were a regular part of the family’s life.

Steve is also the beloved brother and uncle to his extended family, survived by his brothers Richard and Tommy, a loving group of nieces and nephews, and devoted adoring friends throughout the world.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Steve, please consider a contribution to The Dillon Henry Foundation to support the Congo Peace School (dillonslist.org). The school is now an important part of Steve’s legacy.