Henry Whiting Ferris Jr., 90, Naturalist, Painter, Printmaker, Sculptor, & Army Veteran

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NATICK – Henry Whiting Ferris, Jr., 90, of Natick, (formerly Madison, CT) passed away on February 18, 2022 one month short of his 91st birthday.

Henry was born on March 18, 1931 in New York City to the late Dr. Henry W. Ferris and Marie Johnson Ferris.

Beloved husband of 61 years to the late Anne J. (Jussel) Ferris.

Devoted Father of Jeffrey Ferris and his wife Caroline of Kennebunk, ME, and Valerie Rector and her husband Greg of Framingham. Dear brother of James Ferris of CA. Loving grandfather of Melissa and Alex Ferris of Kennebunk, ME, and Elena Rector of Framingham. Uncle of Michael and David Ferris.

Henry was a naturalist, prolific painter, printmaker and sculptor, passionate gardener, lover of birds, languages, learning, and an inspiration to all. He was funny, gentle, kind and loved creating flower bouquets from his garden to give away for any occasion.

After graduating from Yale in 1952, Henry served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He then completed an advanced degree at Thunderbird in AZ where he and a friend were inspired to pursue a 7,000 mile, one year and one day, canoe adventure down the Amazon and its tributaries.

After marrying Anne, Henry continued his adventures by traveling extensively around the world during his career.

He also ran two small businesses: Troll Stuen in Deep River, CT, and Ferris Art Center in Guilford, CT.

During his 31 years in Madison, he devoted his time and skills to the Menunkatuck Audubon Society, Shoreline Alliance for the Arts, Guilford Art League, SARAH, Madison Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning as well as the Saint George Food Pantry Garden.

The family would like to honor and express profound gratitude to the entire staff at Whitney Place and Beaumont Skilled Nursing in Natickfor their superb and compassionate care of Henry. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Henry’s memory to Mass. Audubon or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

A celebration of Henry’s life will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Meig’s Point Area Picnic Shelter at Hammonasset State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT.

Park in the Meig’s Point Nature Center lot; cross road, and use ramp to access the picnic pavilion.

Arrangements by Everett Funeral in Natick.

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