Bob Henigson’s Legacy Lives On

–by Hilary Canty and Lisa Byers —

John F. Kennedy once said, “The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men and women who can dream of things that never were.”

On May Day, the Orcas Island community received a remarkable array of legacy gifts when Bob Henigson’s bequest donations were hand delivered to six island organizations. Bob died in January 2014, but his legacy gifts will enhance the quality of life on Orcas for generations to come. Each recipient organization intends to invest Bob’s bequest for the long-term benefit of the island community.

Creating and maintaining a culture of philanthropy was important to Bob who understood a just society requires the commitment and investment of all its citizens. He believed strongly that it was the responsibility of each community member to contribute to the best of their ability to benefit the whole society. Bob liked to dream big about how to improve the health and well-being of society at large, and he put his significant brain power and wisdom into making the world a more inclusive and equitable place.

Bob was passionate about education. Recognizing that when you educate children well, you give them a lifetime of opportunity, Bob left an endowment for the Orcas Island School District and a gift to the Funhouse. Funhouse Director Krista Bouchey said, “This amazing gift will ensure ongoing funding for Funhouse programs such as college counseling & college prep, early learning and other educational programs that Bob and Phyllis Henigson have supported over the past 15 years, and it demonstrates their lasting commitment to the belief that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed.”

OISD Superintendent Eric Webb added “Bob Henigson has always supported public education to a remarkable level. Without him so many opportunities would not have existed for our students. In 2008, at the forefront of the joint OIEF/OICF Education Initiative he summed up his commitment this way, ‘It is of critical importance to work out a long-term financial backing for the school district. It comes down to local communities undertaking to provide the funds necessary to provide the educational opportunities that every child in Washington and everywhere ought to enjoy.’” The endowment set up for our public schools fulfills the vision Bob had in 2008 and will benefit our students in perpetuity.”

A lifelong learner and an avid reader, Bob valued his library card almost as much as his voter registration card. His legacy gift to the Friends of the Library will ensure all residents have access to knowledge and information through the Orcas Public Library. As Library director Phil Heikkinen notes “this gift will provide a crucial boost for the Library’s building expansion project, in support of strong and dynamic services expressing Bob’s passionate commitments to early childhood literacy, lifelong learning, and intellectual freedom”.

Music brought great joy to Bob. Bob and Phyllis have been passionate supporters of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (OICMF) since its beginning over 18 years ago. His gift to OICMF “…allows us to continue to be an integral part of the cultural fabric of our island community, offering world-class chamber music performances and music education to multi-generational audiences in collaboration with our generous donors, concert patrons and volunteers” says Sam Coleman, OICMF Board President. “We are deeply grateful for Bob and Phyllis’ trust in the cultural, educational and community merits of the OICMF artistic vision.

Bob also understood that when individuals and families have a safe and affordable place to live, they are able to focus on being the best that they can be. Bob supported OPAL Community Land Trust because it aligned with his vision for a healthier, more inclusive society. “To succeed, OPAL needs to steward land and housing in perpetuity” according to OPAL CLT Board Chair, Helen Bee,” Bob’s bequest is a great addition to OPAL’s stewardship endowment”.

Bob had a deep understanding of the complexity of a healthy community and invested part of his legacy in the Orcas Island Community Foundation to strengthen the capacity of all island organizations to serve the residents of Orcas. Hilary Canty, OICF Director, is confident that “this gift will allow the Community Foundation to dream big and redouble our efforts connecting resources to the emerging needs and opportunities facing our community, today and for years to come.”

Bob Henigson entrusted his legacy to these island organizations, recognizing that each would use his investment wisely and that the entire community would benefit from his generosity for generations. We all dream of leaving the world a better place, and Bob certainly achieved that goal.