Obituary of Henry Arthur Vogelsang

VOGELSANG, The Honourable Henry Arthur It is with great sadness that the family of Henry Arthur Vogelsang announce his passing at University Hospital in London on Friday, August 2, 2024. Henry was born March 10, 1944 in London, Ontario. Cherished husband to Elley Graham for 29 years, loving father of Gretchen Vogelsang, Christopher Vogelsang, and Andrew Vogelsang (Jenny Anne) and beloved grandfather of Ursan and Brynn Kitchen. Predeceased by both his parents, Dr. Arthur and Mary Vogelsang and his sister, Frances Richardson. Не will also be missed by his large extended family Don (predeceased) and Ruth Graham, Linda McGuffin (Dave), Barb Wood (Phil), Jean Farhood (Wayne), Peter Graham (Veryan), Stan Graham (predeceased) (Caroline Brennan), John Graham (Luraine) and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Henry will be missed not only by his surviving family, but also by a large group of valued friends and colleagues across the entire continent. Henry graduated from Central High School, the University of Western Ontario and in 1968 received his Law degree from the University of Toronto. He opened his law practice in London, Ontario in 1970. In 1979, Henry was appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice. In 1995, the Unified Family Court model was introduced in London, expanding the court's authority under provincial legislation to include federal laws and the inherent jurisdiction of a superior court. Judge Vogelsang became one of the original justices of the new court, the Family Court branch of the Superior Court of Justice. Taking advantage of the court's expanded jurisdiction, he became a prodigious contributor to the development and evolution of family law in the ensuing years, not just as a judge but as an educator and academic. In addition to his many precedent setting decisions, he conducted regular monthly teaching seminars for the Middlesex Family Lawyers Association and was one of the main editors of the Annotated Family Law Rules, a textbook that is updated every year. Justice Vogelsang was universally respected by his judicial colleagues, particularly for his skill in the art of judgment writing. His professional legacy is enormous. Henry met his life partner and best friend, Elley Graham, in 1986, and they married in 1995. Together, they navigated the world of work, family, travel and their vast social connections. They found great joy and bliss in their many years together, in their homes in London and Florida. Henry was a man of many talents and interests, with a never-ending thirst for knowledge. His interests included cooking and sharing recipes, theatre (both on and off the stage), painting, writing, reading, crosswords, sports (particularly football, baseball and playing golf), politics, and games, especially bridge with friends. Henry had a large and generous heart and truly loved his family and his beautiful, if not slightly quirky, cats. Henry's quick wit, sense of humour and quiet demeanour will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Henry was an honourable and fair man, patient, respectful and courteous with friends and peers alike. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Henry's Life will be held Wednesday, August 14th from 2-5 pm, with reflections of his life at 3 pm at the RiverBend Golf Community's clubhouse at 1200 Sandy Somerville Dr. in London. If desired, donations can be made in Henry's name to Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca , the London Animal Care Centre, www.accpets.ca , or a charity of your choice. The Family wishes to thank the many people who have provided their love and support over the years. Online condolences can be shared at: www.ontariocremation.com