Henry Stevenson Beaird, of Burlington, Vt., died recently in a drowning accident. We are devastated to lose our sweet boy.
Henry was happiness itself. He was innocent, joyful, curious, funny, fast, talkative, creative and kind. Born at the University of Vermont Medical Center, he was proud to be the only member of the family who could claim to be a “true Vermonter.” Possessing a hardy constitution, he often refused to wear his winter jacket as a toddler, despite his parents’ many pleas. Henry was eager to start kindergarten at C.P. Smith Elementary School this fall.
Previously, he went to preschool at the downtown YMCA and the Burlington Forest School. He loved his teachers, got engrossed in art projects, and delighted in climbing trees, rocks and trails. When the paths weren’t snowy, he often biked to school and enjoyed racing along the Burlington bike path or the Route 127 trail.
Henry loved vehicles, both in stories and in life. He spent hours playing with his extensive toy truck collection, loading mulch, sand or rocks into the beds of the dump trucks, and then dumping the cargo into piles. He systematically raced all his Matchbox cars to determine which was fastest. In our family car, he would often slip into the driver’s seat, push every button on the dashboard, and then grab the wheel and go for an imaginary journey.
We also spent many memorable hours with Henry outdoors, which he loved exploring. He normally hiked, biked and skied out front, going all out, leaving us breathless. In our minds, we will forever see him up ahead of us, zipping along, his jacket flapping in the wind, exploring just one more trail.
Henry is survived by his mother, Lucy McClellan; father, Joe Beaird; and sister, Eleanor Beaird. He also leaves behind many cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.
A memorial for Henry was held August 28. To honor and spread Henry’s love of biking, please direct contributions in his name to the Old Spokes Home, 331 North Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.
This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2020.
My heart breaks for the family of this sweet boy. Fly high Henry.
I can only begin to imagine the agony of such a loss. I will squeeze my 5 year old even tighter….deepest condolences…love to you all❤️
I can’t even imagine your loss. As a mom if two boys, one of which attends c.p. Smith, I give you my deepest condolences. I hope you are able to find love and light after all the tragedy❤️
Donated to Old Spokes Home in Henry’s honor. Please join in. Ride on, boy biker.
Dear family,
My heart breaks for you as I can relate to your pain and agony having lost my 27 year old son 6 years ago to an accidental drowning. If I can support you in any way please reach out to me.
Dean E. Haller
Underhill Center, VT
I will always remember Henry looking up at his dad while Joe did monthly music times at Tina’s playgroup at Bobbin Mill. A look filled with wonder, love, admiration, and sometimes a little mischievousness (one time he broke into the instruments early and really rocked out). A fun, active, caring playmate – there are no words to express how much he will be missed.