Jewish News’ Property 40: A tribute to Nigel Henry

It’s hard to think of a more fitting tribute to my late friend Nigel Henry than for his name to be attached to the release of the community’s first ever 40 under 40 property list.

Hugely successful himself in the industry, he was passionate about encouraging young talent and jumped at the chance to sponsor these awards. Even in his final days, he was determined to cast his votes in the process.

But there was so much more to him. First and foremost, Nigel was a loving and caring family man, father to three children and seven adored grandchildren but as was evident from the Levayah attended by over 1,000 people, his orbit extended well beyond his immediate family and he was loved, admired and respected by so many which is testament to his character and yet also remarkable for someone so humble.

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When I reflect on what made Nigel special it would be easy to simply reference his business acumen and the exceptional success he achieved with Fusion Group, but this was just one of many attributes. His outstanding contribution to the community by way of his key involvement with Langdon (and the subsequent coming together of Kisharon Langdon) has been well noted. Behind the scenes, quietly, he also offered significant support to those in need and to causes that resonated with him.

Then there was his sporting prowess. By any standards (and not simply Jewish standards!) when Nigel was at his peak, he was an outstanding sportsman. Cycling was his passion, but he was also an accomplished tennis player, winning a bronze medal when representing Team GB in the Maccabiah Games. He ran five 3.5 hour marathons and in his final year, remarkably, trekked to Everest Base Camp with his son, son-in-laws and close friends.

But for all his achievements, that’s not what I will ultimately remember Nigel for.

He was simply one of life’s good guys, a true mensch who was genuinely interested in helping others and made time for everyone.

It’s little wonder I’ve never met anyone who has anything but positive words to say.

Nigel bravely fought cancer for over eight years and many people had no concept of how ill he was. Thanks to his remarkable determination and discipline, he somehow maintained his work ethic literally until the very end, even taking an important Zoom meeting from his bed at The London Clinic.

At the shiva, his PA Laura told me how Nigel had rescheduled a chemotherapy session early in December to be able to attend my wife’s 60th birthday celebrations. He was always making time for and putting others before himself.

For Nigel, life was all about creating memories, pushing boundaries and helping others to have the mental fortitude to face life’s challenges. These characteristics now live on through his children.

His legacy will also endure through the people he went out of his way to give opportunities to, mentor or simply encourage.

Mark Pollack, the co-founder of Aston Chase was a close friend and machatunim to Nigel Henry

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Click here for the Property 40 Under 40 Profiles