Philip Gerald Henry

Philip Gerald Henry, beloved father, brother, son and a friend to many passed away on June 25, 2026, at the age of 50, after a courageous yearlong battle with glioblastoma. A cruel and relentless disease, it took him far too soon - but it could not diminish the fullness of the life he lived. Born on February 17, 1976, Phil lived with extraordinary dedication - to his family, his community, and above all, to the badge he wore with pride for more than three decades.

Phil grew up with a strong sense of community and belonging. He graduated from Henry Sibley High School in 1994, where he was a proud member of the marching band - an early sign of the discipline, teamwork, and dedication that would come to define his life. He graduated from Inver Hills Community College in 1996 with an Associates of Science degree in law enforcement. He continued his studies at Concordia University Saint Paul with a BA in Criminal Justice.

Phil's career with the White Bear Lake Police Department was the defining chapter of his life. He joined the department in 1995 as a Community Service Officer and Public Safety Dispatcher, and was sworn in as a police officer in 1997, shortly after his 21st birthday. From his earliest days on patrol, Phil demonstrated a commitment to service that went far beyond what the job required. He served as a Field Training Officer, mentored hundreds of volunteer reserves, and worked tirelessly in traffic enforcement. Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, he was sworn in as Patrol Captain in May 2015 - a role he served in with distinction for eleven years.

To know Phil was to know that he never truly clocked out. Even off duty, he was listening to the police radio - always connected, always caring about his community and his colleagues. Law enforcement wasn't just his profession; it was his calling, woven into who he was. The White Bear Lake Police Department was not merely his workplace - it was his extended family, and his legacy of leadership and mentorship will be felt there for generations to come.

Beyond the badge, Phil had a warm and adventurous spirit. He enjoyed his share of good fortune and good times at the casinos, whether at Treasure Island, cheering on the Twins or making the trip out to Las Vegas for a little excitement. He approached those outings the same way he approached everything - fully present and ready for whatever came next.

Although he proudly served his community, his heart was always most devoted to his family. He cherished his children deeply and never missed a chance to talk about how proud he was of each of them. He leaves them with a legacy of love and generosity.

Phil is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Jenny) Henry; sons, Michael (Cecelia) Henry and Matthew (Kimberly) Henry who were the great joys of his life; father, Earl Henry; brother, Joseph (Jamie) Henry; former spouse, Michelle Robinette Myers; mother-In-Law, Lois Impila; sisters-in-law, Jamie Henry, Tammy Robinette Juelich and Heather Robinette Ryan, and many beloved nieces and nephews, Darren, Lauren, Alyssa, Steven, Carter and Camren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Charlotte Henry (Nankivell), who passed in 2025.

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Captain Phil Henry answered the call every day of his life. He served with honor, led with heart, and left this world a safer, better place than he found it. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.