The impact of one member

In January, I traveled to Philadelphia to mourn the loss of a fellow Legate, mentor and friend, Paul M. Henkels. As I attended Paul’s visitation and funeral Mass the next morning, I was struck by the tremendous impact this one man’s life had on so many.

Some waited in line for upward of two hours just to pass by his casket, and the funeral Mass was celebrated by our own Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, four bishops and many priests.

I have always believed that Legatus is such an important organization because of the “multiplying effect” that one member can have on the Church, the country and the world. As I thought about Paul’s life, I marveled not only at the tremendous “success” that he experienced in business, but at his leadership and faithful service in many causes.

Paul grew a relatively small company founded by his father to what Henkels & McCoy is today. Yet, it was Paul’s passion for Catholic and other philanthropic causes that come to mind first. It seemed that every time I saw Paul, all he would talk about was school choice. His passion and drive certainly paid off with the passage of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit that he championed. That’s just one example.

When we started Legatus, Paul became a key member on the national board and helped form Legatus during its early years. I met Paul in 1987, and over the years we had many conversations regarding how he ran his company and dealt so effectively with employees.

Our conversations were helpful to me as I ran Domino’s and later Ave Maria University (AMU). Paul was a true mentor to me, so I asked him to be on AMU’s board, where he served as chairman for years. Paul’s commitment to Catholic education was inspiring.

Paul was a man of faith and a true family man. His love for Barbara was always very evident as together they championed so many causes. Their 10 children and 27 grandchildren are a testimony to his heritage. Paul was a true Legate who lived the mission of spreading the faith in every area of his life. We have lost a fellow Legate and friend, but gained an intercessor in Heaven.