Henry was born in Woodhouse, Sheffield, England. In the early 1930s was educated in Council Schools and to Grammar School in 1940. He later attended Engineering Colleges and was certificated in Mechanical Engineering and in Mining Engineering.

He was an Engineer at various Coal Mines and in a Scottish Integrated Iron and Steel Plant. He became an Engineer in a Canadian Iron Ore mine, was employed on Environmental affairs, and finally was Chief Engineer in a Cleveland, Ohio, U. S. A., Mining Company.

He is married and has three sons. Until he became disabled, he enjoyed golf, tennis and walking. Disability leaves him watching his life long interest, soccer. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.