Obituaries

’06

Jason Henkel
February 17, 1982–August 12, 2024

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the final score of Jason Henkel's remarkable life. As a beloved husband, incredible father, treasured teacher, and dedicated coach, Jason gave his all both on and off the field. After a decade-long, determined battle against cancer, he passed away in the comfort of his home on August 12, 2024.

Jason was born to Glen and Janice Henkel in February of 1982 in Fremont, CA. The family moved to Vancouver, WA, and Medford, OR before settling in Albany in 1994. In middle school, Jason made numerous friendships through sports and met Elizabeth Harpole in eighth grade at Calapooia Middle School. Elizabeth, who would become the love of his life, and Jason were married in 2004. They welcomed their first child, Eli, in 2008, and their family grew complete with the arrival of their second child, Blair, in 2010.

Jason attended South Albany High School, where he participated in cross country, football, basketball, and baseball. Inspired by his positive high school experience, he pursued a career in education at Western Oregon University, becoming a PE and health teacher. After earning his master's degree in teaching from Willamette University, Jason began his teaching career at Memorial Middle School. He contributed to the planning of Timber Ridge Middle School, where he taught for three years before returning to South Albany High School. Starting in 2005, Jason also coached boys basketball and baseball at South Albany, building strong connections with students and players through his quick wit and playful nature.

Jason's favorite pastime was getting to coach and watch Eli and Blair strive for greatness in sports. When Eli entered kindergarten, Jason coached both baseball and basketball for Eli's age group. This last year, most of the JV RedHawks Basketball team was made up of 'his' players who he had coached from third grade and up. It was an unforgettable year for both Jason and Eli.

Jason and Beth spearheaded the South Albany Youth Baseball program together in 2019, reaching up to 130 players each season. During COVID, Jason made sure that youth players could remain involved in sports and crucial social interactions by running flag football and baseball programs; he even rented a church to hold open gyms for basketball. Where there's a will, there's a way. During that same time, Jason started playing catch with a different person every day. His passion for playing catch was built upon open communication which strengthened meaningful connections with his 'Katch Partners'. This daily tradition continued for nearly a year and a half.

Alongside his roles in coaching and teaching, Jason was actively involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). His faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life, and he welcomed the opportunity to discuss his beliefs with athletes, often hosting dinners in their home. Jason enjoyed traveling; whether it was a bus ride to a game, a magical adventure at a Disney park, or a relaxing fishing trip in Mexico, there was joy in every experience.

To know Jason was a special thing; he was stubborn and passionate about everything he loved. His friends and family always knew exactly where they stood with him - he never hesitated to share his honest thoughts but also showed immense care for those he cherished. Jason's love was unwavering, and his dedication to those close to him was evident in every interaction, making each relationship deeply meaningful.

When Jason was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2014, he refused to let it define him. He battled the illness with relentless determination for a decade, showing extraordinary resilience until the end. His passing leaves a significant void, felt deeply by all who knew him. Jason will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his family, friends, students, and athletes, his enthusiasm for life, and his remarkable ability to inspire and uplift those around him.