Bonnie Henry

The Last Word

Bonnie Henry

Kindness is her superpower, shoes are her weakness.

Dr. Bonnie Henry (OBC, DSc’21)

Who was your childhood hero? 
Sherlock Holmes.

Describe the place you most like to spend time. 
Anywhere near the ocean (especially in Victoria, where I live, and Charlottetown, PEI, where I grew up).

What was the last thing you read? 
Carlo Rovelli’s The Order of Time (wonderful work on physics), the incredible Miriam Toews book Fight Night, and the important book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph. (I always have a few books on the go at any one time!)

What is the most important lesson you ever learned? 
That kindness is a superpower.

What is your idea of the perfect day? 
A run along the water, a good book, listening to music, and a glass of wine!

What is your most prized possession?
My passport that allows me to travel and experience the world (and my Fluevog shoe collection :) ).

What would be the title of your biography? 
Being Kind, Being Calm

If a genie granted you one wish, what would it be? 
To be able to travel more with my dear friends.

Whom do you most admire (living or dead) and why? 
Marie Curie, an incredible scientist who was never fully recognized.

What would you like your epitaph to say? 
She leaves the world a kinder place.

If you could invent something, what would it be? 
A tool that makes people kinder and more compassionate.

What are you afraid of? 
Personally, I fear dementia, but professionally I fear not making progress in addressing the tragedy of the toxic drug crisis we are experiencing.

What is your latest purchase? 
(Another) pair of beautiful Fluevog shoes in pink patent leather.

Name the skill or talent you would most like to have. 
To be able to sing or play a musical instrument.

What is your pet peeve? 
Procrastination! (In myself, of course.)

What is the secret to a good life? 
Finding joy in every day.

Do you have a personal motto? 
In patience lies wisdom.

What is the most important thing left on your bucket list? 
I had a trek booked to Machu Picchu this past December, but sadly that was cancelled because of the political situation in Peru.