Obituary of William C. Henning

William C. Henning passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 11th, with his partner of 10 years, Chris Groat, by his side. Bill was born on October 18, 1948 in Springfield, MA. He moved to Old Saybrook with his family in 1954, where he learned to love the sea and instilled that love in his adored son, Matthew Henning. Bill attended Old Saybrook schools and worked for many years in his family's business, the Brown Derby Donut Shop. He was also employed at the Lee Company in Westbrook before starting his own company, Henning's Yardwork. Bill was Past Master of the Masonic Lodge #43 in Old Saybrook and served in the Army National Guard. Bill was a gregarious outdoorsman and avid angler who loved hiking, camping, fly-fishing in New England's streams and rivers, and bone fishing in the warm Bahamian waters. He reminded us all to appreciate the beauty of nature, the roar of a fire, good food and drink, and the importance of friendships. Bill did not just strive to 'Live each day as if it were your last'; he actually did just that, living each day to its fullest. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Don and Rita Henning, and his brother, Donald "Jubber" Henning. In addition to his partner Chris and son Matt, Bill is survived by his sisters Judith (Ken) Bombaci of Essex, CT and Shirley Henning of Indianapolis, IN, many nieces and nephews, his former wife Susan Mitchell Fagan, and his beloved dog, Trixie. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 19th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to Dog Days, P.O. Box 64, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com .