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Henri A. Termeer

Henri A. Termeer
  • February 28, 1946 - May 12, 2017
  • Marblehead, Massachusetts
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Dear Belinda and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had to opportunity to get to know Henri at Genzyme. He came to my desk on my third day of work to talk about a case back in 2006. If it weren't for his vision so many years ago, I would never have worked in the biotech industry. He was a man of such great integrity, honesty, and humor. His compassion for patients to this day goes unmatched by any other. Please accept my deepest condolences.

With love,
Kristina Woessner
Posted by: Kristina Woessner - Missoula, MT - Coworker   May 16, 2017

May I express my sincerest condolences on the passing of Henri. While we never crossed paths professionally, having joined Sanofi Genzyme only last year after 20 years at Biogen, his vision to help bring biotechnology-derived medicines to those in need and to impact their lives so deeply, will ever be his legacy. As someone who has benefitted from the industry he helped to nurture, being cured of diffuse large B cell lymphoma with a biologic drug 14 years ago, I

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Posted by: Darren Baker - Hingham, MA   May 16, 2017

My deepest condolences to Termeer family. I have know Henry for only a few years serving on two boards together. I enjoyed his conversations, charm and wisdom. He created a large void by leaving us so soon. May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Fariborz Maseeh - Newport Beach, CA - Friend   May 16, 2017

I met Henri a few times over the years and I was always struck by his grace and compassion. Last year I ran into Henri at an awards gala and I took the opportunity to thank him and express my<br />gratitude . Because of Henri my children were able to grow into happy healthy adults. I know I express the sentiment of my fellow board members here at the Canadian Gaucher Foundation in saying we are all deeply saddened by the loss of Henri. We send our sympathy to you and your family.


Posted by: Christine White - Ottawa, ON - acquaintance   May 16, 2017

Dear Henri,

On multiple occasions we bumped into each other on board Delta flights between Amsterdam and Boston when we both were on the same mission: spending time with our elderly mothers, both well over 90. Foolishly we were both speculating that perhaps we would inherit their longevity genes. So unfair that you have not been granted this well deserved wish.

Still, you always lived with an appropriate "Carpe Diem" attitude and have impacted so many many people in such a

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Posted by: Hans Gieskes - DEDHAM, MA - Friend   May 16, 2017

Henri Termeer taught me by his shining example how to run a major biotech company while being at the same time a valuable and valued member of the larger community. But, more importantly, he taught me why that latter "distraction" was such an important thing to do. With Henri, in his work, it always started and ended with benefit to patients in need, and, in the rest of his public life, it started and ended with the larger community that needs us all engaged to maintain and improve. Generous, self-less, witty, patient and kind. He will be missed by all.
Posted by: Joshua Boger - Boston, MA - Friend   May 16, 2017

Henri has been a great mentor to me over the years. We started Lysosomal Therapeutics, Inc. together and have developed a wonderful friendship along the way. I am grateful that we spent almost 3hrs together two weeks ago in Boston talking about our teenage daughters, LTI, our new ventures and various other topics. He loved his family and was extremely loyal to his friends. We had a wonderful time together not knowing it was the last time. I will forever miss his wisdom and humanity.
Posted by: Dimitri Krainc - Chicago, MA - Friend   May 16, 2017

Passionate, determined, optimistic, instructive, encouraging, non-judgmental, kind, visionary, fair, exacting, lovingthe Henri Termeer we will all never forget. It was my great privilege to work closely with Henri as his senior vice president for human resources during Genzyme's formative years, 1989 through 2003. He built a singular company that took care of patients as well as it took care of its workers, an example for all CEOs and the secret to any great organization's success. On May 12, 1997, 20

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Posted by: Jack & Deborah Heffernan - Bridgton, ME - Coworker   May 16, 2017

Dear Henri,
Rest in peace. Your energy, vision and influence will be missed. Only you knew the influence you had on my career as an inspirational leader and mentor. As Genzyme employee #11 from 1983-1988 your guidance led us to over-achieve to meet your high expectations to make Genzyme the success it was. Thank you! You legacy will continue on............
Posted by: Gary Ostroff - Worcester, MA - Coworker   May 16, 2017

Dear Henri: It was a pleasure to have known and worked with you on the Mass General Hospital's board. Your brilliance and generosity to the Life sciences community and your philanthropy and civic engagement will be sorely miss. You were a bright light here is the Boston community and beyond and your impact will be felt for future generations. RIP With profound sadness.
Posted by: Colette Phillips - Brookline, MA - Acquaintance   May 16, 2017