Obituary: In remembrance of Henry J. Travis
Prepared by the Travis Family
‘I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way’
– Frank Sinatra
Dr. Henry J. Travis, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Centerport on October 10 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Karen Travis; his children, Christopher (Rachael), Lyndsey (Curtis) and Meredith (Robert); and his cherished grandchildren, Marilyn, Lily, Thomas and Julie. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Michael).
Born on November 19, 1948, in New York City to Harry and Constance Travis, Henry, known to many as “Hank” and lovingly as “Grandper” by his family, spent his early years in Brooklyn before moving to Dix Hills in the early 1950s. After graduating from Half Hollow Hills High School, he attended Cornell University where he met his future wife, Karen, in 1971. Following his veterinary school graduation in 1974, the couple moved to Cold Spring Harbor before settling down in Huntington.
Hank joined the Fort Hill Animal Hospital upon graduating — eventually purchasing the practice — where he dedicated the next 50 years of his life. His daughter Lyndsey now continues his legacy at Fort Hill. A true animal lover, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with future generations, mentoring high school, college and veterinary students who visited the practice.
Outside of his veterinary work, Dr. Travis stayed busy as a master do-it-yourselfer. He was known for his skills in gardening, plumbing, electrical work, painting, woodworking and birdhouse building. Though his projects sometimes turned out quirky, his creativity and problem-solving abilities always shone through.
Henry was an avid sailor, often found cruising around Long Island Sound on his sailboat, Merry Lynn, nearly every Sunday and Tuesday. He taught himself to sail on a small boat and over time advanced to larger vessels, eventually racing and taking family trips along the Northeast coast.
Hank’s love for community service was evident throughout his life. He coached baseball and softball teams at Tri Village Little League and volunteered with the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown where he served on the advisory council. A committed Cornell alum, he established two scholarships at the university and served as Chairperson on the advisory council for Cornell’s Baker Institute for Animal Health.
Despite his health challenges — including a long-term lung condition, a near-fatal bout with COVID-19 and pancreatic cancer — Hank continued to work at Fort Hill and made time for adventures with his grandchildren, bringing endless energy and positivity to every moment.
Henry’s family and friends will miss him dearly but will continue to smile as they remember his life well-lived, marked by love, dedication and joy.
