Henry Baweja

Henry “Hank” Richard Baweja passed away at the age of 71 on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. Hank was the third of seven children born to Valentine “Bill” and Sophie Baweja on December 29th, 1952 in Wayland, Michigan. His siblings, in order of birth, are Valentine “Bill” (Linda) Baweja (deceased 2006), Rose (Cal) Brower, Ray Baweja, Ed (Cathy) Baweja, Tony (Mary Jo) Baweja, and Ruth Baweja. Hank graduated from Wayland High School in 1971. He spent several years studying agricultural production at Michigan State University where he made great friends. He enjoyed catching up with them during lively annual reunions. On September 30th, 1978, he married his high school sweetheart, Eileen Marie Halloran, also of Wayland (deceased 2008). Even though their marriage did not endure, we cherish the love they shared; a love that created four children and led to five delightful grandchildren: Julie and Rob Banagale of Portland, Oregon with their two children Maren and Murphy; Brian and Aleisha Baweja of Kent City, Michigan and their boys Calvin Thomas, Miles Valentine, and Leo Walter; Phillip Baweja of Columbus, Ohio; and Becky Baweja of San Diego, California. For many years, Hank enjoyed raising rabbits and the activities associated with the hobby from traveling to shows, acquiring new breeds, and trading their offspring. He also took great pleasure in chatting with friends and socializing with the local community, often sharing stories, updates, and photos of his family. Hank was a proud member of the United Auto Workers and helped to build American-made automobiles for the majority of his work life. To that end, he was a loyal General Motors customer and never without a GM or Chevrolet truck. Like all of us, Hank had his own idiosyncrasies. Most notably were his meticulous record-keeping of the daily rainfall, truck mileage, and the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline. He even rounded up to the nearest penny to account for the extra thousandths of a dollar included in the retail price. His family encourages those facing addiction or mental health challenges to openly acknowledge their struggles, seek support, and find hope each day for a better life. Hank will be cremated and buried at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Hilliards, MI. A graveside ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at 2:00pm with a luncheon to follow at the St Stan’s Hall. All are welcome to join in the celebration of his life. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Henry Baweja, please visit our flower store.