Henry Joseph Quian, 67, of Houston, Texas, peacefully passed away on November 4. 2021 in Houston after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Henry was born in Havana, Cuba as Enrique Jose Quian Sariol to Juan Enrique Quian and Gloria Herlinda Sariol Batista on October 21, 1954. Henry, his mother, and his twin brothers came to the United States as refugees from Castro's regime in November of 1961. His father was detained at the airport but was able to join them several months later. The family moved to Houston in April 1962 through the refugee resettlement program of Church World Service. Bellaire Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) provided the family with an apartment, food, clothing, and a job for Mr. Quian. Henry attended schools in Houston ISD and graduated from Bellaire High School in 1973. He became a naturalized citizen in 1973 and legally changed his name to English at that time. He started working in a restaurant at age 14 and worked his way up to assistant manager while attending school. He graduated from University of Houston in 1980 with a Bachelor of Architecture. He married V. Jane Long on May 27, 1979 at the University of Houston Chapel. They were married for fifteen years before their sons were born, which added a new dimension and greater purpose to their lives together. Henry was a loving husband and father and devoted himself to providing for his family. Henry worked as an architect for several firms before joining the firm which later became Watkins Hamilton Ross in 1991. He became a principal at WHR Architects and worked there until 2011. Henry enjoyed his work as a healthcare architect and found great satisfaction working with hospital user groups to determine their needs and mentoring younger architects. Henry loved Houston and for many years led architectural walking tours of downtown Houston and received an AIA citation for volunteering in that capacity. Henry enjoyed photography, hiking, camping, cooking, and music (especially jazz). He loved his family and was proud of his sons and their accomplishments. He was proud of his Cuban heritage but despised the government that caused his family to relocate to the United States. He was a proud American who never missed an opportunity to vote. He was an active member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church and the Gene Decker Study class.
Henry is preceded in death by his twin sister, Elsa del Carmen Quian Sariol and his parents Gloria and Enrique Quian.
Henry is survived by his wife: Virola Jane Long, sons: Evan Miguel Long-Quian and Patrick Tomas Long-Quian, brothers: Carlos Quian and wife Maria and Hector Quian and wife Cynthia, nephews and nieces: Brandon Quian, Stephen Quian, Matthew Quian, Alex Quian, Curtis Tanner and wife Wendy, Christina Dearman and husband Ben, and Bill LaBaw, and many other dear cousins and friends.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Addington Place Meyerland, Sheltering Arms Houston (now Baker Ripley), Erma Green, the members and staff of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, and the Early Onset Alzheimer's Support Group for their care and support during this journey.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Church World Service (cwsglobal.org).
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 15 at 2:00 PM at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77027
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