Henry, 47, was once overweight and unfit but had turned his life around through triathlon and went on to compete four times at Ironman New Zealand.
He is survived by wife Sharon Smith-Tohu and the couple's daughter Tayla.
The North Harbour Tri Club member had also become one of the regular faces at the Ironmaori triathlon in Napier, an event aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for Maori and Pacific Islanders.
Henry was heavily involved in mentoring those from all walks of life and was an inspiration to many through his passion for life, infectious smile and willingness to help out anyone he could.
Since Henry's passing, tributes have continued to flow for a genuine role model who has been described as a ‘people magnet'.
"My heart is saddened because we have lost a man who embodies the Ironmaori spirit and is an awesome role model to us all. Rest in peace my bro I will miss your zest for life which you shared with us all,” Paul Tiaiti wrote on the Ironmaori Facebook page.
"Will miss you so much Henry and especially your smile. You came into so many lives and showed us what can be. My thoughts are with Sharon and Tayla,” said Leon Whaanga.
"R.I.P brother Henry. You will always be remembered as a very inspirational Maori man," added Karney Herewini.
Ironmaori organiser and good friend Heather Skipworth said Henry had been an active role model to his family and fellow competitors.
"Everybody knew Henry. He did do a lot of mentoring and he was a people-magnet. He was the type of person who would give up time in a race to help people,” she said.
As Communications Manager for Triathlon NZ, I was lucky enough to get to know Henry around last year's Ironmaori event.
Midway through 2010 a group of Henry's mates had seen him compete in the inaugural Ironmaori the previous year and decided it would be a great idea to take part themselves as a means to better their health and lead good examples for their kids.
It all snowballed from there as Henry mentored Taff Wikaira, Pete Cullen, Ray Maddix, Mark Mayerhofler (former All Black) and Bernie Te Paa through preparations for the race.
"I'd been on their case for the past two years to get them into triathlon so I was surprised when they asked me to give them some guidance,” Henry told me at the time.
"Obviously as they became more at ease with the sessions and the more consistent they became, they started changing shape. Some of the big fellas have dropped heaps of weight, but as I say it's a lifestyle change not weight watchers!”
An image that will live on with me is that contagious smile, fixed on his face even in the final stages of an iron distance race!
Triathlon was much more than a sport for Henry, it was a way of life and he often went out of his way to encourage others along and keep them motivated.
One of those who Henry mentored through Ironmaori last year, Taff Wikaira, is devastated by the loss of his good friend but knows his legacy will live on through others.
"Henry was an inspirational figure, he encouraged a group of overweight ex rugby players into the world of ironman through his actions,” Taff said.
"People who met him for the first time would never have realised that at one stage he was 130kg. But with a lot of hard work he ended up with the body of a 20-year-old, fit and toned.
"Henry urged us to lead healthy lifestyles and to be role models for our whanau, so that we would be active participants in our children's lives.
"His legacy lives on in all of us.”
Henry, we thank you for everything and you will be greatly missed. Gone but never forgotten.
John Whiting
Tri NZ Communications Manager
