Northern News Services

Hay River (Mar 15/04) - All the signs were pointing to Henry White leaving Hay River.

The name -- Henry's -- of his barbershop in the Ptarmigan Inn had even been changed to Sherryl's by his daughter, who recently operated the business by herself.

As a joke on her father, Sherryl White changed the name of his barbershop while Henry White was visiting Labrador. - Paul Bickford/NNSL Photo

Henry had gone back to his hometown of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, to check out buying a barbershop where he once worked.

However, he has decided to stay in Hay River. In early March, Henry returned from a six-week visit to Labrador.

"The economy is very bad there," he said of his decision not to return to Labrador. Besides, he said, he loves it in the North.

In his eight years in Hay River, White has become a bit of an institution. He is also well-known in Fort Simpson, where he regularly travels to cut hair.

As for the name change of his business, that was a joke by his daughter to welcome him back to Hay River. However, Sherryl White says the sign didn't surprise her father. "He didn't even notice it."

The name of the barbershop will soon be switching back to Henry's.