Tributes have been paid to the “force for good” Henry Wuga, a Holocaust survivor and educator, who has died aged 100.
The death of Wuga, who escaped Germany on the Kindertransport in 1939 and settled in Glasgow, was announced by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust on Sunday.
Its chief executive, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said everyone there was heartbroken. “Henry was a gentleman,” she said. “Charming, dapper, and above all, a force for good.
“The work that he and his late wife Ingrid did in sharing their testimonies, made an immense impact on thousands of people across Scotland.
“All of us at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust send our deepest sympathies to his daughters Hilary and Gillian and all his family and loved ones.
“Thank you for everything, Henry. We will miss you.”
Wuga was born in Nuremberg and went to a Jewish grammar school, where he was a year below Henry Kissinger.
Thanks to his mother, Wuga managed to escape Germany at 15. After arriving in London he was sent to Glasgow, where he found a welcoming home.
The former first minister Nicola Sturgeon said Wuga was an “extraordinary” human being who was “full of stories and fun”.
“While the world is a poorer place for his passing, there is no doubt that his life made it better,” she said. “Alongside his beloved wife, Ingrid, Henry educated thousands about the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons from it that we must never forget. With quiet dignity, he reminded us of the power of love and humanity.”
Her successor, Humza Yousaf, said he was devastated to hear of Wuga’s death.
“His loss will be felt by communities right across Scotland & beyond,” he posted on X. “He worked over decades to remind us of the horrors of the Holocaust, which must never be forgotten. My thoughts with Henry’s family, friends & the many who loved him.”
Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, described Wuga as “warm, charming and compassionate, his strength and personality helped inspire us all.
“We owe it to his generation to share their stories and always strive for peace.”
Wuga, whose career was in the catering industry, turned 100 in February, remarking: “I may be 100 but I don’t feel 100. To be 100 is quite an idea.”
Ahead of his birthday, his local MSP Jackson Carlaw paid tribute to him in Holyrood during first minister’s questions.
Carlaw said on X: “How joyful it was just last month for us all to celebrate with Henry the reaching of his centenary.
“Today we mourn his passing & send much love to Hilary, Gillian & the family. In his own quiet way, Henry was a statesman. May his memory be a blessing.”
