Qillaq Henson is 73 today!
Today Qillaq Henson is 73 years old.
At 73, Qillaq Henson is the kind of guy who’s seen it all—and probably survived more of it than you would have. Born to Anaukaq, the Inughuit son of famed African American explorer Matthew Henson, Qillaq’s life has been steeped in Arctic legend and more than a fair share of disasters.
His grandfather, Matthew, unlike other American explorers, quickly learned the language and the ways of the Inughuit, and eventually, after 23 years in the Arctic, ?earned the proud nickname “Maripaluk”.
?Now, Qillaq is a true "Angerla"—basically someone brought in to fill the vacancy left by someone who, let’s just say, isn’t coming back. In this case, that someone was his older brother, Qillaq senior, who tragically died on some slippery rocks during a kayak trip. So, his father Anaukaq, heartbroken as he was, gave the name Qillaq to his youngest son when he arrived, hoping that his life will be less treacherous.
?Except, of course, that wasn’t the case. Because what good is an adventurous family history without a few near-death experiences? Qillaq Jr. managed to narrowly escape death himself after a plane crash. Not just any plane crash, but one where only two people walked away, and Qillaq was one of them. It took an entire week for his poor father to find out his youngest son wasn’t, in fact, among the wreckage.
?Family tragedies didn’t stop there. Qillaq’s sister Tina passed away at the age of five, so naturally, Qillaq honored her memory by naming his oldest daughter Tina. Tina is celebrating her father’s birthday today in Qaanaaq.
?Qillaq’s wife, Kiistat, hailed from Qaqortoq before making the trek to Qaanaaq, where the couple turned heads as the most stunning duo anyone had ever seen. Together, they raised two very beautiful and very smart daughters: Avortungiaq, who ?goes by Avo, and Aviaq, affectionately called Avi.
?Before embracing the life of a pensioner, Qillaq was the second principal at the local elementary school, children adored him. These days, you’ll find him basking in the glow of his grandchildren, spreading joy with what everyone describes as his “magic smile,” as if he’s some kind of Gandalf of the Arctic.
Happy birthday, dear Qillaq! Happy 73!
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