Donald I. "Turk" Henderson

Henderson, Donald Ian “Turk” – With sadness, the family announces the passing of Turk Henderson, aged 76, on March 13, 2014 at San Javier Hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico. Turk died from a severe head injury after being hit by a big wave while swimming happily at Ixtapa Beach. Born October 23, 1937, he was the third son of Donald Brenton Henderson and Marjorie Forbes Campbell. Raised in Brookfield, Colchester County, he was an accomplished athlete, playing amongst his brothers, on many Brookfield Elks championship teams in softball and hockey. He was employed, in various capacities, for Maritime Tel & Tel, from 1957-1991, living in New Glasgow, Brookfield and Dartmouth. He wintered in Calgary these last 17 years, while continuing to cherish summers at his cottage in Brule Point where he enjoyed nature, gardening, and windsurfing, as well as catching up with friends, family and neighbours. He was an avid curler and duplicate bridge player. “Grampie Turk’s” grandchildren, whom he believed brilliant, were only able to win the many games on their own merit. He had a clever wit and an irreverent sense of humour and teased people as a sign of affection. A great fan of Muhammad Ali he signed all his e-mails as “2nd Greatest”. For us he was the first. Turk is survived by his loving partner Leslie Harvey of Calgary, his children Jennifer (Costas), Tim (Anne Marie), and Jill (Steve); his grandchildren Nick, Al, and Maria Halavrezos, Alison and Sam Robertson; his brothers Terry (Mary), Phil (Judy), Mike (Brenda), and sister Judy (Hugh Matheson). He is also survived by many Campbell cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Don and Marge, his wife Vera Mae Retson, his brothers Bob and Ned (Helene), and his nephew Ted. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 7-9pm, Thursday March 20th in A. L. Mattatall funeral home in Dartmouth . Funeral Service will be held at 1pm, Friday March 21st in Knox United Church in Brookfield. Refreshments and visitation to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Turk’s memory may be made to the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex, the Calgary Zoo, the Brule Community Centre, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.mattatallfuneralhome.com