Gary Leroy Henderson

Gary was a native Oregonian, born July 1951 in Albany, growing up in Springfield, the youngest child of four. “Twiggy” played high school basketball and was a drummer in the school band. He loved being a Thurston Colt and made many dear friends which he kept all of his life. His cousin, Mike, and brother, Dean, were two of his best buddies as a child.

Gary attended Lane Community College in Eugene and began his love of radio announcing. He was declared ineligible for military service, but was always respectful of those who served and was quick to thank them for their service. He worked one summer each at both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. He decided to embark on a new venture and moved to Florida. He was introduced to his wife by her brother Mike and after only three months, they married at Divine Mercy and began a life together of over four decades. He earned college degrees at Brevard Community College (EFSC) and Florida Technological University (UCF) all while working full time. He loved to tell how Mary Jane went to class with him and decided to be part of the discussion much to his dismay.

He was gifted with a golden voice and was a natural speaker. He was the first Spring Training announcer for the Florida Marlins and also announced for the Houston Astros, Brevard Manatees, Florida Tech, Eastern Oregon University as well as Brevard high school football. He emceed many local events, and was “The Voice of USBI” which included training videos, company-wide announcements and retirement parties. He was a gifted writer who produced the company newsletter displaying his wit and creativity. He felt a great deal of pride to be part of the Space Shuttle program and loved to talk about his involvement. He visited subcontractors around the country to highlight their importance to the success of the program. These trips always included an astronaut and he became friends with several. He was the committee chairman for several large USA subcontractor symposiums. Gary was awarded both the Silver Snoopy and Space Flight Honoree.

Gary was a “hands-on” dad who loved his children fiercely and was involved in their activities. From watching Brittany modeling, to coaching Barry’s basketball, to running the concession stand at Melbourne High, he immersed himself in their lives. The Henderson house was one where all the kids gathered and felt at home. He made it a point to mentor and guide young people and they always knew his expectations and rules. When asked “How did I do dad?”, he told them “Don’t ask unless you really want to know!” He would praise and give great advice.

After retiring, he moved west once again and loved being close to Yellowstone Park. He reconnected with another former employee - “Savage”- and assisted with planning several reunions at YNP. He truly loved any time he could visit and sit in the Old Faithful Inn and watch people. Jackson Hole and the Tetons were also favorite destinations. Gary loved walking and hiking and being in the outdoors especially in the mountains or out in the swimming pool in the sun. He was fortunate to visit all but two of the United States- missing North Dakota and Hawaii. He joked that they likely wouldn’t be on the same trip.

Gary returned to the Willamette Valley for two short years. He lived much closer to his family which allowed him to spend additional time with them. He reconnected with several high school friends and was part of his reunion committee. He was so happy to see many fellow classmates last summer and tell stories of their escapades.

He ended his days in Spokane where he moved to be closer to his children and because of that, he was with them as he passed away.

Gary was the best friend anyone could have and he had many friends. Everyone was welcome to drop in and visit anytime. The parties at his house were legendary and highly anticipated- especially the invitations. He was a charmer and mentioned how he loved to make ladies smile at him. He was always quick to help anyone in need and often stopped to help disabled drivers. He was a gentleman who taught his son to respect women and his daughter the qualities to look for in a man. He made us groan with some of his jokes and was always ready for a good time. He told the Lamaze teacher that our children were a result of Oktoberfest. His favorite music was anything from the ‘60s and a favorite singer was John Denver. He wrote a novel which he loved to have others read. He exchanged comical newsletters and one time planned, unbeknownst to his wife, a Murder Mystery scavenger hunt with a group of friends and he pretended to be surprised about the entire endeavor. He wrote hilarious scripts for friends to act out and video tape and we will laugh through tears watching them now. On vacation one year he took random photos of strangers and included them in Christmas cards he mailed to names he chose from the telephone book. He signed the cards with a fictitious name including a made-up review of the previous year.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William, Sr. and Irene Henderson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; daughter, Brittany Seipert (Jeffrey); son, Barrett (Monica), brothers William, Jr. (Sue), and Dean, sister Julie Sweet (Everett), brothers-in-law Michael Lowe (Shelley) and David Lowe (Maureen) and sister-in-law Sheila Tubbs, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Divine Mercy Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on March 3, 2020 with internment at Florida Memorial Gardens immediately after. A Celebration of Life at River Rocks Restaurant in Rockledge will follow.

An additional Memorial Mass and Celebration will be held in the springtime in Cottage Grove, Oregon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Details to come.

In lieu of flowers, and to remember Gary’s love of Yellowstone, donations may be made to Yellowstone Forever Association, P.O. Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.

Rest easy kind and gentle man. Until we are together again you will be sorely missed and loved forever.