Craig Alan Henderson

He attended BHS until his senior year but graduated from Hart High in Newhall, CA due to a family move but he always considered BHS to be his Alma Mater: “once a driller, always a driller”. He completed his education at Cal State Northridge attaining a BS degree and one semester short of a law degree by working nights and weekends to pay his way through. During this time he was in a Greek fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pikes) and he was Chapter President and Alumni Advisor over the years. He remained true to the principles of Phi Phi.

Craig worked for Rockwell International and Lawyers Title before meeting “the love of his life” Shelia and the two were married on the fourth of July in 1981 and he instantly went from bachelor to husband and father of a blond-haired blue-eyed girl,Cathy. Crystal Anne soon came along to complete the family,and she filled his heart with joy. The family along with the grandparents then moved home to Bakersfield to raise their girls a decision they never regretted. It is here he found his life work in financial consulting, helping others attain their goals.

Craig made lifetime friends and stayed in touch with many of them over distances and years from elementary school to the present day. He treasured each one of them. He believed and lived the code “leave it better than you found it” and he worked tirelessly to that end by serving on boards and foundations. He was especially proud of his part in the Chamber of Commerce that resulted in Bakersfield being awarded the All-America City distinction, and his many years working in Leadership Bakersfield. He also served for decades with the Arthritis Foundation, NAPD and CAPK, as well as others.

Craig joined the Republican Party during the Ronald Reagan Presidential campaign and after decades of service with the Central Committee he was awarded the Kern County Republican of the Year Award. This is just one of his many accomplishments. Craig’s passion was his family, and he selflessly dedicated his life to his children and grandchildren, and he felt his family was his crowing glory and he was always ready to help them not by giving them a fish but teaching them how to fish.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Shelia, his two daughters Cathy Suthard Valverde and her husband John and Crystal Anne Henderson and her husband Steve and his 4 amazing grandchildren, Crystal Larzelere and her husband Charles, Tyler Suthard, Riley Jay Henderson and Parker Alan Henderson.

Craig lived a life that exemplified “Faith, Family, Country”, in that order. He loved the Lord and lived his life with expectation of life eternal in His presence. He passed unexpectedly at home,his wife at his side. His Celebration of Life will be held at his beloved Christ Church of the Valley at 13701 Stockdale Hwy in Bakersfield, November 19 at 11:00 AM.

The family would like to thank The Kern County Fire Department, Hall Ambulance and the Bakersfield Police Department and especially Officer C. Vargas for their kind and compassionate assistance. In Lieu of flowers the family requests you to give donations to the CCV building fund for the youth center, Samaritans Purse or the Salvation Army.