MICHAEL E. HENDERSON

Michael E. Henderson October 1st, 1952~January 5th, 2011 Mike "The Highway Star" Henderson knew how to catch a salmon, he knew the lyrics to almost every rock and roll song and he knew how to make a garden bloom. And what he knew best was how to live an authentic life. He was a spirited child who grew into an amazing, compassionate, tenacious man who recognized wealth in his abundance of family and friends. Michael Edward Henderson died at home in Seattle on January 5th, after a long illness. He was 58. He was born in San Francisco and grew up in Novato. Mike graduated from Novato High School and attended the College of Marin. He moved to San Francisco and a position with Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., and then served in the U.S. Army in Korea. When he returned from military service in 1974, Mike moved to Seattle, the home of his beloved grandmother and a place where annual family vacations had ignited his love of the Pacific Northwest. For years, Mike looked after "Gran," letting her think she was looking after him. After she died in 1981, he purchased the family home in the University District and made it his own. From childhood, Mike was fascinated by motors and vehicles and was adept at making things work. His friend and mentor, John Mello, taught Mike to drive an 18-wheeler, helping him secure his dream job as a driver in the Motor Vehicle Service (MVS) of the U.S. Postal Service. Mike proudly worked in MVS for 32 years, retiring just months ago due to ill health. In addition to his regular employment, he served for many years as a union official, working tirelessly to create a safe working environment and assure fair treatment for all employees. Mike was as thoughtful and sentimental as he was fierce in commitment to friends and family. Years of fishing may have taught him patience, but he was born with an innate sense of compassion. He derived real joy from helping others and was well known for the many acts of kindness that defined his life. Mike was also famous for an unbending commitment to justice that included a thick file of polite but insistent complaint letters written to address corporate missteps. He almost always prevailed. He had a wicked sense of humor and a love of practical jokes. He delighted in his wall of trucker caps, numerous singing fish and other curiosities that made a visit to his house a celebration of fun. Mike was happiest sharing the outdoors with friends, whether fishing in British Columbia or on Puget Sound or enjoying his weekend home in Port Townsend. He managed to keep one sentimental foot in California - proudly wearing his SF Giants World Series baseball cap while arguing the merits of Washington's ferry system or the prospects of the UW Huskies. Almost nothing could stop him. He made it to the top of one of the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, and insisted on hiking down the 308 steps to the Point Reyes Lighthouse -- and back -- while he was a cancer patient. Mike is survived by his father, Jim Henderson (Agnes); siblings Jim Jr. (Nannette), Maggie (Dave), Diane, and John (Kristi), six nieces and nephews who adore their "Highway Star" Uncle Mike; by four step-siblings and their families, and numerous aunts and uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marge Henderson. He is also survived by many, many friends whose love and care have shown the power of true brotherhood. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. at Assumption Church in Seattle. Contributions in Mike's name may be made to the Marge Henderson Memorial Scholarship fund c/o St. Vincent de Paul High School, 849 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA, 94952.