William Hendrickson III

William Hendrickson III

William Hendrickson III, a 4th generation Californian and San Francisco native, died peacefully in Greenbrae, CA, on January 11, 2014. He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Jeanne T. Hendrickson, and his sister Josephine Burke. He is survived by his loving children, Elizabeth Hendrickson and William Hendrickson IV, as well as his sister Jane Reynolds and many nieces and nephews.

Born in San Francisco on December 24, 1923, to Amanda McNear and William Hendrickson,Jr., 'Bill' had fond memories of being part of what was affectionately known as "The Green Street Gang" and was a proud graduate of Lowell High School. With the advent of WWII, Bill joined the army where he served with distinction in Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he continued his education at Yale University where, in 1948, he earned a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering.

Bill soon went on to work for the Pabco Paint Company and subsequently the Fiberboard Corporation from which he ultimately retired to pursue another successful career in real estate investing.

Throughout his life, Bill had many passions and hobbies; snow skiing, bridge, dominoes, tennis and duck hunting just to name a few. As a young man, he was an adept and skilled horseman including trick jumping. He also loved riding his horses, 'King' and "Cinders" through the many rural trails and hills of Marin County.

In combination with a love of travel with his wife, one of his favorite pastimes was relaxing at Lake Tahoe where he and Jeanne had a vacation home. Many a winter were spent skiing the mountains of Tahoe and many a summer were spent cruising the lake in his classic 1962 Century Resorter boat. Bill loved nothing better than throwing parties and barbecuing on the deck overlooking the lake with family and friends.

Those who knew him best remember that Bill exemplified the truest sense of the word 'gentleman'. He was generous, affable, ready with a smile, a twinkle in his eye, a wicked sense of humor, a supportive ear if needed and always willing to offer sage advice or guidance. And while he was known for his strength, his quiet reserve and business acumen, it was no secret that Bill could be counted on to cry 'at the drop of a hat' when an occasion moved him as so many did.

Despite his many achievements, Bill will be most fondly remembered for his commitment to his wife Jeanne and his loving children and for being a man who lived a life with distinction and honor. He leaves a legacy that his children and family can be proud of and that will endure with the countless people whose lives he touched. 

The family prefers memorial contributions be given to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation or the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. A celebration of Bill's life will be planned for a later date.