Gary Hendrickson

Gary Edward "Papa" Hendrickson, 82, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, in Clovis, California. Born on January 4, 1943, in Palo Alto, California, Gary lived a life marked by dedication to family, professional success, and creative pursuits.

He graduated from Los Altos High School in 1960 and went on to attend Sacramento State University. There, he met Victoria Eickhoff, and the two married between their junior and senior years. Together, they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Gary began his career in retail through the Montgomery Wards management program before joining Mervyn's department store. Over the next fifteen years he would play a key role in opening and managing flagship stores throughout Northern California. In 1992, Gary and Vicki embarked on a new venture by purchasing a franchise of Management Recruiters International (MRI). As an executive recruiter, Gary had a gift for recognizing talent and building lasting professional relationships. After selling their MRI business in 2010, Gary retired while Vicki continued part-time work at Bank of America.

In retirement, Gary embraced travel and cherished time with family. He and Vicki visited their children and grandchildren, travelled across the country, and explored destinations abroad. A man of many talents, Gary expressed his creativity through charcoal drawings, portraiture, landscape art, model ship building, photography, and home design projects.

Raised Lutheran, Gary occasionally attended Episcopal services with Vicki and their children. His quiet faith remained a steady presence throughout his life.

Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife Vicki; son Matthew Gregory Hendrickson and daughter-in-law Brenda Dorame Hendrickson; daughter Erika Hendrickson Roesch and son-in-law Brian Roesch; and grandchildren Mason Roesch, Grant Roesch, Emma Hendrickson, and Olivia Roesch.

He was preceded in death by his parents Aileen and Harold Hendrickson and his brother Ron Hendrickson.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.