Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Peter Henderson Obituary
June 6, 1949 - November 3, 2020
Peter Henderson, 71, of Charlottesville, Va., died in Charlottesville, on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, after a struggle with cancer.
He was born on June 6, 1949, son of the late Dr. Peter Wills (Pat) Henderson Sr., of Scotland, and the late Marion Purcell Henderson, of Townsend, Georgia. Peter spent the earlier part of his life in New York City.
He entered the University of Virginia in 1967, and eventually received a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy. Later in life, he studied and received a Master of Art in Philosophy from Georgetown University. Peter was a co-owner of Fine Print, a local bookstore in Charlottesville. He was an avid Audiophile and Chess Player, and enjoyed the challenge of a spirited debate on political and social issues of our time.
Peter could be frequently found at the Mouse Trap and The Garrett night spots, socializing with friends. As one close friend noted, "Peter could be very funny, especially when recounting stories having to do with his extensive knowledge of Rock, Blues, and Jazz. He was an excellent mimic and he seemed to have engraved upon his memory every TV and Radio Ad of his youth, complete with its accompanying tune which he would recite flawlessly."
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 11 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2416 Jefferson Park Avenue, Peter's church home.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Henderson
Mark Addison
December 12, 2022
I just learned of Peter´s passing through a random search of the internet, and am quite saddened by the news. I was Peter´s partner at Fine Print and sometimes think of our time working at the bookstore and some of the truly enjoyable conversations we had. Peter, Lee, Roger and I jumped head first into the retail book business knowing more about books than business but we made a go of it. Peter worked hard at the store, often bringing work home, or to the Mousetrap. He as a great guy, a terrific conversationalist, and with an insightful appreciation for music. I am deeply saddened by his passing and will always remember him fondly. Here´s to you, Peter. Your friend, Mark
Scott Burnet
December 8, 2020
Apologies on behalf of the Monday Night group for missing the memorial. Most of us are a bit nervous about any gathering in the pandemic, but I actually tried to make it by bus this morning, but I fouled it all up and could not make it. I've never had a car (or a driver's license, for that matter), so I am bus-dependant. It was thus a long tradition that Peter would give me a ride home from Monday dinner (usually in that little blue Honda he drove for years).
Scott Burnet
December 7, 2020
I was thinking of Peter recently, since we did several years of Thanksgivings together (mostly at the Golden Corral). I am one of the Monday Night Dinner group. We were all originally History Department grad students who met on Monday nights at the old CK Restaurant on the Corner, where Peter often ate on the same nights. When the CK closed, we invited Peter to come along with us--first to Coupe Deville's, then the Villa, and he was with us for a quarter-century. Peter and I particularly shared an interest in quality audio equipment (all vintage, of course)--one reason I helped him move a couple of times, since I knew how to handle the many pairs of speakers he had acquired. Roger, Bill, Art, and I have missed him the past few years, as he did not rejoin the group when he came back from Georgetown. I don't know if I can come to the service, but I'll certainly try.
MIKE BELL
December 6, 2020
Met Pete at UVA several years ago through another friend and, though I didn't get to know him as well as some, always valued his friendship. Just a nice, easy going guy. I will miss hearing his views and insights on current politics - always learned something from talking with him. Yes, the obituary here is a wonderful tribute to Pete.
How you can show support
Bullet Palmer
December 5, 2020
What a beautiful tribute to Pete.
Ken Simmons
December 4, 2020
I remember all the above. He was a good friend of mine; we shared the same memories of New York City radio, and certainly collaborated on the Palisades Amusement Park ads a capella in a booth at the old Virginian.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Henderson's name
Memorial Events
for Peter Henderson
People and places connected with Peter
VA, Virginia
Daily Progress
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Peter's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Henderson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
