Ronald Mark Hendrickson

Ronald Mark Hendrickson, son of Walter Hendrickson and Naomi Hendrickson, was born on August 29, 1951 in Rockford, Illinois. He grew up in the small neighboring town of Byron, Illinois, together with his older brother, Charles “Chuck” Hendrickson, and younger brother, Scott Hendrickson. Nicknamed “Ronnie” as a child, he was a gifted track and field athlete and student. His interest in politics led him to Washington, DC, where he completed his undergraduate studies at George Washington University.

After marrying and earning a master’s degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Ron returned to the United States and would break into politics. He was active in political campaigns in Illinois, which led to a job in state government, an opportunity to campaign early for Jimmy Carter’s presidential run in 1976, and ultimately an appointment as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Agriculture from 1977 to 1981.

It was during this time that Ron became a father of two boys, David and Robert.

President Carter’s failed reelection campaign coincided with personal and professional challenges for Ron. However, his sons remained an important part of his life, and he soon regained his career footing. After landing a government relations role with the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) in 1982, he quickly worked his way up and would lead ICA as Executive Director for more than 30 years.

During this time, Ron actively represented the chiropractic profession in Washington, led a charitable initiative for orphanages in post-Communist Romania and coordinated chiropractic support for emergency responders at the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks, and was the mastermind of a successful 25-year chiropractic partnership with actor and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of his annual sports and fitness expos in Columbus, Ohio.

While at ICA, Ron met Coralee Van Egmond, an accomplished doctor of chiropractic who would later become a senior staff at ICA. They married and were personal and professional partners for the next 17 years, until Coralee’s untimely passing in 2016. In the following years, Ron finished his work at ICA and was beset with a number of serious health problems. Among these, included the onset of inclusion body myositis (IBM).

By the early 2020s, IBM, an autoimmune disease that erodes the muscles, would hamper Ron’s mobility and dexterity. But he worked hard to overcome these disabilities, with the help of a wonderful network of friends and helpers. By 2025, Ron moved from his home of 39 years in Arlington, Virginia into Brightview senior community in nearby Alexandria, which lived up to its name for him for six months until his demise on December 5 due to a series of complications.

Ron is survived by his sons David and Robert and their families, including his grandsons Bobby and Noah, his brothers Chuck and Scott and their families, and many friends.