DAVID HENDERSON

1957 - 2022

DAVID HENDERSON
JUNE 3, 1957 - MARCH 28, 2022
We lost a devoted husband, wise father, gentle soul, and champion of due process and constitutional rights on Monday, March 28, 2022, when David Henderson died unexpectedly on Lake Nicaragua near Ometepe Island in Central America. David was enjoying one of his favorite activities, paddleboarding, when he disappeared into the lake. He was a strong athlete and capable swimmer, making his inability to reach shore a painful mystery.
David retired from the State of New Mexico, Public Defender's office in October of 2019 and joined his wife and soulmate, Catherine, at their home on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. They assiduously planned for their retirement and had just begun their frolic and adventure when he was taken, much too soon.
In Nicaragua, David and Catherine formed a charitable organization that develops farmers markets and distributes solar lights and books to remote families without electricity in the hopes of increasing literacy and building a new generation of leaders in Nicaragua.
David attended The University of New Mexico School of Law where he met and fell in love with Catherine. After graduating, David was selected to serve as a law clerk to New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Richard Ransom. After his clerkship, David worked in private practice and as an appellate defender for the New Mexico Public Defender's office. He quickly distinguished himself as a brilliant attorney, keen analyst, and gifted writer who gave generously of his time and knowledge. He earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and opponents for his intellect, legal acumen and acerbic wit. Through his advocacy David earned the "Fearless Defender Award" as New Mexico Chief Appellate Public Defender. His work produced groundbreaking law that guarantees all of us more civil rights and freedoms. Upon retirement David was looking forward to many adventures and bike rides with his sweetheart, Catherine (Cat).
David was born in Lexington, Kentucky, lived in Missouri, Oregon and Hawaii before settling in New Mexico in 1985. He and Catherine graduated law school and moved to Santa Fe in 1988. They married in 1990 and together they have two sons, Lucas and Connor Henderson. David was the heart center of the family, always, patient, loving and wise.
David is survived by his wife, Catherine Downing, his sons Lucas and Connor Henderson, his twin brother Dan Henderson, his older twin brothers, Mike Henderson and Mark Henderson, numerous adoring nieces and nephews, along with many, many more who loved him deeply. Everyone always wanted to spend more time with this man of great mind and heart. His family and friends are sad beyond measure. We will hold his spirit close forever.
A celebration of David's life will be held Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 1:30 pm at Meem Auditorium, New Mexico Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM
Donations to David' memory can be made to Ometepe Sustainability Group by paypal to Ometepegroup@gmail.com.