PORTLAND, ME -- On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after a long illness Hal Henderson, 94, of Portland, left this world on wings of eagles and flew to the stars. Hal, a man with a benevolent heart and fine mind, was born on September 2, 1930 at his grandmother's farm in Equality, Illinois. He was the son of Catherine May Henderson and Byron Harold Henderson.
Hal grew up in Alton, Illinois. He attended Alton schools and worked at the Libby Glassworks and then at Standard Oil. During this time he attended night school for seven years earning a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University. He then went to work for the Illinois Bureau of Rehabilitation and earned a Master's Degree from Southern Illinois University. Hal enrolled at the University of Iowa earning a Ph.D. at the age of 40. Hal taught Rehabilitation Counseling in the graduate program at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
He finished his teaching career as the Director of the Rehabilitation Counseling program. Hal was a licensed psychologist and was in private practice in both Ohio and Maine for many years.
Hal will be sadly missed by his wife, Rachel, of Portland, and his children; David, of North Baltimore, Ohio, Nancy Euler (Roger) of Bowling Green Ohio, and Mark (Carol) of Weston, Ohio. Grandchildren; Erin, Evan, Jessica, and Katy, great grandchildren; Natalie, Campbell, Benjamin, Cecelia, and Kasen and his brother, Bob Henderson, of Columbus, Georgia. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Phyllis Kennedy, and his grandson, Michael.
Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Saturday, April 12th at 10 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, Maine with a service starting at 11 a.m. and a reception to follow.
Hal was passionate about the lives of children. He was concerned about childhood hunger. In lieu of flowers donations in Hal's name may be made to Project Feed (projectfeed.org) 202 Woodford, Portland, Me 04103.
Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. To express condolences, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Martha Jax
October 1, 2025
I knew Hal in grad school at BGSU where he was a professor in my rehab counseling program. I knew him as a kind hearted man who was interested in his students and provided a well rounded perspective on this field of study and of life in general. Condolences to his family.
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Gary M. Benjamin, PhD
May 6, 2025
I trust this message gets to Hal´s family. This is the first time I´ve written such a note. Hal was my teacher and mentor from 1971-1973 in the Rehabilitation and Counseling Program at BGSU. When I first read about Hal´s passing, I naturally felt bad. Then I started thinking about Hal, and slowly the sadness went away, and I started to smile as I recalled our connection some 50 years ago (it´s hard to believe 1/2 century has passed).
It´s not sufficient to say Hal was a great teacher and mentor. He was a friend. He was fun to learn from, to be with and just to know. He was one of those people who impact others´ lives just by being close to them, even for only a short period of time.
Even though it´s been some 50 years, I still think about Hal periodically.
He added value to my life and I´m sure he did the same to many others. I think that´s what´s meant by a life "well-lived".
To those closest to Hal, please take added comfort in knowing that Hal´s life will live on in the memory of many others as well as your own.
My thoughts are with you. Gary Benjamin
A J Ziegler
April 6, 2025
Hal was my advisor when I was a graduate student. He was always available when I needed support and friendship. I feel fortunate to have known him.
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Conroy-Tully Walker Cremations, Funerals and Gatherings - Portland300 Allen Avenue, Portland, ME 04101

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