Obituary of Stuart Raymond Henderson

It is with great sadness that the family of Stuart Raymond Henderson announces his passing on December 18th, 2020, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Stu was born September 24th, 1928, in Saint John, NB, the youngest son of the late Thomas Hilyard and Annie (Ring) Henderson and beloved husband of the late Bernadine Barbara (Smith) Henderson. Stu lived in the north end of Saint John as a child until the family moved to Renforth when he was a teenager. There he played baseball and hockey while attending Rothesay Consolidated School. He was part of the local Cadet Corps and the ROTC program and maintained close friendships from his time in Renforth. He graduated in 1946 and went to work in the automotive industry for more than 40 years, specializing in parts. He married the love of his life on the 25th of February, 1956 and he and Bernadine lived in Renforth and Moncton before settling in Fredericton for the next 60 years, where they made more long-lasting friendships. Stu was a loving, dedicated and supportive family man who was appreciated for his kind and selfless nature. He was President of the Devon Recreational Council for two years, coached youth hockey and baseball, was a Scout Leader and a Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program. He was very athletic and enjoyed participating in various sports, both organized and spontaneous. He loved western movies and novels, shuffleboard, playing "noon hour hockey", his adventures with the Golden Club and being outdoors. He was a member of the Gibson Memorial United Church and sang in their choir and he and Bernadine loved square dancing, camping and travelling. The family extends thanks to the NB Extramural Program for their excellent care in respiratory therapy, registered nursing, dietary needs and physiotherapy. Stu is survived by his devoted daughter, Diana and her husband Greg Purdue and his four loving grandchildren: Jennifer, Michael, Emily and Margaret "Maggie" Purdue; his brother-in-law Bowen and Egolda Smith; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Camp and Joyce Bamford and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to his parents and wife of 57 years, Bernadine, Stuart, being the last surviving member of his immediate family, was predeceased by his sister Margaret and Fred Logan; brothers: Thomas and Margaret Henderson, Freeman Henderson and Warren and Douglas in infancy. A Memorial Service will be held at Gibson Memorial United Church, 183 Gibson St, Fredericton, on Saturday, May 15, 2021, time will be announced at a later date. For those who wish, donations in Stuart’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Society.