Tom Henderson - 1930 - 2009

Tom Henderson passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, October 20th. He fought a short but hard battle with cancer, and we are still in shock that this strong, vibrant man is no longer with us. We've put his obituary below, and over the next few days will be posting some additional photos, fun memories, and other information we know all his friends will enjoy. In the meantime, we invite you to share your memories through the comments tool for each post - hearing your kind words and memories is great comfort.


HENDERSON - Tom A. Henderson, 78, a resident of Albuquerque since 1952, died Tuesday, October 20, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha A. Henderson of Sandia Park; daughter, Linda L. Henderson and husband, Chris Norman of Corinth, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and business associates.

Mr. Henderson was born in Sheridan, WY, the youngest of four boys to Gaythorne and Mae Henderson. He served in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1955. Tom owned and operated Scott Auto Trim until 1972. He then started Automotive Paint Supply Company and successfully ran it until 1998, when he retired and focused on his hobbies: restoring classic cars, working outdoors and maintaining his home and acreage.


A beloved husband, father, and friend, Tom will be sadly missed. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch, 6209 Hendrix Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

You can click the comments link below to share your memories of Tom or thoughts to the family.

Thoughts of my Dad

I think so often after we lose a loved one, something happens that reminds us they are still with us in spirit, even if we can't see them. In the day after my dad died, we heard "Mexican Joe" (a rare, old song to hear playing) while eating huevos, my favorite comic seemed to be most appropriate (click here to see it, and remember that if my dad couldn't find it on Google, it didn't exist), and we got our first dusting of snow. I have to thank my dad for those little things, it helped to bring peace during such a hard time.

So many people have such wonderful stories of my father - ok, maybe some of them are just darned interesting. But I have the honor to be the only person who can share stories of the type of father he was. Since my memories would take up pages and pages, let me just say this: my dad was my hero. I am so fortunate to have such wonderful parents, and I don't know what I will do when I cannot share my life's joys, sorrows, and tribulations with my dad and get his help. I just hope he'll continue to drop some hints like he has been.

We had the joy of celebrating my parent's 60th wedding anniversary on July 24, 2009, and I am so glad we had one last bash before my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I had just started putting together some photos and videos on the web when he got sick. You can see some of the fun times had at http://sites.google.com/site/henderson60th/ - it's not the best site, but I hope you enjoy seeing some of the recent fun times we had.

Dad, I sure do miss you.