Henderson remembered

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer  
    HOULTON — In the week since the sudden passing of Dallas Henderson, a prominent and respected businessman, the recollections of those who knew him made it clear that he enriched many lives. It can only be imagined how his caring, like ripples on a pond, still touched even more in this community. Remembering Dallas Henderson is, perhaps, best told by those who knew him.
Contributed photo
REMEMBERED  — Dallas Henderson died March 14 at Indian Shores, Fla. He is seen here with his wife Kristine (Putnam) Henderson.
    Rev. Randall Burns, pastor of Military Street Baptist Church said “Dallas  was a Godly man. He lived out his Christian life in a way that is really a modern day parable for us to behold.”
    “He would be embarrassed to have us talk about him. He never wanted to put himself  in the spotlight or be celebrated that way because he just didn’t believe he did all that much. God’s word says to whom much is given, much is required. Dallas was trusted with much and he was faithful in giving it away. God looks for people like Dallas Henderson in this world who will be a channel through which the blessings of God, the love of God and the natural resources of God will not be squandered. Will not be hoarded, but given away. Dallas was faithful to do that. And, God gave him more to give away.”
    Mark Jago is head of school emeritus at Greater Houlton Christian Academy (GHCA). He recalled that “Dallas was one of the first individuals who came alongside of me in those early years before we even had a facility there on School St. He shared a vision with me that there would be something that God would make available to us for a school.”
    On a cold February evening in 1996, Jago said they walked into a vacant building that had peeling paint and ice on the old gym floor. “We said this is the place that God is going to give to us as the home for Greater Houlton Christian Academy. He became my friend and mentor. He was a great man and a Godly fellow. An encourager.  He would pop into my office every once in a while and say ‘Mark how’s it going.’ Before he would leave he would have a short word of prayer to encourage me.”
    “His vision for the growth and expansion of GHCA I think will continue even after his death. And, I think that may be more clearly seen in the months to come.”
    David Hasson is the agency field executive for State Farm Insurance who said: “Dallas was absolutely an outstanding individual. He was very, very involved in the community. If there was anybody who exemplified what State Farm was all about – taking care of his clients – Dallas was that person. He built an extraordinarily successful agency over the years taking care of each client, one by one, and his heart was always in the right place for his people.”
    Ruth Worthley worked with Henderson for 25 years. “As an employer we became friends and family. He treated my kids like family. I have many very, very happy memories. He was one of the best bosses that anyone could ever, ever, ever hope to have. He was a generous man. And, one of the biggest things over the years was that he befriended everybody. He didn’t care what walk of life you were from or about your social status. He would take the poorest, dirtiest man off the road and bring him in, give him a meal and give  him a ride. He was always looking after the poor underdog.”
    Worthley also said “on a personal level, family meant everything and those kids always came first. He really enjoyed his time at Grand Lake sitting on the porch. It was something he was looking forward to doing more often. I gave him a sign that said ‘Grand Lake’ and it brought tears to his eyes. He liked the solitude, the quiet and communing with nature. When he built that camp it was like his heaven on earth.”
    Loreen Wiley is principal at Mill Pond School and knew Henderson for 25 years. “He was chairman of the board when I started my career here at SAD 70. He was very involved and informed on what was going on regarding educational activities, always attending parent-teacher conferences, ball games, open houses, anything to do with the school and its activities. Dallas’ son Sam is the coach at GHCA, my son’s coach, and I don’t know that they ever missed a game. He was very supportive and sometimes at practices he offered suggestions and gave feedback to Sam. He will be sorely missed.”
    John Bishop, head of school at GHCA, said he thinks of Henderson “as a personal friend to me and my family and then, obviously, as a great friend to the academy.
    “He was one of the first people through my office door when I arrived here. He helped us with our move  and took us over to his home to show us where we could unload our furniture if we weren’t able to get into a house in time. He and Sam arranged housing for us until we could get into our own home.
    “And the longer I was here the more I realized his impact on the school. I probably saw him at every basketball game. He was always the guy who was cheerful, even if the boys or girls lost a game. He said we can do better next time. This isn’t just your Joe average kind of guy. He was so in touch with the community.”
    Betsi Jane Taylor is a State Farm agent in Augusta who said she met Henderson in 1981. He asked her, years ago, to speak at his funeral. She said: “Dallas had rock-solid personal and business ethics based on faith. And, he lived his faith every day. If State Farm had been a able to create a perfect insurance agent, Dallas surely would have been that agent. We feel truly honored to have known him …. Thank you Dallas for all the wonderful years and memories. We will miss you.”