Obituaries

G.M. (Mac) Henderson

February 13, 1930 - March 24, 2017

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Obituary For G.M. (Mac) Henderson

Gordon Malcolm “Mac” Henderson passed away in Grande Prairie, on Friday, March 24, 2017.

He was 87, and never grew old.

Mac, Dad, Malcolm, Poppa, Uncle Mac. He was grace, honour, gentleness and kindness. And he was pretty funny ... or at least he thought he was. Mac made a difference in other people's lives every single day. He lived a big life. And it was a really, really important one ... though he would squirm if he read that.

He was proud to be born in Westlock to Dr. EF and Mrs. Mary Henderson. Orphaned at an early age, he, his big brother Don and sister Mary created their own small family that would define the kind of love, loyalty, and enormous selflessness that grounded the way he lived the rest of his life.

If you came into Mac's orbit, you were there forever - whether he shared a motel room with you doodlebugging in the '50s, worked with you as your caseworker or colleague in Social Services, or knew him as your neighbour, your friend's dad, your Masonic or Rotary buddy, or as someone who simply provided a helping hand.

There is a children's playground in Grande Prairie and a school in Guatemala with the Henderson name honouring his commitment to others. But it's the neighbour's sidewalk that was shoveled before his own, the hospital visits, the hours spent selling charity tickets and countless small kindnesses that you'll likely be thinking of now as you remember him.

Mac met Chris, the other half of himself, more than 60 years ago and every day he made her laugh and love him just a little bit more. They shared a passion for giving back, for travel off the beaten path (Hawaii was for when they got old) and for their family - Helen (Neil), Mary, Ken (Deanna), Cameron and Claire ... and the Tindalls, who might as well be family. We're so proud and lucky to have had him for so long. He was the love of our lives, and we were his.

Join us in celebrating Mac's life on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 2:00pm at St. Paul's United Church in Grande Prairie (10206 100 Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Rotary House in Grande Prairie (10101 97A St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 0X3) or to the charity of your choice.

Services

31 Mar

Funeral Service

14:00 PM

St. Paul's United Church , Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 24, 2021

    Aunt Chris, Helen, Mary and Ken; What a beautiful Tribute, befitting a great man. I always fondly remember Christmas at my Mom and Dad's house and the Birthday parties at Aunt Mary's (although it is hard to believe how many years ago that was). Uncle Mac will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with all of you. Hamish

  • June 24, 2021

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chris and your family. Mac was an amazing and generous man, and Grande Prairie was so lucky to have you both.

  • June 24, 2021

    I am so sad for you, your husband was a wonderful man who made a difference.. I remember being afraid to meet the Boss of social services then I met Mac. He helped me with everything he could...Odyssey House could not have had a better advocate, nor Pace, WE get few chances to work with such a giving, ethical, loving being, who could teach us how to be good social workers. know you are loved... Jacquie Aitken Kish

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Chris and Family - I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Mac. I have great memories of his smiling face and warm handshake. He was instrumental in helping us obtain the first funding for the Breakfast Club Program at PACE/SPRC. I recall committee meetings where he offered solid advice and action steps. I'm sure you will be missing him greatly. Each time I saw Mac recently (mainly at Safeway) he was genuinely happy with a positive outlook. He was such a wonderful, gentle soul. Blessing to you Chris and your Family.

  • June 24, 2021

    My condolences, Chris and family. Mac was one of those special people who leaves this world a better place through his caring and actions. As a social worker and member of his team at Social Services he was always kind and supportive and I learned much through his wise counsel. Although I saw him infrequently these past several years, it was always a pleasure and joy to see his dear familiar face. Love and hugs to you Chris Jan Martin

  • June 24, 2021

    Dearest Aunt Chris, Helen, Mary, Ken & family: We will forever cherish the wonderful memories of Uncle Mac, please know his kind & loving spirit will always remain in our hearts. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & family. God bless, Michele & Brian

  • June 24, 2021

    Mac was one of the finest, as a person and a Social Services Manager. In 1969 I was a young social worker, taking 2 children to Edson for a pre-adoption visit. It was winter and the roads icy. I slid into a deep ditch, one child screaming "We're going to die!". We were rescued and taken to Edson where Mac was most comforting, encouraged me to go ahead with his staff to the visit and he would deal with the car. He went out with the tow truck, helped winch my car out and drove it back to Edson - and even dealt with the towing charges. He helped reassure the children that we would be OK on the drive back and insisted I call him when I arrived safely in Edmonton. My first fond meeting and memory of Mac. There were several more; sometimes we would reminisce about that frightening day.

  • June 24, 2021

    Grandma Chris, we are so, so sorry to hear of Grandpa Mac's passing and feel blessed to have known him and to have shared him with you. He was always such a wonderful man to be around and we were grateful that Wendy, Lee and their girls included you in our family gatherings. His humor, intelligence, kindness and all around good-natured personality always made him a joy to be around and we enjoyed him immensely. I know his passing will be leave a huge void in your life but I know the Tindalls and your family will be there with you every step of the way. Sending you huge hugs and our sincere condolences. He will be sorely missed by all of us. xoxo Wayne, Erin and Family

  • June 24, 2021

    I was so fortunate to meet Mac early in my government career. He was a great mentor and positive role model for those that worked with/for him. Mac was a man of great integrity, a true gentleman, and he possessed a wonderful sense of humour that served him well.Those who were fortunate to know Mac, had a tremendous amount of respect for him. Mac was always there for those in need and he will be greatly missed. Dolores & I offer our sincere condolences to Chris and family.

  • June 24, 2021

    Chris, seeing you and Mac in my clinic was always a spot of sunshine in my day. I loved seeing the two of you together....I even talked to my own family about the two of you. We are all (at the Denture Clinic) extremely saddened to hear about Mac. He brought many smiles to our faces, when he was in. I was always happy to see you in my appointment sheet (not that I wanted you to be having trouble! Just happy to be seeing you!). All of us here... Myself, Brad, Marlene, and Shauna, extend our most heartfelt condolences. We will remember him, and miss him. Laura at Chrenek Denture Clinic

  • June 24, 2021

    I had the pleasure of meeting Mac through Rotary and we became better acquainted during the many hours we spent working on the same bingo team. I used to call him Dad and he would call me Sonny as we shared the same last name. Mac will be sorely missed by our club and by our community.

  • June 24, 2021

    My maiden name was Madge Smith and in Westlock in April of 1929 I was delivered into the hands of our family physician, Dr. EF Henderson. Doc Henderson laughingly teased my father by telling him that I was a health baby girl and was an exact image of one of the towns more unsavoury characters. So, I knew Malcolm when we were very little children and I couldn't help but be filled with joy to read that he had lived a good and full life and that he has left a grand legacy. I'm not sure that Mac knew, but I think he was my very first flame - a passion I nurtured at the age of 4. Westlock friends lost track of the Henderson children after they left Westlock although I did reunite with Don briefly at our school reunion in 1997. Memories of Mac and the Henderson family go back almost 88 years and I just wanted to share my message of sympathy with his family. I know he will be missed. If you are interested in having a copy of the old photos I would be happy to share. Madge Smith McCready

  • June 24, 2021

    Chris and family: I am very sad to have learned about Mac's passing. Among his many, many positive attributes was the fact that he was a devoted and generous community member willing to serve and help out others in need. Mac exemplified being a true humanitarian and a role model that we should all attempt to emulate. My sincerest condolences.

  • June 24, 2021

    Dear Chris and Family I didn't know Chris or Mac very well but I do know the support they gave the Grande Prairie Public Library over the years. I remember Mac and Chris coming into the building- always full of energy and spirit. They would quickly make a donation, have a quick chat with the staff making sure that we knew how important our service was. Everyone that Mac and Chris talked to in those exchanges, was left with a smile on their face. Thank you, Mac for the generosity and all of the community service that you gave Grande Prairie. You made it stronger and you will be missed. Many condolences to Mac's family. There are many memories to keep Mac alive in your minds and hearts. May these memories sustain you in this difficult time. Pam Chislett

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