Birth date: Apr 28, 1941 Death date: Jan 5, 2015
A loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, Charles Henderson of Boston, VA died at his home January 5, 2015 after his courageous battle with prostate cancer at the age of 73. Chuck was born April 28, 1941 in Garfield, NJ Read Obituary
To Denise and family, my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
I worked for Charlie at Crum & Forster. He was a big guy with a big personality and even a bigger heart. I thought at the time that working for Charlie must have been what it was like working for Lyndon Johnson. He was an astute office politician with a clear agenda, a strategy to achieve it and a determination to succeed. He expected a lot from his team and he gave a lot in return. He could be tough but was always fair and supportive. He demanded loyalty but it was reciprocal – you could always count on Charlie to have your back. And if you had a personal issue to discuss, he never failed to drop what he was doing to listen and provide guidance.
On business trips, Charlie would hold court at the hotel bar. Everyone would gravitate toward him and he would preside over these gatherings with his commanding presence… and his Wild Turkey. He would tell stories and opine on any topic that came up but his favorites were business, politics, investing and hunting. I’m guessing that the Culpepper coffee club boys knew this Charlie.
I knew the workplace Charlie but I saw glimpses of a gentler, more philosophical guy too. One time while traveling for work our flight was delayed. Sitting on the tarmac, I stewed about the delay and how it would impact our plans while Charlie quietly read his Wall Street Journal. I asked him how he could be so excitable at work but so calm now. He explained that at work he could influence things but here things were out of his control. I can imagine him having that same perspective with his cancer – fighting it with every available option but when realizing there was nothing more he could do, accepting his fate peacefully. It must have been one tough cancer to bring down Charlie – that’s all I can say. RIP.
Doug Freed
Dear Denise and family, I was so sad to learn of Charlie's passing. I worked with him for twenty years and he was a great guy. He always amazed me with his home improvement projects - so talented. You two were a wonderful couple together and I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lorraine Cardinal
I was deeply saddened by the news of Charlie’s passing. My heart felt condolences to the Henderson family.
Charlie wasn’t just my boss, but a great friend. What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.
Hussein & Sherry Hezarkhani
My prayers and condolences to the Henderson family on Charlie's passing.
A great guy who left lots of memories!
Going to the land of 'Nothing But Net'.
John Zajac '59
So sorry your Father has passed away Erik. My sincere sympathy to you at this time. Helen (or Fred). x
So grateful that we were able to spend time with you and Charlie at the beginning of this month. He will be remembered as a true Renaissance Man and deeply missed! We sat in front of his beautiful field stone fireplace and toasted him last night! Love, Cathleen, Harry, Michael, Paul and Christiaan
