Thomas Anthony Hendrickson, age 82, peacefully passed away at his Holland, MI home on Saturday, August 5th, 2023. He joins his parents, Bertha and Elbert Hendrickson, and cherished brother, John Hendrickson.
Tom, known as “The Viper,” will be remembered by his friends and family as a storyteller, a man of science, nature enthusiast, and intrepid explorer. His ability to identify pretty much any North American bird just by its call was remarkable. A masterful card player, he earned his nickname “The Viper” for his strategic and striking prowess. He greatly enjoyed walking the beaches of Lake Michigan, and effortlessly forging friendships. His captivating storytelling and flair for drama left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to listen.
Born on January 29, 1941, in Orange, NJ, Tom led anything but an ordinary life. Graduating at top of his class from Beverly High School, he earned a Civil Engineering degree from Tufts University. His career as an engineer for Monsanto Corp took him across the nation, ultimately settling in Holland, MI in 1979. Tom’s work at Elzinga & Volkers and Decker Construction contributed to West Michigan’s skyline. His passions encompassed golf, exploration, and instilling his children with a sense of adventure. With a sharp knack for numbers and keen interest in financial markets, he immersed himself in tracking their fluctuations. His fascinations extended to weather phenomena, notably wildfires, following his tenure at the Monsanto Wildfire Retardant plant in Ontario, CA. His unwavering commitment to family shone through as he went to all lengths to spend cherished moments with his children and grandchildren. Always actively embedded in his community, he contributed his time to the Macatawa River Greenway, served as president of the Michigan Audubon Society, played a pivotal role in launching soccer in Park Township, dedicated years to coaching and refereeing soccer, and generously devoted his time to the American Red Cross of Western Michigan.
Tom is survived by his four children: Holly (Paul) Llobet, J. Chris (Bethany) Hendrickson, Timothy (Allison) Hendrickson, Andrew Hendrickson, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild and former wife, Sharon Hendrickson. His love and presence will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known him.
A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., preceded by visitation at 11:30 a.m., with refreshments following the service, all at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Inurnment will take place in Beverly Farms Cemetery in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Outdoor Discovery Center of Holland (payable to ODC Network).
