William (Bill) R. Henderson passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, three quarters of the way through his 98th year. He will be greatly missed by daughter Joan Oystensen (John), grandchildren Jason Thomas, Megan Thomas (Mark) and Brittany Parmentier (Maxime), great-granddaughter Alix Parmentier, great-grandson Mathis, and sheltie dog Pearl.

Bill is predeceased by his wife of 74 years, Beryl Henderson (Minifie), and his three siblings Verna Burton (Henderson), Jim Henderson, and Marjory Russel (Henderson).

Bill was born on June 20, 1927 in Vanguard, Saskatchewan. He attended school in Vanguard and, after finishing his studies, he began working at the family’s Henderson Brothers hardware store with his father William and his brother Jim. 

Bill and Beryl married in 1948 at the United Church in Vanguard. Daughter Joan was born in 1952. In 1959, the family moved to Maple Ridge B.C. to build and operate the city’s first Dairy Queen, which is still in operation today. Bill and Beryl were active in curling and enjoyed cheering on their daughter, and later their grandchildren, at equestrian events and their other pursuits.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed travelling extensively with Beryl in their motorhome, along with trips to Maui and Mexico. Their willingness to park their motorhome at horse show grounds near and far, and squeeze in the whole family, was very much appreciated by their grandchildren. They also undertook a few very adventurous trips by freighter to far flung destinations. 

Bill will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, love for his family, enjoyment of watching baseball, and his ability to strike up a conversation.

His family would like to thank the staff at Gilmore Gardens in Richmond, B.C., and care aids from Westside Nursing for the loving care of Bill. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Donations to the Red Cross in his memory are appreciated.