Christopher John (Chris) Henderson

I am so sorry to hear of Mr Henderson's passing. He was a solid, funny and kind presence for all of us throughout our time at Rathdown. I cannot describe how much respect we had for him in his ability to both quail us with a look and resort us all to hysterics in one class! He will be greatly missed.

I have very happy memories of Mr Henderson in Glengara Park and Rathdown. It never took long for silence to descend when he started an assembly yet he was always kind, gentle and reassuring. As I got older, I enjoyed being able to talk and joke with him in Geography class and I remember he and other staff letting us watch the Eurovision on our trip to the Burren, to our delight! My sincere condolences to his family.

I'm so sorry to learn of Mr Henderson's passing. I was due to start at Glengara when it amalgamated with Rathdown. Mr Henderson taught me geography for 6 years until I left in 1993. He was a great teacher and I have very fond memories of his classes. May he rest in peace and deepest sympathies to his wife and family. x

Deepest condolences to Stella and the Henderson family on the untimely passing of Chris. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Stella, Ian, Stuart and family on the very sad passing of Mr. Henderson. He was a wonderful teacher - always engaging, passionate and great fun.

Dear Stella and family,

I was so sorry to hear about Chris’s death. Thinking of you all at this very difficult and sad time.
I was one of the head girls the first year Chris started in Glengara park school and as pupils we were all wondering how it would work out.
Chris was great and everything ran smoothly.

Dear Stella. I was so sad to hear about Chris and I just wanted to let you know that you and your boys and their families are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love and sympathy. Margaret Nevin

My deepest sympathy to all of Chris's family on your sad loss. I have very fond memories of Chris as a wonderful colleague and friend during my time in Rathdown.

Mr Henderson was my geography teacher all through my time at Rathdown and he was just fantastic! Funny, clever and had such presence but was also really kind hearted too. I’ll never forget him helping me out with my skis on the trip to Italy! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed far and wide x

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Mr. Henderson, a brilliant mind, personality and teacher. Sending love and prayers to your family.

Love from Natasha (former pupil, Rathdown School).

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Henderson. He was a wonder teacher who had such an enthusiastic, fun and kind manner. We were very honoured as students to have known him and had him as our teacher.

I am so sorry to hear about Mr Henderson (Hendo) passing. He really was a true gentleman and a really kind and funny teacher. We had a lot of fun in his classes, including playing games ( that I'm sure he realised we were playing) where we had to get him to say random words, that had nothing to do with the subject. For example, the word kettle, in geography class :-).
I can still see and hear him walking down the corridors of Rathdown, telling people to get the class in his wonderful booming voice.
He made his mark on his thousands of students and will be remembered.
Thinking of all your family and friends.
Loads of love
Lesley

class 1998 xxx

Deepest sympathy. To Stella Stuart Ian and the extended family.

Sincere sympathy to Stella, Stuart and Ian and all Chris' family. I have the fondest memories of how warm and welcoming Chris was when I arrived as a young and very inexperienced teacher at Newpark back in 1974. He combined a wonderful example of true professionalism with hilarious staffroom and school trip moments. A true gentleman and great company!

Dearest Stella,
It is difficult to put into words how sorry I felt when I heard the news that Chris had passed. Apart from his amazing contribution to both Glengara and Rathdown Schools, I learned more from him about teaching than from anyone else in my life. He was also a wonderful friend and stalwart colleague in every way. All of us who were lucky enough to know him will be recalling our various (and numerous) special memories of his company (I can still hear his voice roaring at me through the wall of the adjacent classroom when I told my class Pakistan was "to the left of India" ("It's WEST, Mr O hEithir, not "left")).
My condolences to you Stella, to all his family, to all my own former colleagues, and to those hundreds, maybe even thousands, of former pupils who will remember him with affection and share our sadness at his passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

With deepest condolences to the Henderson family. I fondly remember Mr. Henderson and how influential and warm a personality he was in Rathdown School when I attended 2001-2007. I was lucky to be in his classes and his many assemblies before his retirement. It was a privilege to benefit from that period of his long career in service to education and his school communities. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Dear Stella, So sorry to hear the sad news of your husbands sudden death.R.I.P.
Assuring you of my prayers and those of our WDP group here in St.Michael's.
May the Lord care for and shelter you in the palm of Hid hand during these immediate very difficult days and in the sometimes lonely days ahead.
Wishing you and all your family peace and courage.
Agnes

I was lucky enough to have My Henderson all through my years in Rathdown and as Form Tutor for my final year. He was without doubt the best teacher I have ever had. I can even say i enjoyed the many hikes he dragged us on in fourth year. The world has lost a true gent.

Mr Henderson (Hendo!) was my history and geography teacher at Rathdown school from 92-98. I have such wonderful memories! Many times my friend and I would pop into his office to say hello. One particular memory I have was on a school trip! I thought I’d jump to the middle of the river to get a reading not thinking how I would get back. He came across in his wellies and gave me a piggyback. I smile today thinking about all my school memories and he plays such a part in those. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I had hoped one day I would see him again and introduce my boys to him. I’m sorry I can’t attend his funeral today as I am now living in the UK. I know he will be remembered and celebrated just how he would have liked to have been. My condolences to his family xxx

I had Mr Henderson as a teacher from 1st year right up
to my leaving cert. He was always kind to me as a student who never found school easy he always was encouraging and reminded me there was so much more to life. I now have 2 children of my own and I pray that my little ones will be lucky enough to have a teacher like Mr Henderson. My deepest condolences to his family, in time I hope these messages bring you some peace.

With deep sympathy as you remember Chris.

Dear Stella, Stuart, Ian and Adrian,
People have spoken so eloquently about Chris both here and on the Glengara Facebook page and I can only agree with all that has been said. He was indeed a great educator, a wonderful colleague and a cherished friend. He commanded respect from both students and staff while also enjoying the craic, especially at our weekly Friday evening “staff meetings” in a local venue! We had so many laughs through the years in both Glengara Park and Rathdown. I am sure the students will agree with me that he was a great addition to our school trips. I have very fond memories of those, especially our skiing ones. These are memories I will always cherish as I’m sure you must also have many treasured ones. Hopefully they will help sustain you in your loss. My thoughts and sympathy are with you all at this difficult time, Chris will leave a huge gap in our lives, he was much loved and respected by so many.

On behalf of the entire Rathdown School community I would like to express condolences to Stella and family. I was fortunate to meet Chris on many occasions. He was kind, supportive, very funny and great company.

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Chris, without question one of my favorite teachers in Avoca & Kingstown. A very fair minded man that deserved the respect that we all gladly gave him.
My condolences to his family at this sad time. May he Rest In Peace

To Stella and family, I am so sorry to hear of Chris' death. He was a wonderful colleague; encouraging, wise, quick-witted, clever, and so much fun. I was usually greeted with "Good morning, God Squad!". His talents, personality and charisma, meant that he was both liked and respected by his colleagues and his pupils - a rare combination. He had presence whether it was leading an assembly, teaching a class or in the Staff Room. My deepest sympathy to you all.

My deepest condolences to you, Stella, Stuart and Ian, on Chris’s passing. He was my geography teacher in Avoca & Kingstown & Newpark School and we worked together on the parents’ committee of Glenageary/Killiney National School. He was not only a great teacher but also a kind and generous man. I have many fond memories of him. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

I am so sad to hear that Mr Henderson has passed. He was such a kind man who commanded respect (while being well able for a bit of craic!) and I only wish he had taught me during my time in Rathdown. Sending you sincere sympathies at this sad time.

To Stella and family, I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Chris. He was a multi talented gentleman, who supported and encouraged all who taught with him in Rathdown. I have many happy memories of him, but nothing compared to what all of you must have, treasure them. My deepest condolences and sympathy to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Stella.
I am so sad for you and your family on hearing of the passing of Chris. Due to circumstances, most unfortunately, I will not be able to attend tomorrow’s service.
Please accept my sincere condolences..
Warm regards
Jenny

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Henderson. He was such a great teacher and lovely man, I always looked forward to his classes. My deepest condolences to his family at this very sad and difficult time.

My sincerest condolences to Ian & his family on Chris’s passing. Sending you all so much love and prayers during this really tough time.

Kind regards,
Eado xx

I am so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. He was a long standing member of the Monthly Blinders wine tasting grioup. A man with a wonderful palate. I have a vivid memory of the club members in your home, Stella for a delicious supper and great craic. I am so sorry for your loss. Xx

I was so unbelievably sad to hear of Mr Henderson's passing earlier this week. He was such a Gentleman and an amazing Principal. Even though he became VP in Rathdown, I know I speak for many of the other Glengara girls when I say that we all still considered him to still be OUR Principal.
The memory of the man, sitting on the steps in the Hall of GP, telling us about Glengara's demise was truly heart-breaking and to see it etched on his face, will always live with me.
He was and always will be an amazing educator as well as a Father, Grandad, and Husband. I am SO sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathies to Stella, Ian, Stewart, family, and friends.
May he rest in peace and continue to guide you all from above.
Never to be forgotten, he was one of a kind.

Dear Mrs. Henderson and family, I was very sorry to hear of Chris' passing. I have very fond memories of him as my principal and colleague in Glengara Park and in Rathdown, May he rest in peace.
Comhbhrón ó chroí. Síocháin síoraí dá anam uasal.

Our sincere sympathies on Chris' passing. He was an inspiring teacher to our two daughters Ruth and Susan in Rathdown.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

I was very sad to hear the news about Chris. He was my Geography teacher at school back in the early seventies (at both Avoca & Kingstown and Newpark). I remember in particular, one Saturday when he organized yet another geography field trip to Wicklow. On this particular occasion, only two or three pupils from our class turned up; but despite this, Chris gave up his entire Saturday to bring us on a superb geological tour of the county via the school minibus! He was a great teacher and a lovely man, and my condolences are with all his family at this very sad time!

Mr. Henderson was my geography teacher at Rathdown many years ago now. His was a class to look forward to thanks to his dry wit and general sense of humour. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he RIP.

My sincerest sympathy to Stella, Stuart and Ian on Chris passing.

I am very saddened to hear about Chris. My memories of him go way back to when he used to spend his holidays with his parents, Gordon and Brenda, and younger brother Adrian in their caravan in Brittas Bay. He was a lovely young man who became a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

Am so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Henderson, but am forever grateful to have had him as a teacher for five years. Such a wonderful man and role model. I'll always remember his golden rules...and him being the best food critic of our home economic creations during geography class. Always involved and always fun. Wish there were more Mr.Hendersons of this world. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.

To Stella, Stuart and Ian, please accept our deepest condolences on your Loss. Chris was a great fellow hockey player, golfer and friend and then a great Principal too at Glengara . Many fond memories. He was thought highly of by all generations whose paths he crossed, whether in a professional or social capacity I (June), have memories from Glengara of him being the voice of The Great Oz, when we did a production of The Wizard of Oz and sitting on the tractor raking the school hockey pitch. My parents on the other hand could probably tell quite a few other stories from over the years!! Thinking of you all at this time. You are sure to have a wealth of wonderful memories

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Henderson.
A true gentleman. To this day, i still love geography thanks to Hendo's wonderful classes in Newpark. My most sincere condolences to all his family.

There are colleagues you work with that leave a huge gap when they retire, Chris was one of those. He was kind, intelligent, supportive, extremely witty and a teacher that all students loved and staff admired. “To your tasks” used to echo around the staffroom at 11.15 as he urged us to be prompt to class and dutifully we all responded as he was someone you always wanted to impress, as he was the best amongst us. Rest in peace, Chris, a Rathdown legend!

Stella. My thoughts are with you and family at this very sad time. May Chris Rest in Peace.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Henderson. Deepest sympathy to Mrs Henderson. Stuart and Ian and extended family. We have great memories of our time at Glengara Park. As boarders we loved our weekend visits to the bungalow for treats. Thank you for your kindness to us.

Hearing Chris's fantastic singing voice as part of the church choir was such an enjoyable Christmas tradition for us. There were enjoyable chats there and in Glengara park alsk. To Stella and family, we send our deepest condolences.

Stella and family, my deepest condolences on the death of Chris. He was so good to me when I started my principalship at Rathdown. He was generous with his time, advice and recommended I write all my observations in my ‘little black book‘ before I made any changes. He was the life and soul of the staff room and his sense of humour was intelligent, witty and wicked. I loved spending time in his company. The world is a less rich place without him.

Chris was such a sound,supportive and companionable colleague in the Rathdown staffroom.....A lovely man...Rest in peace Chris.

So sad to hear of yet another great gent leaving us I loved my classes with Chris in Newpark in the 70's. Remember too meeting Mr Henderson in Paris while we were on our holidays as a family. Never know who you would find in a camp site in the middle of Paris .
My sincere sympathy to Stella and all the family .

Gwyn O'Leary, BC Canada

Dear Stella, Ian and Stuart,
My condolences to you all
at this sad time.
Chris was a real gentleman.
Many fond memories from early days at Avoca Kingstown School , Newpark and Avoca Hockey Club , Chris as a teacher, hockey coach, mentor, teammate and a friend.

My sincere sympathy to Mrs Henderson and rest of the family of sad passing of Mr Henderson. He was wonderful geography teacher in my time in Rathdown School. I have many fond memories of him especially on school trip to west of Ireland visiting The Burren National Park , Co Clare. He was very kind, caring and highly respected gentleman and will never be forgotten. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayer. May He Rest in Peace.

I’m very sad to hear of Mr. Henderson’s passing. He was a gent, I loved his geography classes, and I remember a lot of what he taught me to this day. Fond memories of the fifth year field trip to the Burren, he happily drove us around in the blue minibus making sure we saw everything a textbook couldn’t show. He made a great Santa too for the boarders Christmas parties!
My condolences to the Henderson family, may he rest in peace.
Rathdown class of 1997.

Sincere sympathies to the Henderson family at this sad time. May he rest in peace

My deepest sympathy to the Henderson’s on the death of Chris Henderson I have fond memories of him as my geography teacher in rathdown school . May he rest in peace fly high mr Henderson

Dear Stella,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to your children and all the family.
Wonderful memories of all the years especially those travelling adventures will help to bring you solace with time.

Sincere sympathy to all the Henderson family on the sad passing of Mr Henderson. He was a great geography teacher and headmaster but above all else he was kind and caring.

Fond memories of Mr Henderson in Rathdown. So sorry to hear of his death. Sending condolences to his family. May he Rest in Peace.

Thinking of you all at this sad time. Mr Henderson was a wonderful Head Master and a great teacher. Very fond memories of my time in Glengara Park as a boarder. Class of 1984.

Dear Stella I was very sad to hear that Chris had passed away. My deepest condolences to you, Stuart and Ian. I have many positive memories of a kind and caring principal and a lovely colleague and friend.

Stella, we were so sorry to hear of the death of Chris and we send our sincere condolences to you and your family on this sudden loss.