Longtime Haines resident Bob Henderson passed away this week at age 95. Henderson wore many hats in the community – husband, father, former mayor, beloved high school math and science teacher, local historian and farmer. He grew produce and crops on his 14-acre farm on Allen Road and raised variety of animals, including horses. He leaves the property to the American Bald Eagle Foundation. It’s not to be subdivided but used by the foundation for birds and agriculture.
Last autumn Henderson spoke with his friend Spencer Douthit, recording stories of Haines history. Here, Henderson tells about driving the Haines Highway for the first time in the 1940s, what the land looked like and wildlife he saw.
Henderson was buried this week at Jones Point Cemetery. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday at the Haines Presbyterian Church.
What a wonderful guy! I heard great stories of his high expectations of his science students. He even made the girls who boarded horses at his place show him their report cards and they had to maintain a B average or better. Much more motivating than standardized test scores, I say! And being his neighbor for 17 years has enriched my life, watching the progress of the corn every week of the summer, sort of an authentic weather record, really. My brother, ag professor at Cornell, was always impressed to hear about the corn, even shared pics with his students. Several of my classes got to hear his stories over at the Anway cabin. Bob’s life is an inspiration for all of us.