Lester K. Henderson, Jr., (1933-2024)

We are sad to announce the passing of Pete (Lester Kierstead) Henderson, 1933-2024. An avid fisherman, Pete cast a long, gentle line as he reeled in family, friends, neighbors and patients. He touched the lives of many, with the ability to spread smiles and laughter and make people of all ages feel good.

At Dartmouth College in 1951-1955, Pete enjoyed skiing, hunting, fly fishing (he continues to hold the record with the Dartmouth Outing Club for longest line cast) and had the chance to travel and do photography for Field and Stream magazine under the mentorship of Corey Ford.

After two years in the United States Air Force, Pete flew a small plane around the country with his father as a professional portrait photographer. At the ripe old age of 32 he made a long desired career change and enrolled in Boston University Medical School. After residencies in Boston, Pete began his career as an orthopedic surgeon at Redington Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan, Maine. His chosen profession gave him endless satisfaction, pride and joy, especially working with so many dedicated and talented staff. After retiring, Pete and Ann moved to Hanover, NH, to be close to family and the Dartmouth green.

He loved sharing his outdoor passions with his family and friends and taking them on adventures to Cape Cod, northern Maine, the St. Paul River, and beyond. Pete loved the arts and working with his hands. He was a painter, furniture maker, fly tier, and for many years he sailed and worked on his beloved wooden boat, the Phoenix. He was an avid reader, especially of spy novels and murder mysteries. There wasn't a single movie he didn’t want to watch. He loved music and dancing, some favorites were Sam & Dave, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Tina Turner, Harry Nilsson, and Gilbert and Sullivan.

He is survived by his beautiful and talented bride of 67 years, Ann Fitzgerald Henderson, his two daughters (Heidi Henderson and Heather Henderson Palmer), their husbands (Stephen Rogers and Thomas Palmer), five grandchildren (Kezia Henderson Rogers, Altie Henderson Rogers, Walter Henderson Palmer, Timothy Henderson Palmer and Tim’s wife Kiersten Anderson), his sister (Lee Sedgwick), half-sisters (Toni McVey and Gale Wong), his dog Whistler, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pete would like nothing more than to have you schuss down the slopes, visit an art museum, put the lime in the coconut, or cast a line in his memory. He caught the one that always got away and you can bet he is relaying a humorous rendition of the tale right now.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Somerset Woods Trust (part of the Maine Land Trust Network.)

 

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