John R. Hendrickson went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2008. He was born in Bright, Calif. on March 3, 1916. John’s boyhood days were spent in the Bakersfield area. When he was 17, his father died and John assumed for many years the responsibilities of his mother, sister, and younger brother.

In 1941, he married Patricia McClure. After a daughter was born in 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army and spent two years of his service in Iceland. In 1949, his second daughter was born. He spent his weekends building the family home in Millbrae, Calif., where they lived for 11 years. The family then moved to Sonora, Calif., in 1960, where he built a second family home. Though a plumber by trade, he was considered a Jack-of-all-trades. Some of his talents included building furniture, wood stoves, clocks, and cabinets.

John and his wife moved to Whidbey Island in November of 1994. In 1998, his beloved wife preceded him in death. He is survived by two daughters, Gail Penn and Mary Hendrickson; two grandchildren, Rick DeMott and Vicky Roggero; and four great-grandchildren.

His faith in Jesus Christ was a stalwart pillar for his family. His life was an example of cheerful gentleness and willingness to help anyone in need. His sense of humor brought many smiles.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on April 7 at the Coupeville Community Bible Church in Coupeville. Burial will follow the service in Sunnyside Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the Coupeville Community Bible Church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.