HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 26
(By Delegates Harrison, Webb, Armstead and Ashley)
Commemorating the life and public service of Richard J. "Dick"
Henderson, member of the House of Delegates from the 32nd
District of Kanawha County.
Whereas, On July 28, 1927, a unique individual was born in
Escanaba, Michigan. This one of a kind person was Richard J.
"Dick" Henderson. To say Dick had the "gift of gab" would be an
understatement. His ability to communicate led him to the
University of Houston where he studied journalism and was the
Sports Editor for the school newspaper. Upon graduation, Dick
began his professional career as a reporter for the Houston
Post. He later became the public relations director of Union
Carbide and editor of "The Carbider," a publication for 1,500
employees which was also distributed by popular demand to many
people throughout the Kanawha Valley.
During World War II, Dick served his country as a member of
the United States Navy. In 1949, he married the former Lorraine
Northup and they were the devoted parents of nine children --
Rick, Mary Cae, Patricia, John, Joan, Anne, Joe, Mike and Bill (deceased). Dick and Lorraine were also extremely proud of
their ten grandchildren.
Although Dick was a Michigander by birth, he was a West
Virginian by choice and he was a loyal Mountaineer. In 1992,
Dick began his career of public service when he was elected to
the House of Delegates from the 32nd District, a position he
held until his death in 1998. Dick was known almost as well for
his patriotic ties as he was for his quick wit and booming
voice. The House staff quickly learned that when Dick talked he
did not need a microphone.
Dick and his newly elected colleagues from the 32nd
District were quickly dubbed the "Four Horsemen." They adopted
this title with pride. The original Horsemen -- Dick, Steve
Harrison, Jay Nesbitt and Ron Walters -- were outspoken
advocates for cutting taxes. At Dick's suggestion, they cut off
their neckties to prove it. This was only the beginning of
Dick's creative way of expressing himself.
Whether eating a bill on the floor, spraying one with
disinfectant, or passing out cans of pork and beans with pennies
taped on top, people listened when Dick took the floor.
A staunch supporter of the pro-life movement, Dick once
addressed a pro-life rally in the rotunda with the remarks,
"I've got nine kids -- my record speaks for itself."
In addition to his public service, Dick was an active member of Saint Francis of Assisi Church in St. Albans where he
sang in the choir, taught Sunday School classes and coached the
church basketball team. He also dedicated much time to various
causes and was a member of numerous civic, social and public
service organizations, including the American Legion, Catholic
War Veterans, Sierra Club and the Lions Club. He also served as
a board member for Kanawha Hospice Care, the St. Albans Library
and the Charleston Distance Run.
Dick lived life to the fullest and his funeral was a
celebration of that life. From the moment the tuba player
walked into the church, you knew you were in for one last show
from Dick. Family and friends celebrated Dick's life and
recalled fond, happy memories. They then escorted Dick from the
church one last time to a rousing Dixieland version of "When the
Saints Go Marching In."
Dick Henderson embodied all the traits of an effective
public servant. His actions, though often comical, were never
without a serious point. Dick touched and enriched many lives
and he was loved by all who came into contact with him. He was
respected, admired and revered by his colleagues, and those who
had the opportunity to know and work with him were truly
fortunate. Dick may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
His spirit and his dedication will long be remembered, and it is
most fitting that we honor his memory; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the members of this body express regret and sorrow at
the passing of Richard J. "Dick" Henderson, but also celebrate
the life of a dedicated public servant, devoted husband, loving
father and dear friend; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
is hereby directed to prepare copies of this Resolution for
presentation to the family of Richard J. "Dick" Henderson.