David Henderson

David Roy Henderson, of Newburg Pennsylvania, shuffled off his mortal coil, in peace February 28th, 2022. He leaves behind friends and family, blood and bond, spanning almost every continent but Antarctica, although, it would not be out of character for Dave to have maintained a pen-pal correspondence with a penguin. His early years were spent in North Tacoma Park, MD, where he was born, and according to his father (Roy Henderson –deceased), and mother (Rosie Henderson – deceased), showed the world his Danish attitude from the get go, being born breech birth, or “bottoms up”.

After an excellent high school career, Dave continued his lifelong love of learning by matriculating at the University of MD, (Go Terps!), and continuing on to Hunter College, NY, NYU, and later Shippensburg University, where he continued his passion for education.

Being the renaissance man that he was, Dave mingled with beatniks as a bartender in Greenwich Village, ensuring a robust supply of creative “juices” to “fuel” their art. Luminaries such as Ginsberg, Kerouac and Warhol bellied up to Dave asking, “Another round Viking!”. These interactions led Dave to expand his horizons, like making sandals out of tires, sculpting death masks, and writing poetry under the alias Deke Hedges.

On the practical side of things, Dave was a communications Jedi, once showing his sons how to make a radio from a crystal, copper wire and a 9-volt battery, the original MacGyver according to our family. These technical skills served him well later on in life as a non-military communications specialist for various lettered agencies. Dave also had the pleasure of studying Taekwondo, under the renown Sensei, Son Duk-Sun, earning a black belt, and later teaching the craft to others in the Shippensburg area.

Being a lifelong learner and martial artist, Dave combined these skills to become an educator at Camp Hill Prison, where he retired after the riots in 1989. This allowed Dave to further his pursuits, as well as raise some sheep, cats and three sons.

David was an avid writer, reader of all things, profound thinker, tinkerer, confidant, mentor and friend. He will be remembered for his gentle personality, love for others and his keen sense of humor. Searching for a humorous funeral card yielded no results, however; we are certain that Dave could have written one. His wishes were not to mourn the loss of a father, mentor, dear friend, but to celebrate life and all the wonderful things that accompany it.

We ask that you join us in remembering a man who had so much to give and asked for so little in return. We know that he is not gone, for his love lives within the hearts of all those who knew David past present and future. His teachings will live on through us as we journey through our own lives and share the teachings, principles and love of a good man.

David is survived by his loving sons, grandson, soon to be granddaughter, cousins and friends too numerous to list. Due to his multifaceted life we wish that you share stories via Facebook, the obituary listing or in person at the memorial service/celebration of life. These will be collected and archived so they can be retold to his grandchildren when they are older.

The Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., has been entrusted with David’s funeral arrangements. A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12th in Spring Hill Cemetery, Shippensburg PA. Afterwards there will be a gathering to celebrate David's life at the Durff-Kuhn VFW post 6168 Shippensburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or to those who need it the most. And most importantly, live, laugh, and love with those around you. We’ll miss you Dave. Skål!