1955 – 2013

LEWISTON — Wendell “Zen” Henderson, 57, of Dixfield, died unexpectedly late Thursday, March 21, at CMMC in Lewiston.

He was born on Sept. 14, 1955, in Stratton, to George and Clydis (Ross) Henderson.

He attended schools in Dixfield, graduating with the Class of 1974. During his high school years, Wendell played on Dirigo’s baseball team. He was known as one of the best left-handed pitchers to ever play in Dixfield, leading his team to many victories.

After graduation, Wendell began working at Stowell-McGregor’s, where he made many lifelong friends. After the mill’s closing, he went to work at Foster’s Manufacturing in Wilton as a forklift operator.

Wendell had great sense of humor and a natural way of making people laugh. After losing an eye to cancer, he was known as the man with the eye patch. Also known for his generosity, he would give the tattered shirt off his back. We will miss seeing you walk the streets of Dixfield.

Survivors include his companion, Deb Holman of Dixfield; son, Christopher Henderson of Biddeford; daughter, Theresa Nicolson and her husband, Jay, of Dixfield; and their mother, Gayle Gabriel of Peru; two grandchildren, Jacob and Julie Nicolson; brothers, William Henderson and his wife, Allison, of Ashland City, Tenn., Eric Henderson and his wife, Margaret, of Dixfield; sisters, Mary Bond and her husband, Brad, of Livermore Falls, Susie Gaudet and her husband, Paul, of Dixfield; and many nieces and nephews; as well as best friend, Vance Martin of Dixfield.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; and his brother, Wayne Henderson.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Zen’s family and friends at www.wilesrc.com.