David Ross Henderson

Dave passed away on Sunday, August 31st at his residence in Pickering. He was born on April 3rd 1938 inMontreal to Melville and Mildred Henderson. Dave was beloved husband of 63 years to Sherrill (nee Stanley)who predeceased him in 2020, he continued to write love letters to the light of his life until his passing. Thecouple met at the Como Inn, located near Hudson, Quebec where Dave was the bandleader- they marriedthe following year in June 1957. Together they raised four children, always willing to accept more into the foldthey opened their hearts to another daughter twenty years into their marriage.

Dave and Sherrill traveled the world, visiting over 120 countries on 6 continents. Dave was an avid writer andenjoyed sharing his travel adventures with family and friends with a weekly “Travelog” highlighting their journey.

Dave started his career in advertising before moving to DuPont where he held many positions and implemented policies that remain in effect today. After 39 years Dave retired from DuPont holding the position of Vice President of Human Resources.

Dave’s early fascination with trains and trolleys led to a lifetime hobby. In 1959 he became part of the publication committee in the Canadian Railroad Historical Association (CRHA). By 1966 the monthly publication was a 20-24 page booklet with readership of 1,500 people around the world. Through his company, Railfare Inc., Dave has designed and published over 60 books primarily dealing with the history ofCanadian rail transportation. In 2021 Dave received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the CRHA for his many contributions to preserving the history of Canadian rail.

Dave was taught piano by his mother at the age of three. Trains were his hobby but music was his passion.At the age of 15, Dave purchased his Musser vibraphone for $3000 by saving his newspaper route money. In the mid 1950’s Dave joined the musical group The Montrealers, the group played at venues and festivals inQuebec, Ontario, and New York for the next twenty years. On his retirement from DuPont, Dave and Sherrill became snowbirds. The large musical community in Southwest Florida provided an outlet for this talented musician. For many years Dave played his “vibes” with numerous swing, and big bands in the Sarasota area.

Dave is survived by many family members in Canada and the United States. He is lovingly remembered and will be greatly missed by his children; Jo-Anne (Chris) Crossing, Sandra (Greg) James,Steve Henderson, Erica (Charlene) Henderson, and Sharon (Paul) Tambeau, his seven grandchildren; Ryan(Jenn) Crossing, Mark (Justina) Crossing, Erin (Ryan) Hoffman, Sean (Ashley) Crossing, ShannonHenderson, Alex James, and Kyle James, honorary grandchildren; Phillip (Janine) Kaye and Christa (Matt)McClearn, and his great grandchildren; Ty, Diala, Killian, Tilghman, Emma, Zachary, Raegan, Arya, Alton,Dylan, and Isabelle.

Dave will be sadly missed by his siblings; Craig (Margie) Henderson, Keith (Giuliana) Henderson, CoralHenderson, and Devon (Lorne) Hemmerling and sister-in-lawMarilyn (Tony) Keenan. Funeral arrangementare being handled by McEachnie Funeral Home in Ajax. Visitation will be held Wednesday September 10thfrom 9-11am prior to the service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation in memory ofDave to the Parkinson’s Foundation.