Richard Henderson, pilot, writer

Richard “Rich” Henderson of Ridgefield, a longtime Connecticut resident, died Saturday, May 29, 2004. He was 48 years old and the husband for 20 years of Susan Henderson.
Mr. Henderson was raised in Wilton, a son of Don and Joan Henderson, now of Southbury.
He attended Wilton High School and was especially proud of achieving “Eagle Scout” with his two brothers in 1971.
Mr. Henderson earned a private pilot’s license and then a commercial license in 1976. He graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in English in 1980.
He was a writer and had worked for Forecast International/DMS in Newtown and also edited the sweepstakes publication, “Contest Newsletter,” in Bethel.
“Devoted to his family, Rich was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and helpful to all,” his family said. “He was a special ‘Buddy’ to all his nieces and nephews and took great joy in their company, hiking, playing ‘Junior Birdmen,’ refereeing video game marathons, and playing ‘Twenty Questions.’
“His imagination and creativity could keep them entertained for hours. He was a great uncle!”
“His engaging and entertaining personality was always a highlight during frequent family gatherings,” his family added.
Besides his wife and his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Don Henderson Jr. of Greene, Maine, and Bruce Henderson, also of Southbury, and an extended family that included Ethel Bowden, Lester and Erna Selnick, Larry and Diane Selnick and their son Stephen, Hal and Melissa Selnick and their sons Aaron and Mathew, Norma and Ray Ledan and their children, Meghan and Nicholas, Arnold Selnick, Ken Selnick, daughter Alexandra and fiancé, Alfie Peters.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The News Times Campership Fund, 333 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810.