In memory of

Brian Douglas Henderson

July 13, 1945 -  January 11, 2019

Brian Douglas Henderson, 73, of Oakville, Ontario, passed away on the 11th of January, 2019, from cancer.

He was born to parents Bruce and Marg on July 13, 1945, in Toronto, Canada.
Henny (as his friends called him), or “The Great Hendini” (as he called himself) was a celebrated broadcaster for over 25 years with CHUM Radio. He was married to Gayle, his love, in 1995, and is survived by her, as well as his children, Gillian, Erin, and Kyle “The Wonderkid.” He is reunited with Susan Henderson, whom we lost in 1993.

Brian held countless jobs throughout his life including department store salesman, camp counsellor, mushroom farmer, beer delivery truck driver, and others, but his true ambition was always radio. At an early age, Brian would practice introducing songs on AM radio, and he eventually achieved his lifelong goal of being an on-air personality. And what a personality he was. He did it all, from disc jockey, to sportscaster, to his own morning show and daily commentaries. His words created joy for people on a daily basis, and he loved what he did. A legend in the industry, celebrated by his peers, and adored by everyone who met him, Brian will be sorely missed.

Please come to share stories and celebrate his life on Sunday, January 20th at the York Cemetery. Visitation will start at 1pm, followed by a ceremony at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family thanks you for making a donation to one of the following charities important to Brian: Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Credit Valley Hospital, St. Michael's Hospital, North York General Hospital, or the Hospital for Sick Children.

Guestbook 

(5 of 9)


Jennifer lambert (Friend)

Entered January 14, 2019 from Orangeville Ontario

He was a fantastic guy with a amazing personality.

Denise Carter (our kids are friends)

Entered January 14, 2019 from Whitby, formerly Lorne Park

so sorry to hear - such a sad day and a huge loss. he was always a welcome visitor, even if it was only to pick up Kyle - he'd come in and say he needed 'the red head' - like we didn't know who he was picking up. lovely man, he'll be missed.

Katie Colucci Emery (Friend of Kyle Henderson)

Entered January 14, 2019 from Oakville

Brian will always be a fixture in the memory of my high school years. As Kyle's Dad, he often offered us a place to congregate after school and on weekends. His roaring laughter, warm smile, and open home created a safe space for us to just be teenagers. Thinking back, it's incredible how tolerant he was of how loud and obnoxious we must have been. Eating him out of house and home constantly. Brian Henderson was a wonderful man who would give you the shirt off his back without ever thinking twice. I will always remember him fondly.

Gillian Chassels (childhood friend of Gillan and Erin)

Entered January 15, 2019 from Mississauga

I'm so sorry for your loss, Gayle, Kyle, Gillian and Erin. I have very fond memories of spending time with you all with Brian. Going to the Spaghetti Factory and seeing The Who's Tommy on stage, and playing in your backyard. What a difficult way to start off the year, I'm so sorry.

Alba Watts (Friend)

Entered January 15, 2019 from Aurora, Ont

Gayle: I was so sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. I desperately want to come to the service to support you but unfortunately Peter is working so I don’t have a driver. As you know, I have to wear this cast on my leg for a few more weeks. I’ve been thinking about you all week. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Alba

Life Stories 

(1 of 1)


Simon Wigglesworth (Friend)

Entered January 15, 2019 from Mississauga

I have many stories about Brian, but this is the first...

This is how I met Brian for the first time. I believe it was grade 6 when Kyle had moved to Mississauaga with Brian and starting going to school with me. I think we became friends because we both had none at the time....it’s worked out real well for both of us. We spent most of the time playing football and red rover etc... I’d say about a year went by of us being friends at school, but not really seeing each other outside of it. Summer time was coming near and I had spent my summers at the time swimming competitively and I had just quit. So I would have a lot of free time that summer. I came home one day after school in mid June, and there was this deep, raspy voice coming from inside our living room. And I’ll never forget hearing his laugh for the first time before entering the room. I get inside and saw Brian for the first time. He must have been the biggest man I had ever met in my life. His voice matched his build perfect. I sat down with my dad opposite Brian to find out what was going on. At the time, it usually meant I was in trouble if parents were talking about me. But to my surprise, not only was I not in trouble. This gigantic man I had never met before had somehow convinced my parents, to allow me to go up north to their cottage (Bigwin), and had also convinced them it was alright to leave kyle and myself (I believe 13 or 14 at the time) alone on the island by ourselves for 2 weeks. I don’t know how he assured my folks it would be ok, but somehow he did. It would be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Brian, Kyle, Gayle, Erin and Gill.
Thank you Brian Henderson. Well will all miss you.

Photos 

(1 of 1)