Michael A. Henderson

Michael A. Henderson, 78, resident of Amherst, NH, died at his home on Friday, October 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 27, 1945, in Brockton, MA, a son of the late Wilfred and Natalie (Staples) Henderson.

Michael was raised & educated in Marshfield, Massachusetts by his parents, Nat & Biff. Mike and his five siblings enjoyed time @ the Marshfield Fair and visiting with extended family @ Atlantic Ocean beaches. In high school Mike was a Hall of Fame, three sport athlete in baseball, basketball, & football. His teammates were his brother Don, cousins, and a future brother-in-law. After high school Michael attended college for one year before enlisting in the United States Army. Although many of his generation were sent to Vietnam, Mike had the good fortune to be stationed in Berlin, Germany. In 1967 Mike married the love of his life, Pam (Hinton) Henderson. When they returned from Germany Pam & Mike started a family and Mike went back to college to become a teacher and a coach.

After initially working @ high schools in Marshfield and Cohasset, Massachusetts, Mike moved his family to Franklin, New Hampshire in 1977. He spent significant time coaching his children (Erin, Becky, & Will) in addition to working @ the following high schools across New Hampshire: Franklin, Gilford, Belmont, Newport, Merrimack Valley, & Hillsborough Deering. The consummate educator, his responsibilities ranged from teaching geography & history while coaching baseball, basketball, football, & golf. As the years progressed, he transitioned into roles as an Athletic Director, an Assistant Principal, and a Principal.

Mike’s work ethic provided a positive example for his children and his students. He had many different jobs in the summer to support the family, including digging for clams, painting, & umpiring baseball or softball. He was a Hall of Fame official/referee/umpire for several sports for over 30 years and was a Hall of Fame father when he drove the family across the country in 1982 for a six-week cultural, geographical, and historical education.

As his children graduated high school Mike had more time to play golf. He joined Nashua Country Club and won the Club Championship in 2002. Although he loved the competition, he also appreciated the friendships developed while playing cards and golf @ Nashua. And he cherished visits to the coast with Pam. They enjoyed walking the beaches of Maine & NH, holding hands while sharing time with grandchildren.

The last 5 years of his life were challenging with brain & thyroid cancer surgeries, but Mike did not let obstacles impact his outlook. When asked how he was doing Mike would answer “every day is a good day”. He volunteered to participate in a clinical trial by taking an experimental drug that prolonged his life and will help future patients. He coached basketball @ Nashua North High School & refereed various sports until 2022 while remaining a constant presence @ athletic events involving his grandchildren. Mike Henderson was married to Pam for 56 years. He loved and was loved deeply. Mike will forever be missed.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his two sisters, Diane and Cindy.

Survivors include his loving wife Pam Henderson of Amherst, NH and their three children: Erin Henderson and his wife Jan of Exeter, NH; Becky (Henderson) Chateauneuf and her husband Glenn of Ballston Spa, NY; Will Henderson and his wife Karen of Litchfield, New Hampshire. Michael is also survived by his six grandchildren (Connor, Kyle, Kevin, Nathalie, Kiana, & Hunter), his three living siblings (Donal Henderson, Barbara Chandler, & Betsy Pinkerton), in addition to many nieces & nephews.

SERVICES: In accordance with his wishes there will be no calling hours. A celebration of Michael’s life will take place on November 12, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, NH. Burial will be private for the family in Marshfield, MA.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. To share a memory or offer a condolence with Michael’s family please visit www.smith-heald.com for more information.