Mr. Rodrick Dennis Hendry

March 30 1962- January 24 2023

Rod passed away unexpectedly at his home in Kent Washington on January 24 at the age of 60.

He was born in Bellevue, Washington on March 30, 1962, to George and Joan Hendry. He grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Newport High School. Upon graduation from high school he attended Western Washington University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a focus on economics and computer science.

Rod joined the Boeing corporation upon graduation following in his father’s footsteps who had a long career with Boeing. Rod had a long career at Boeing holding many positions within the information technology group. His major focus was on providing computer manufacturing systems for the factory floor. Rod was a dedicated employee who helped Boeing manufacturing processes become more automated with improved parts traceability thru implementation of parts barcoding system.

Rod was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, hunting, and fishing. In Rod’s early years he could be found hiking and fishing in the high country of the cascades. He was also an avid mountain biker and always looking for lighter newer bike designs. Hunting was Rod’s passion. He loved to hunt with his best friend, John, for pheasant in eastern Washington. Rod was a very good marksman which generally led to a successful hunt. He also enjoyed deer hunting and duck hunting but pheasant hunting was what he enjoyed most. Rod’s passion for hunting lead to his hobby of gun collecting. Rod was very knowledgeable in firearms and could tell you about the latest trends and best manufacturers. Rod was an active member of the Boeing employee gun club holding many leadership positions. Rod was typically reserved but when the topic of firearms came up he sprung to life.

Rod loved some of the finer things in life especially traveling, wine and good cigars. Rod would visit the wineries in Walla Walla with his good friend Andy. He had his favorite wineries and kept his wine cellar stocked with his favorites. He could often be seen on his back porch with a good cigar and glass of fine wine.

Rod would travel around the country visiting different states typically with his high school friend, Eric. Eric moved around the country for work and Rod would always visit. They would explore the areas from New York, Chicago, New Orleans and of course the bourbon trail just name a few. Only they will know the stories of these adventures. Rod also loved to fish in Los Cabos, Mexico. He had an annual fishing trip with his friend, Andy, in his early years where I am sure if the streets could talk there would also be many stories to tell.

Rod was the primary caretaker of his mother in her later years. Rod would always travel with mom to family events such as graduations and Christmas holidays helping her navigate the airports successfully. Rod lived with mom for a while when he attended Bellevue Community College to get his degree in Health care information systems, as mom’s house was much closer to both BCC and his work at Boeing. As time went on when mom had in home nursing care they had to pass Rod’s approval before being let into the house. His standards as they should have been were very high. Rod took such good care of our mother, Joan, that we are all in his debt for his commitment and care he provided her. When it was time for mom to move to a memory care facility, he visited practically every day and was diligent in getting her the best care possible.

Rod is survived by his sister Melanie Wasankari, brother Tim Hendry, nephews Nathan Wasankari, Ryan Hendry, nieces Alyssa Hendry South and Krystal Kovisto.

Rod was a great friend, colleague, caretaker, brother and uncle. His sense of humor and commitment to family and friends will be missed by all.

Catholic Mass services for Rod will be held at St Madeleine Sophie parish in Bellevue on February 24h at 11am followed by a graveside service at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park in Redmond at 12:30pm. A celebration of Rod’s life will be held following the graveside service at 5 Star Cellars in Woodinville.

Please share fond memories, a story, a photograph and expressions of sympathy for Rodrick “Rod” Dennis Hendry by visiting www.CedarLawns-Washington.com