George was born on July 7, 1938 to Hilma K. and Eric T. Hendrickson in Detroit, Michigan. Raised in Dearborn, he attended Fordson High school and then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He then graduated in 1967 from University of Michigan with a Masters of Science in Engineering.
Prior to attending University of Michigan, he was drafted by the United States Army and stationed in Hanover, NH with the Cold Regions Research Engineering Laboratory. As an E-5 in the military and a GS-9 as a civilian he conducted research in Antarctica and Greenland. To commemorate George’s work in Antarctica, The US Board of Geographic Names, designated a mountain in Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica as “Hendrickson Peak” in his honor.
George married his love, Carole at the First Presbyterian church of Ann Arbor in 1968. Together they raised three children, Lynne, Kara and Nyle in Ann Arbor. They prioritized education for their children and supported them throughout their college years. George worked for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn for 30 years; he most enjoyed his time working as a Test Engineer in the Materials Laboratory. He was known for being a helpful and friendly supervisor and was able to retire early. In retirement, George worked as a high school substitute teacher and as an election inspector. He was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church. George gained a large extended family at the church in Ann Arbor over the past 55 years.
George and Carole took many amazing trips together. Travels to Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Canada created treasured memories. He loved traveling by train and would often reminisce about a family trip through the Canadian Rockies. George and Carole participated in various ElderHostel/Road Scholar trips; during a trip to Hawaii, they worked on a service project to restore the USS Missouri battleship.
George loved softball and played in several leagues around Dearborn and Detroit. He played softball at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah for 17 years. He enjoyed working at the County Rec Center and was one of the PickleBall founders years before it became a craze. He was known to be a faithful and lifelong Tigers baseball fan. In his later years he enjoyed relaxing to classical music and could often be found doing puzzles with the ladies at Brecon Village.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two older brothers, Jack and Eric Hendrickson. He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Carole Hendrickson; two daughters: Lynne Hendrickson (David Podorsek) and Kara Brooks (Chris). Son, Nyle Hendrickson (Cristina); three grandchildren: Madison Brooks and Orin and Errol Hendrickson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
George’s family was his primary focus, his unconditional love for his family knew no bounds. His happiest memories were spent with family, camping across the US, attending family reunions and exploring many National Parks. He was the very model of a gracious, supportive and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was known for supporting his children's sports teams, whether early morning hockey games or watching high school field hockey and softball games. He made sure to always be present in his children’s lives despite any geographical distance.
George was a thoughtful and incredibly kind soul, loved by many. George will be remembered walking hand-in-hand with Carole in the halls of Brecon Village and holding her hand in church. A testament to their love for each other.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend George's Memorial Service on Saturday, June 1 from 11:00 to 12:00 at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 1432 Washtenaw Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor or the American Heart Association.
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