Brian Douglas Henderson

Born on March 13, 1962, in Helena, Montana to Forrest Esten Henderson and Vivian (Headstrom) Henderson, he grew up in the Great Falls area and lived in Montana through his first couple of years in college. He tried to return to Montana on vacations often. Only a few days before his death, he was thrilled to attend a rodeo in Virginia to enjoy some mutton busting and bull riding, just as he used to do in Montana.

Brian was a dedicated husband to his wife, Nannette (Grenon) Henderson, with whom he was married for 37 years. He was a loving father to his four daughters: Kelsey, Emma, Paige, and Grace Henderson. His love for his family was evident in his unwavering support during life milestones and countless hours spent at sporting events, creating memories that they will hold dear forever.

Brian finished college at the California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, where he received a B.S. in business administration with a focus on accounting. He later attended the University of Virginia School of Law, where he graduated with a J.D. in 1992. Brian was a respected professional, who most recently served as the Chief Legal Officer for Livingston International.

In his retirement, he enjoyed improving his home repair skills, playing board games, texting a variety of dad jokes to the family group chat and walking dogs at the Lorton campus of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. He also tried to walk his own dog, Stitch, almost 5 five miles daily, usually around Lake Mercer.

An avid Harley Davidson rider, Brian took particular delight in playing the role of “motorcycle Santa” in his neighborhood each December. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley on the Tail of the Dragon, and he took several motorcycle trips each year to attend bike weeks in Laconia, New Hampshire, Daytona, Florida, and Sturgis, South Dakota, where he could connect with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and add to his T shirt collection.

Brian was a huge audiophile, had an enormous appreciation for music of all genres, and was the owner of an impressive vinyl and CD collection. Brian’s other hobbies included grilling (which he would do rain, shine, sleet, or snow), golfing, smoking a good cigar, reading (notably crime fiction and Conan the Barbarian books), watching movies, trying new cuisines, and, most recently, 3D printing. He also loved cooking and hosting Thanksgiving in particular, especially when his daughters brought friends over.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Vivian Henderson, and his brother, Mark Henderson. The legacy of Brian's kind spirit, enthusiasm for life, and love for his family will be carried on by his wife, daughters, and everyone else whose lives he touched. Brian’s memory will forever be treasured in our hearts.

A celebration of Brian's life will be held on November 7. For details, please contact the Henderson family at [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at https://ffcas.org/donate/.