Missing you especially on your anniversary today.  We saw your precious wife today.  She misses you tremendously.  You are loved Cowboy.

CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I see the countless 
Christmas trees 
around the world below 
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow  


The sight is so spectacular, 
please wipe away the tear 
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year. 
 
I hear the many Christmas songs 
that people hold so dear 
But the sounds of music can't compare 
with the Christmas choir up here. 
 
I have no words to tell you, 
the joy their voices bring, 
For it is beyond description, 
to hear the angels sing. 
 
I know how much you miss me, 
I see the pain inside your heart. 
But I am not so far away, 
We really aren't apart. 
 
So be happy for me, dear ones, 
You know I hold you dear. 
And be glad I'm spending Christmas 
with Jesus Christ this year. 
 
I sent you each a special gift, 
from my heavenly home above. 
I sent you each a memory 
of my undying love. 
 
After all, love is a gift more precious 
than pure gold. 
was always most important 
the stories Jesus told. 
 
Please love and keep each other, 
my Father said to do. 
I can't count the blessing or love 
has for each of you. 
 
So have a Merry Christmas and 
Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year 

We miss you.  Art and Yolanda

We started Charles' Eulogy with a poem, written by Linda Ellis 1966, and although the poem cannot be copied or distributed, it is with permission from the author that it be recited anywhere at anytime: 
“The Dash” and Eulogy were delivered by Aaron Coleman, and it is fitting that these words become a written part of the very special memory book for his beloved wife, Ampaporn.

We are here today to remember and celebrate the many sides of Charles Neal Henderson “and how he spent his dash”, the loving husband, treasured friend, gifted businessman and humanitarian who always had a smile, a kind word and a helping hand for all people…especially the children; and he never wasted an opportunity for a practical joke…because laughter was one of his best assets and it was contagious.  This was a man who lived a life so full and rich with love and joy that sharing his happiness with others only enriched us all. 

Charles, was born in 1930 in Fort Worth Texas, Charlie (his nickname as a child) loved going to the movies as a young boy and worked in his parents restaurant. Charlie had a trick Burro by the name of “Tako” who always would buck him off. But Charlie would get right back on and that's how he always lived his life, not giving up and always giving his best. When he was a teenager he enjoyed learning magic tricks. After he moved to California as an adult he perfected his tricks and enjoyed the company of many professional magicians as a hobby. Chuck also enjoyed photography and studied with Ansel Adams in Yosemite for a period of time.

In Californian, he became a successful business man working as a District Manager for The Independent Order of Foresters, a Fraternal Life Insurance Company. As a successful manager he won many trips and awards for his exceptional leadership accomplishments and in promoting confidence and success to all who worked with him until his retirement in 1996. Even after retirement he continued to mentor and advise agents and remained active in the Fraternal side of the Foresters thru 2009.

Chuck was a member of the Magic Castle since 1966 and remained active during his professional career and long after his retirement, hosting monthly magic club meetings at his residence for the Magic Mountaineers thru 2010.  He loved magic and practical jokes and anyone could be a target, you just never knew when he would strike. But no matter who it was or what practical joke took place, the end result was always laughter…

In 1982 Chuck met the love of his life, Ampaporn, and for the past 31 years they have enjoyed a love without limits, accepting all the differences and things each of them believed in with trust and understanding; their love grew with every challenge and they became closer and more in love with each passing year.   Chuck was a real romantic, but also a savvy business man, so he had the “Rules of a Happy Marriage”:

•Never both be angry at the same time
•Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire
•If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate
•If you have to criticize, do it lovingly
•Never bring up mistakes of the past
•Neglect the whole world rather than each other
•Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled
•At least once every day try to say one kind of complementary thing to your life's partner
•When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness
•It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking

If Chuck & Am would have an argument and Am would leave the room, when she returned a copy of  “the Rules” would be sitting at her plate, on the chair, on the floor near the door she was coming in as a suttle reminder.  

No matter what disagreement, what angry words were spoken “Sorry” would wipe it all away and in a moment of clarity….the guilty party would take responsibility 

But that was not the only note left around the house; there were love notes taped to the mirror,  words of encouragement at a pillow or on a wall. A note letting Am know that Popeye (their loving dog) had talked Chuck into taking him to the store, the park or on an errand.  Chuck truly lived the written words he thought so highly of. 

Chuck & Am lived a lifetime of many people, traveling, exploring and experiencing new places, cultures and foods from everywhere; enjoying the arts & museums to soak up the local culture, and the wonderful scenery and foods of many countries. Chuck especially enjoyed visiting the countryside, “none touristy” areas and seeing the children.  He always carried M&Ms & tootsie pops. One piece of luggage was always full of just these treats for the children wherever they went. During these travels Chuck would see many children in need and he just knew there had to be a way to truly help them, That is when Chuck & Am discovered ZOE Children's Home to help rescue children and they knew this was the path they had been shown to help children at risk and they both embraced the opportunity to help with open arms for the past 9 years.

Before Chuck ever put the ring on Am's finger all those 31 years ago, he asked her to promise him two things; always take care of him at home and to be by his side always. She fulfilled both promises and on Dec 4th as she cradled his face in her arms and kissed his cheek she told him how happy she was to be his wife, his friend, his love and thanked him for being such a wonderful husband and helping to make her strong and self reliant and she said “I will never forget you and my love will be with you forever” and he was free now to walk with the Lord with peacefulness.

Chuck – final thoughts are difficult to express and can only be put down on paper long after you have past…when reality sets in and we can finally say goodbye.

Life never seems fair to those of us that remain here on earth.  But life is what it is…Life.  So we must live it, just as you did Chuck, with boldness, wonder and compassion. Life was an adventure for you and together with Ampaporn you lived a full and blessed life.  We that remain (your friends & family) are left with the wonderful memories and stories; the jokes and the odd and sometimes scary moments you shared with everyone you touched. 

You had a way of helping people find and tap into their full potential, to reach further than they thought they could; because you KNEW they had it in them and everything was possible. Thank you, Chuck for being a friend, a mentor and for bringing Am into our lives. The relationship we have shared over the years with you and Am has been so unique and special, we have always felt part of an exclusive, almost private club and have enjoyed every moment. 

Being with you and sharing final moments, thoughts and feelings and one more “thumbs up” has tied us to your memory and Am forever.  We will always feel connected and close to Am, as our friend, our family and will continue to be here for her to share stories, memories and maybe some new adventures. Someday we will all shoot pool and sing Karaoke again; and when we do, you will be in our thoughts as you remain in our prayers always,
With Much Love & Respect,
Paul & Randa Penn

Am, I am so sorry for your loss, he's in a better place now, he may be physically gone but mentally he is still with you, memories last forever. It hurts me and it hurts all of us to know that he is gone but he is with us everywhere we go, watching over us. We all cherish the time we got to be with him and love every single memory. He will always be in my heart, I won't ever forget our memories. Keep your head up, he's in heaven now with all his old friends and his parents having a wonderful time, being happy & he wants you to be happy so show him you can still go on and be happy. He may be gone but never forgotten. I love you so much dear, I am here for you.

Aunt Am, I love you so much, and I am so sorry for your loss.  I loved Uncle Charlie with all of my heart and always looked up to him.  I am so proud to have been his niece, and I will miss him so very much.  I am so grateful to have such wonderful and happy memories of the times Uncle, you and I spent together.  Aunt Am, I am so thankful that Uncle Charlie always had you right there by his side, supporting, loving and caring for him.  Greg, Jr, and Anthony send their love and deepest condolences, and will miss their great Uncle Charlie so much.  Love always, Carollee, Greg and all of the family.

It was all of our joy to know Chuck and to love him. We loved how he cared for and loved his wife Am. We admired how he loved God and people. He always had something to say that would inspire us. He always made us laugh with his quick humor and jokes. We screamed many times due to all his practical jokes. He had a sincere compassion for hurting children which bonded us together from the beginning. Chuck was such a giving and generous man. He was always positive and complimentary. He made you feel better about yourself just being with him. He loved Bible Study and God's Word. He was a man of faith and love. We love both Chuck and Am dearly. We will miss Chuck on earth but look forward to seeing him soon in heaven. With all our love. Michael and Carol Hart.

I first met Chuck about 30 years ago through the Independent Order of Foresters, a Family Fraternal. Chuck was a District Sales Manager and I was just appointed to the Regional Council. We soon found that we had much in common. We both had a great interest in photography and we were both members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. When I was elected President of the Regional Council, Chuck was always there to give me words of encouragement. We were going through great changes in the Foresters and our mutual interests helped us develop a closer bond  as we worked together through those times.  Am, we are so sorry for your loss. Charles was a great gentleman.

Am, we were so sorry to hear about Chuck. When I was elected High Chief Ranger of Southern California Chuck gave me a golden metal four leaf clover about the size of a saucer. On the back it reads "One leaf is for Hope, and one is for Faith, and one is for Love, you know And God put another for Luck." That was quite a time ago but we still have it on an end table in our living room. It is lovely and being Irish it means even more. We  will always 
remember him from it. Bill and I will also remember how kind and friendly 
both you and Chuck were to us. One of our favorite poems has a line that reads,"And memories are a gift of God that death cannot destroy" I am sure that you also have many wonderful memories of Chuck. We hope that they will get you through these difficult times. 

                                                                With love, Helen & Bill Sullivan
                                                                 Anaheim, Hills, CA

Chuck, you are missed down here on earth, but celebrated now in heaven. You were blessed with a faithful wife, Am. She was by your side until the very end. You both will be reunited in the glory of heaven. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met and prayed with Chuck and Am...

I just want to say I am so sad that Chuck has passed I meet him about 25 years ago and have loved him and Am since then. he was a wonderful man and will be missed by many , 

Cindy Pritchard. Woodland hill post office

Chuck, we miss you already.  You are the kindest man we ever met.  You walked the LOVED walk.  You always made us feel so special.  You were an extension of Jesus.  We will never forget all the times we spent with you. You were a gift from God to ALL. We know the Lord welcomed you home "well done, good and faithful servant."  Until we meet again Cowboy. Our prayers are with Am. Love, Art and Yolanda

Chuck, we miss you already.  You are the kindest man we ever met.  You walked the LOVED walk.  You always made us feel so special.  You were an extension of Jesus.  We will never forget all the times we spent with you. You were a gift from God to ALL. We know the Lord welcomed you home "well done, good and faithful servant."  Until we meet again Cowboy. Our prayers are with Am.  Love, Art and Yolanda

Chuck, what moves through us is a silence, a quite sadness, a longing for one more day. We remember not that you died, but that you lived and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

Only good sweet memories of Charles Henderson.

"I loved to seat Chuck and Am as an usher.   Such beautiful people.

Chuck, you'll truly be missed.  You always came by the Children's Check-In at church and put a smile on our faces with your great sense of humor! You had a generous heart and gave generous donations of toys and candy to the Children's Ministry. We love you, but Jesus loves you more! Enjoy hanging out with Him!

Chuck will truly be missed.. He was a gentle man, a thoughtful and caring human being with a great sense of humor.. He always put a smile on my face.. He is now with his Lord and Savior.. and making JESUS smile.. GOD bless you Am, for  being his best friend, his soul mate his loving wife.. Praying for comfort and peace in the days ahead. love you and GOD bless.

I am sorry to hear the news of Chuck's passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family.  Another Magcian gone to entertain the angels.

Chuck hired Me to work with Foresters in 1985 and took Me under his wing. He was a tough but fair Manager. I worked 6 days a week for over 15 years  side by side with him and his tuteledge before I myself was promoted to my own teritory.
He attended my Wedding, He took Me numerous times to the Magic Castle, he once even set up a contest where He would be the Chauffer (with a Cap!), and take the contest winners to a fine Resturant in Westwood. With a heart as big as Texas, He showed me the ropes.
He often told Me about growing up in Texas when He himself was a Boy and his Mother and Father had a resturant. He worked in that resturant as a boy and had lots of stories about it. As a boy , He had a trick Burro by the name of "Tako" who always would buck him off. He told me that he would get right back on and thats what I should do in Life in general
He had lots of sayings that he brought along from Texas, my absolute favorite was always " Shoot Low, Sheriff, He's Crawlin"!
I will never forget Chuck, both He and Am are probably the sweetest ,kindest, most Fun People I've ever met in my Life
Rest in Peace Old Friend

We celebrate the life that Chuck lived.  He brought much joy into the lives of others with his generous heart and unquenchable sense of humor.  We will miss this fine man but rejoice that we will see him again one day!

In his profession, Chuck served as the Forester's West LA - South Bay area sales manager for a number of years till his retirement.
Chuck was also a member and vigorous proponent of the Magic Castle since 1966.
He was always cheerful, and positive. Chuck held the Magic Mountaineers magic club at his home on a monthly basis for many years.  His magician friends and occasional visitors to his monthly magic meetings included: Tony Giorgio, Mike Barger, Jack Berman, Tom Blue, Bob & Pat Wagner, Albert Raskind, Danny Strauss, Dr. Harvey Rosen, Harry Schaffer, Paul Green, Howard Hamburg, Glenn Vodhanel and many more.

Our deepest sympathy from Tim Tawinganonea Annie Tawinganone

My cousin, Charles (Charlie) N. Henderson died on 12-4-13 at his home in Woodland Hills, California.  Charlie lived in Dallas where I, Patti Stone Keplinger lived until 1958.  Charlie loved going to the movies as a young boy and when he was a teenager enjoyed learning magic tricks.  After he moved to California as an adult he perfected his tricks and enjoyed the company of many professional magicians.  

As a Californian, he was a successful business man working to promote confidence and success to all who worked with him.    

Charlie loved his Dallas family and after his father died was a great supporter to his mother.

He was cheerful, always, and positive.  Although he was ill several years he didn't once mention it to me as we talked .

Am, his wife has been his wise caretaker during his last years, never leaving his side as he prepared to enter the life everlasting, in which he strongly believed.

I along with other family and many friends feel a huge loss but celebrate Charlie's entrance into the heavenly world which he earned. 

My love and respect go to Am for the beautiful loving care she gave her husband, Charles, Charlie and sometimes called Chuck Henderson.

OBITUARY

Charles Neal Henderson

June 7, 1930 – December 4, 2013

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service