Donald "Donn" Henderson
May 5th, 2020
With broken hearts, our family would like to let you all know that Donald “Donn” Henderson passed away due to kidney issues and other complications on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 in the Regina General Hospital at the age of 72 years.
Donn was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan at St. Joseph’s Hospital to his parents David and Myrtle Henderson. He is survived by his sons Chris (Janelle) and Joel Henderson; his wife Monica Richards and her brother Scott; her niece Cassandra (Marshall) and grandniece Mikaila; his sister Darla Goertz (Lyle); brothers Murray (Michelle) and Mark (Bev); his beloved dog Jake; as well as many other extended family and friends.
Growing up in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan and later moving to Estevan, Donn was well known throughout the prairies for being a world-class entertainer, working as a frontman for various bands throughout the 60’s and 70’s. He often spoke fondly of the many opportunities he had to make people smile, and to help them put their troubles away, even for just one night. Donn was so incredibly proud that his sons shared his love of music and chose to pursue careers in the business. When he ended his professional career, he continued to entertain people. After getting married and starting a family, he worked in various fields including in sales, and later moved to Regina and finishing his career in the auto parts industry.
He was a dedicated fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Blue Jays, and Toronto Maple Leafs, a music lover, a passionate cook, a beloved husband, son, brother, and father, and a friend to all who crossed his path. Donn had an innate ability to connect with people, whether he’d known them all his life, or if he had met them just minutes before. Everyone that knew him learned that he would “take them as they were”, and he taught his children and loved ones that you can never ask for too many hugs, or ever say I love you too many times. His warm heart, listening ear, and caring demeanour made everyone feel special in his presence. It was sincere, and it was the best part of an incredible man.
With the state of the world at this time, Donn’s family has decided to postpone his Celebration of Life until we’re able to have a public service. We will make an announcement at a later date.
Messages:
My deepest sympathy to Donn’s family. So sorry to hear of his passing. He played many, many dances at the River Park Pavilion and I have many memories of him singing with the band and the last time I heard him sing was at Uncle Burt’s funeral. He will be missed but he will be singing and entertaining from the heavens above.
I am so sorry for you loss of Donn. I grew up in Gainsborough just down the street from him, went to school,and played with him. I hadn't seen him for years and I went to Mainprize Park and he was working there. I had contact with Darla when she was working in Weyburn, He was a really nice guy and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Enjoy all your wonderful memories of him.
Condolences to Donn’s family. As a second cousin and his babysitter when we both lived in Gainsborough we really hadn’t kept in touch as we grew older, but enjoyed his music at hometown reunions.
My deepest sympathies Monica You are in my heart and prayers
Our deepest condolences to the family. Will cherish our fond memories that we shared with him. Donn always spoke so highly of you boys. You were his pride and joy. Watching Chris on Telemiracle 2020 brought back memories of Donn sharing his performances on Telemiracle on VHS. Find comfort in the memories. Blessings Dwight and Dianne Wright
Darla, Murray, Mark, Monica, Chris & Joel and families My deepest sympathy to all including Aunt Harriet. Donn and I started grade 1 together in Gainsborough and we lived on the same block- the neighbourhood kids that ran home when the street lights came on, We had some much fun! Rest in peace my friend.
We will miss your singing to us, the belly rubs and back scratches! We love you big guy! Your furry buddies, Jake and Patch.
In this difficult time, we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My buddy, My friend, will miss you on facebook, giving me insight to various things. We will not harmonize together again till we meet again where ever we go when we leave here.
I have alot of memories..He walked me home from school many times.. He loved his music,what more can l say.. lt is with heart that l write this.. love u buddy
To Chris, Janelle, and family We were very sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darla, Mark & Murray & families, Monica & his sons Chris (Janelle) & Joel So sorry to hear about Donn's passing. It was fun being on Facebook with him. I haven't seen Donn since he stopped by to visit when I was working in Winnipeg many years ago. Thinking of you all.
I fondly remember adventures with your dad he was a long time friend and i will miss him very much
It was fantastic to meet donnWe will miss you very much you where such a kind hearted man and friendly person to talk to about when he sang and about any sports it was a pleasure too meet Monica & joel & chris & janelle you are in are thoughts and are like family mary & dennis
It was a great pleasure to meet Don he was a very caring person.I will miss the talks we had when I saw him. You could talk to him.about any thing football or hockey and baseball.You will be truly missed Don by all that knew you RIP.It was also great to meet his sons Chris and Joel and Janelle and Monica they are like family.
Chris and family I am sending sincere condolences to you all. It’s hard to believe. I remember the one homecoming in Gainsborough we were at my Gramma Cathy Townsends. Your dad pulled out his guitar and sang to me in the kitchen. I was too young to go to the beer gardens to hear the entertainment I’ll nvr forget that.
I would like to send my Deepest Sympathies to All Donn’s Family and Friends I knew Donn very well, from way back in the Circle J days, he was a very good good entertainer with a Fabulous voice! Donn was a great man and will be sadly missed by all who knew him! My Donn Rest In Peace now Free from all pain and suffering
Monica, Chris(Janelle), Joel, sorry about your heart abd prayers are with you
To Chris and families, my sincere condolences and prayers. We have lost another very talented entertainer and friend. I first met Donn when he played at the Circle J in Regina. Back then I was just a bit younger but always wanted to “jam” with “the big guys”. He encouraged me to get up on stage. These were all professionals whom I looked up to. I’ll never forget that. We became friends although lost touch over the years. When we did cross paths he remembered my name and we talked like we had seen each other every day. He was a great guy and I thank him for his encouragement. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.