Allan Edward Henderson

Allan Edward Henderson passed away January 27, 2018 and returned to the arms of Vanetta, his bride of 65 years and his son Richard gone for 40 years now. Allan was born on February 18, 1931 to Edward Gunner Henderson and Lela Gertrude(Ronsheimer) in Santa Rosa, Ca. He was raised in Watsonville as a small boy and then returned to Petaluma. Graduating from Petaluma High School in 1948. Allan did not enjoy school or academic pursuits. At the tender age of 17 he decided he wanted to see the world and signed up for the U.S. Navy. He dreamed of sailing the seven seas and stopping in exotic ports of call. He had to wait for his 18th birthday to actually go into the Navy. After a night of drinking and partying at "The Zanzibar", off he went to boot camp. (Yes we know legal drinking age was 21... that's what made going bar hopping in he big city so much fun in those days!) However in a cruel twist of fate, Allan tested very well in the Navy's battery of exams. They showed he had a aptitude for Electronics. Once out of Basic he ended up in the very exotic and highly valued assignment of... Treasure Island in none other than the San Francisco Bay! He did his 2 years and then did Naval Reserves. Next he decided he wanted to work in the great outdoors with the Forestry Service and got assigned to Armstrong Grove. The same week he got accepted to the Forestry, he also got a job offer to work at Clover Creamery. The call of the wild was strong but Clover offered better pay, full time benefits and a steady income. Allan's responsible side won out. He stayed with the Creamery either as a employee or a contractor doing door to door delivery until he retired at the age of 53. He met and married Vanetta June Buchanan September 13, 1953 in Petaluma. She was the love of his life and they remained inseparable until her passing at age 79 in 2012. They had their son Richard Allan followed by daughter Lynn Norene. Not too long after Lynn came along, it was discovered that Richard had Muscular Dystrophy. The family moved out to Penngrove in search of a house that would accommodate the soon to be required wheelchair. Due to the passing of Allan's grandfather C.W. Ronsheimer the family home went up for sale through probate. Despite of a very close call they were able to win the bid and purchase the home. It is there Allan, Vanetta and their kids made their forever home for the last 55 years. Allan is 4th Generation Penngrovian through his Ronsheimer roots. Allan and Vanetta made the home one of those landmarks that people frequently say "I love that house!" They were both tireless workers and from the time Allan was young he always had 2-4 jobs. In his youth it was selling magazines, sweeping floors in Mr Pehlman's deli, shining shoes for the shoe repair, mowing lawns or delivering papers. Later it was full time at the Creamery followed by working at George Miles' Dairy, delivering TVs or putting up antennas for Joe Terribilini or picking up extra truck runs for Clover. Eventually they turned their energy towards buying and fixing up homes and being landlords. They did all the work themselves and were self taught. Whether it be painting, plumbing, electrical, or roofing they did it all. They were a team and happiest when they were busy and together. They worked the hardest at taking care of their kids. As if Richard's handicap wasn't enough, at the age of 6, Lynn was diagnosed with a disease that put her in a full leg brace for most of elementary school. Allan and Vanetta handled these challenges like they did everything...as a strong and amazing team. His one and only granddaughter Sabrina Hope came along the same year they lost Richard. 'Papa' taught her so many things, took her to so many amazing places and they had an very special relationship. That loving care continued when his beloved Vanetta developed Alzheimer's. Allan and daughter Lynn made a new team and cared for her at home until she passed in 2012. These last 5 years Allan has soldiered on without his Bride. But his heart has been longing to be with his Love. He has been hanging in there trying to pass all his knowledge and experience on to Lynn (his apprentice and trainee) so she can be a steward of the family home and properties. The last 6 months he has been winding down, having less and less fun. He finally decided it was time to catch up with Vanetta and Rich and turn the reins over to Lynn...ready or not.  Allan loved to travel even if it was just a drive around the block. (Which could easily last 4 hours). He was intensely curious. Always wanting to learn and understand how things work. He would read all the time. Two newspapers a day and three on Thursdays. He had 8 (or more) magazine subscriptions to keep up with and a network of family and friends to pass them on to. He loved the outdoors and fishing. He would frequently dream about catching his favorite...Sturgeon! He said could actually feel the double pump on the pole in his dreams. He was a very organized and contemplative man and thought everything through. He had his own way of doing things. He thought his way was the best way...and darn it...it usually was! He always had a smile on his face and was looking out for others. He was very kind and caring and would help anyone who needed it whether family, friend or stranger. Allan is survived by his two girls Lynn and Sabrina, his two brothers, Robert (Kathy)and Dennis Henderson, his favorite cousin Shirley (Ronsheimer) Gibbs, many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Due to his express wishes there will be no services. Donations could be made to Petaluma Christmas Cheer or Muscular Dystrophy Association on his behalf. Allan had a huge heart and will leave a footprint that will never be filled.