Christopher Hendrickson

Apr 4, 1939 - Sept 23, 2018

Born to Alvin and Rita (Dynan) Hendrickson in New York City, Chris was the eldest of three children. After attending Xavier HS and participating in ROTC, he graduated Fordham University in 1960 with a BS in Physics, and began life as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. He married Lenore Pimental in 1961, and they had three daughters. Chris completed his MS in Engineering from Purdue University in 1964. A tour in Korea resulted in his promotion to Major before his honorable discharge from the Army in 1968, and the beginning of his long career as a physicist and computer scientist with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In 1981, he also completed an MS in Computer Science from UC Davis. After his first marriage ended, he wed Barbara (DiNucci) Hofacker in 1969, and became stepfather to her two children. Their marriage was a long and happy one, filled with love, art, and travel, which ended with her passing in 2015. Chris died unexpectedly of a heart attack. His was a life well-lived. He cherished his family and friends, and he touched the lives of many through his charitable works. He died secure in the knowledge that he had made a positive difference in the world. He loved science and philosophy and potato chips, and his grandchildren most of all. He leaves behind his sister Joan Oster and his brother Greg Hendrickson; his children Elizabeth Hendrickson, Donna Hendrickson, Jennifer Ricci, and Jenny Welham; his stepchildren Rachel Shelton and Gilbert Hofacker Jr., and seven grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at the Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center, 2050 Yulupa Ave in Santa Rosa on December 1, starting at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.