Ernest Henderson

Henderson, Ernest Charles Lancelot

Passed away peacefully Friday, April 11, 2014. Born in Bulsar, Gujurat State, India, August 20, 1929, son of the late Frederick and Isabella Henderson. Cherished husband of Colleen Moira (nee Stowell), beloved father of Christopher (Andrea), Michael (Sita) and Howard. Dearly loved by grandsons Isaac, Noah, Nathan and Daniel. He also leaves to mourn his sister Nora Shortland (UK), cousin Colleen Gantzer (India), brothers-in-law Trevor Stowell and Neville Stowell (Christine), sister-in-law Pam Stowell (UK), and the Maschmeyer family. After his early school years in India, Ernest earned his way through university on academic scholarships and by working as a tutor. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pure Mathematics from the University of Bombay. Subsequently, he was employed at Burma Shell in India, and married Colleen Stowell in 1955. In 1966, Ernest and Colleen and their three sons emigrated to Canada. Within three days of arriving, he procured a position with the National Energy Board. He went on to a distinguished career with the federal government’s Bureau of Management Consulting, while earning an MBA from the University of Ottawa. After his retirement in 1994, Ernest returned to his first love — teaching — and taught mathematics at Algonquin College for five years. He volunteered with a number of organizations — including Meals on Wheels, VoicePrint, the Ottawa International Airport, and Pathways to Education — until declining health forced him to slow down. Ernest was an active member of many societies, in particular the Royal Commonwealth Society. A devout man, he served as church organist and Sunday School teacher and other church roles throughout his life, and cherished the friendship and support he and Colleen found at the Ottawa Chinese Bible Church in recent years. Gentle, gregarious and a great raconteur, Ernest drew people to him and will be missed by many. Private family funeral followed by cremation. Friends and associates are invited to a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Ernest’s life Saturday, April 26th at 4 pm, at the new home of the Ottawa Chinese Bible Church, 31 Graham Ave., Ottawa (the former Wesley United Church), followed by a reception in the hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship to be established in Ernest’s memory at Algonquin College; details available at the Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving or from the family.