Remembering John Hendrickson: Legacy of Generosity - Sports

Remembering John Hendrickson

Marylou Whitney 's husband , John Hendrickson , passed away recently , leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and generosity . The couple was known for their dedication to causes such as helping children , backstretch workers , and horses . Whitney , who herself passed away in 2019 , was deeply involved in various charitable initiatives alongside Hendrickson.

 I think my favorite memories of John had to be at the NYRA meetings becausethere were lots of times when issues came up that really could have hurt Saratoga . He was a very strong supporter of the Saratoga track and the Saratoga season.

Hendrickson 's impact extended beyond philanthropy . His close friend , Charles Wait , spoke highly of his work ethic and honesty . The two had a strong friendship that began on the tennis court , where Hendrickson 's competitive spirit shone through . Wait valued Hendrickson 's ability to speak the truth , whether in agreement or disagreement.

Legacy of Generosity

In addition to his philanthropic efforts , John Hendrickson had a diverse career that included serving as the chair of the Board of the National Museum of Racing . He also had experience teaching tennis professionally and working as an aide to Alaska Governor Walter Hickel . Hendrickson 's appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1989 , where he met Marylou Whitney , highlighted his adventurous spirit and unique life experiences.

Hendrickson and Whitney 's love story was unconventional , with an age gap of nearly 40 years between them . Despite the differences , the couple found common ground in their shared passions and commitment to making a difference in the world . Together , they ran Whitney Industries and created the Saratoga Backstretch Appreciation Program , which provided support to backstretch workers through various events and initiatives.

Remembering a True Friend

John Hendrickson 's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him . His dedication to Saratoga and unwavering support for the community will be remembered for years to come . As details about funeral services remain unknown , friends and colleagues are coming together to celebrate his life and legacy . NewsChannel 13 continues to follow this story and will provide updates as more information becomes available about John Hendrickson 's remarkable life and contributions.