Homer J. Henderson ’71

Homer died Aug. 19, 2022, in Portland, Ore., surrounded by his family at home only a few months after being diagnosed with leukemia. He was in home hospice care his last week. 

Homer was born Nov. 28, 1949, in Rapid City, S.D. He moved to various points all over the West with his parents and sister, finally settling in Tacoma, Wash. Homer came to Princeton from Clover Park High School in Tacoma, where he lettered in multiple sports. At Princeton, he majored in English and graduated with high honors. He was a proud member of Terrace Club. His roommates remember him for his effervescent personality and incredible sense of humor.

Homer earned a master’s degree from the University of Washington in library science. He worked 27 years in antiquarian and used-book sales at Shorey’s Bookstore in Seattle. He then worked at Parenting Press publishing for 15 years. 

Homer was an active member of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church. He was instrumental in starting the congregation’s popular readers’ theater. Besides his family, Homer loved the English language, reading and writing it, and telling stories. His many years at Shorey’s resulted in a home library of several thousands of volumes, with not one of which would he ever consider parting. A memorial was held there in September. 

Homer is survived by his wife, Ellen; son Ross; daughter Merrell; and sister Alison. The class extends its condolences to his family and friends.