Over the past couple of years I’ve written about many inspirational people from history and famous individuals who are still alive, but I’m unlikely to ever meet.
But today, I want to focus on someone I’ve been very close to who has been an inspiration to me personally.
John “Jack” Henderson was born in Glasgow, Scotland during the second World War. The youngest of 10 children, his father passed away when he was just 3 weeks old. As a result, his mother was forced to work to provide for the family, leaving his older sisters to raise him from a very young age.
After leaving school in his early teens, he worked as a television repairman. It was a strange role for Jack as he was probably the least handy man I’ve ever met, although it did start a lifetime love of television.
At the age of 17, Jack left Scotland for London to enrol in the Salvation Army Training College for Officers. He struggled to read or write, making college a challenge. Out of hundreds of cadets, Jack was one of three in the literacy remedial class. However, he didn’t let it stop him from completing his training and starting his career with the Salvation Army in their Social Work area. Remarkably, Jack went on to complete his Masters Degree in Social Work and later became a university lecturer back in Scotland. Not bad for an illiterate TV repairman.
His first appointment as an officer was at a men’s hostel in Coventry where he worked for his future in-laws and the young motorcycle riding lieutenant swept their daughter Lillian off her feet.
Over the course of many years of service, Jack and Lillian ran numerous children’s homes, homeless shelters and alcohol rehab units in three countries (Great Britain, USA and Australia). During decades of social work, Jack positively influenced and transformed hundreds of lives, all while raising a young family of three, Heather, Karen and Mark.
Jack went on to become the Director of the Salvation Army’s Family Stores across five Australian states, raising millions of dollars for those in need.
Sadly, Jack passed away last week after bravely battling illness for many years.
He was my wife Karen’s dad, and the proud grandfather of my children, Hayden, Madison and Logan.
I couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law, a man who not only accepted and loved me as a part of the family, but always took an interest in my various activities.
He showed me that no matter how humble your beginnings, you can still reach your potential through education and hard work.
He showed me that one person can make a difference in the world, changing the lives of hundreds of less fortunate individuals.
Jack, you were an inspiration and the legacy that you’ve left is both admirable and remarkable.
You’re free from pain now and with God, whom you served so faithfully for your entire life.
I pray that I can make a similar impact and teach my kids the wonderful aspects of their beloved grandad.
Thanks Jack!
Previous post – Where There’s a Will
Next post – Wishing For the Wrong Thing
22 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 5, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Linda J
That was a really touching farewell — you’re lucky to have known such a man, Darren.
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 10:19 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Linda, I agree.
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 6:12 am
Daire
Wonderful post, thanks.
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 10:19 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Daire
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 8:53 am
bcp457
What a beautiful tribute. I am so glad you were in each other’s lives and that he was family to you and yours. Blessings to all of you. In spirit and in love he will always be with you.
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 10:20 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Belinda
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 9:25 am
Reno
Thanks Darren, ……I was feeling rather sad about Jack’s passing but reading your fine tribute to him has brightened my day ….thanks for the honouring of this man and his wonderful family…my prayers of comfort and support to you all at this time …..bless ya!
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 10:20 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Reno
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Lilian
Your words accord with my thoughts – sometimes people cross our path in life and we are so very much the richer. Bless you, Karen and your children, Darren
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Lilian
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Debbie
Thank you for encouraging us even with the passing of your father in law. God bless you all and give you comfort and peace at this time. I can tell he will be missed so much. What a wonderful man!
LikeLike
September 6, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Debbie
LikeLike
December 18, 2012 at 2:45 am
Ben
Soo touching, though its a life well spent. Very inspiring
LikeLike
December 18, 2012 at 8:12 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Ben
LikeLike
March 24, 2013 at 3:04 am
Ian Middleton
Captain Jack Henderson, and his wife Lillian, ran Redheugh Salvation Army Boys Home in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire when I was there. Being in Redeugh and coming under the influence of Jack was the making of me and many other boys. I am very sad to hear of Jack’s death but I am very proud to have been a Redeugh boy and will always remember the kindness and guidance of Jack.
But for him, my life may have taken another route and I could well have ended up in prison.
My very best wishes to Lillian and the family.
LikeLike
March 24, 2013 at 8:35 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Ian for sharing your memories of Jack. This is a lovely reminder to the family of the remarkable legacy that he left behind. I’m glad that things are going well with you. Blessings, Darren
LikeLike
October 6, 2014 at 6:20 pm
David McMillan
Sorry to hear Jack Henderson passed away, I have just found out today.
My name is David McMillan and I was at Redheugh Salvation Army Boys Home in Kilbirnie during the Sixties.
Jack was a fantastic person and was dedicated to helping other people like myself I will always remember his kindness towards me even when I got into trouble at times.
Fondest memories to a great person sadly missed.
David
LikeLike
October 6, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Ian Middleton
David, I was obviously in Redheugh same time as you. I can be contacted on johnmiddleton11@virginmedia.com
It would be nice to hear from you as I am not in contact with anyone who was in Redheugh same time as me.
Ian Middleton (Harry Worth)
LikeLike
November 8, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Cathy Crawford
I have been searching on various mediums for Captain John Henderson who worked at Glasgow Council for Voluntary Service and was wondering if this is the same John? It would have been in the mid 1970’s. A lovely man
LikeLike
November 11, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Darren Poke
Hi Cathy,
Yes, this is the same John that you are thinking of.
Thanks for your kind comments.
Darren
LikeLike
September 27, 2017 at 9:54 am
Andy Muir
I wanted Jack to know that I finally took heed to what he told me. I made something of my life thanks to him. I was a Redheugh boy 1961 – 1964. I have fond memories of there. My heart goes out to his family. I caused him grief, but he gave me a home.
LikeLike
July 19, 2018 at 5:58 am
historichamiltonblog
What a wonderful tribute. I was at Redheugh from 1959 to 1964/5 and remember a Captain Henderson, who lived in the small white cottage next to the main Redheugh building. If he is the same person, what a gentleman he was in every sense. Major Ruby ran the home during my time there, hopefully, the Captain Henderson I remember is this same man, he and his wife were the first people to show my brother and I any real love. like Andy Muir said in his tribute, I think all of the boys at some time caused him a little grief, but you would never know, he was very forgiving and always there for the boys in his care. Richard Mackenzie (then known as Scullion)
LikeLike