John Morris Henderson

John Morris Henderson, 61, a longtime resident of Green River, died accidentally from drowning while ice fishing on Flaming Gorge Reservoir on Jan.19, 2015.

He was born on July 25, 1953  in San Bernardino, Calif., the son of Robert Wayne and Patricia Mae (Siggins) Henderson .

He spent his early years living in southern California and the Rancho Cucamonga area.  He received a bachelor of science degree from Utah State University and a master of science degree from Brigham Young University.  While working on his masters degree, he began his 35-year federal service career as a biologist with the Soil Conservation Service in Nebraska and Utah, eventually transferring to the Bureau of Land Management in Rock Springs in the late 1980s. He was currently the Fishery Biologist with the BLM at the Rock Springs Field Office.

John was the ultimate outdoors man enjoying all aspects of hunting and fishing, backpacking, and hiking. There was never a time that his freezer was absent of deer, elk, or trout waiting to be cooked up for a special meal. He was also a life-time member of the National Rifle Association and held the top US license class as an amateur radio operator, "Amateur Extra Class," with the call sign "W7JH."

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his closest living relative and brother Robert "Mike" Henderson (Debbie) of Lake Havasu City, Ariz .; his nephews, Robert and Joseph Henderson of Lake Havasu City, Ariz .; and Daniel Henderson of Tempe, Ariz .; great-niece Kaelani Henderson of Lake Havasu City; his aunt, Donna Henderson of Grand Terrace, Calif .; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Patricia Henderson.

John made many great friends through the years in Wyoming and a stranger to very few. Thank you to all that made John's life one that he enjoyed to the fullest, right to his final day in the outdoors. Special friend to John and his best hunting and fishing buddy is Gavin Lovell. Thank you goes out to Gavin and the Lovell Family, the entire Rock Springs BLM family, and all his Church members and friends for making John's time with us a special one to remember forever. 

A special thanks of gratitude goes out to the emergency responders of the Sweetwater Dive Team and the Green River Fire Department Ice Rescue Team for there valiant efforts to rescue and eventually recover John at their own risks to safety.

Memorial services were conducted earlier today.

Inurnment will take place at a later date. Condolences for the family can be left by going to http://www.foxfh.com.