John F. Hendrickson, a man whose infectious humor, boundless energy, and profound generosity touched countless lives, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, in Saratoga Springs, New York, due to cardiac arrest. He was 59 years old. The sudden loss of John Hendrickson resonated deeply within the communities he embraced, prompting heartfelt celebrations of his life in both Saratoga Springs and Anchorage, Alaska.
Born on February 28, 1965, in Anchorage, Alaska, John Hendrickson was the son of John “Jack” and Gwen Hendrickson. His Alaskan upbringing alongside his brother, Ed, and sister, Nancy, instilled in him a love for adventure and the outdoors. Summers spent aboard the family boat in Homer, exploring China Poot Bay, fishing for halibut and salmon, and digging for clams, shaped his resilient and resourceful character.
Even in his youth, John Hendrickson exhibited exceptional leadership qualities. His drive and vision were evident as early as eighth grade when he orchestrated a sophisticated campaign for class president, complete with campaign materials and a dedicated election committee. At West High School, he continued to excel, becoming the editor of the school paper, achieving the title of state tennis champion, being crowned prom king, serving as class president, and delivering the commencement speech – a testament to his multifaceted talents and engaging personality.
After graduating from CU Boulder, John Hendrickson returned to Alaska, where he shared his passion for tennis as an instructor and ventured into part-time modeling. His charisma and striking appearance led to a memorable appearance on a 1989 episode of Oprah Winfrey’s show titled “Alaskan Men.” It was on this national stage that John Hendrickson famously declared, “I’m John Hendrickson and I’m looking for a woman who isn’t afraid to succeed,” a statement that seemed to foreshadow his future trajectory and ambition.
This television appearance caught the attention of a manager at the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, leading to a pivotal career shift for John Hendrickson. As a tennis coach, he thrived, sharing the court with tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, and Jim Courier. Beyond coaching, John Hendrickson possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people, forging lasting friendships with students and their families. His close bond with Nick Bollettieri himself led to him becoming the godfather of Bollettieri’s two youngest children.
After several enriching years at the academy, John Hendrickson felt the pull of public service and returned to Alaska. He transitioned into the political arena, serving as a legislative aide and subsequently as a special assistant to Governor Hickel. Becoming a trusted confidant, John Hendrickson played a key role in significant policy initiatives under Governor Hickel’s leadership. These included the strategic use of settlement funds to acquire land and bolster scientific research in Prince William Sound and Kachemak Bay, demonstrating his commitment to Alaska’s future.
It was through Governor Hickel that John Hendrickson‘s life took another extraordinary turn when he met Marylou Whitney, affectionately known as the “Queen of Saratoga.” Marylou, a longtime friend of Governor Hickel, was visiting Alaska when their paths crossed. Governor Hickel recognized an instant connection and indeed, the chemistry between John Hendrickson and Marylou was undeniable. Their courtship was marked by Marylou’s daily love letters, even during her expedition to the South Pole. After two years, they announced their engagement, with John Hendrickson‘s characteristic humor shining through when he explained the delay in setting a date: “I’m a formal guy who wants to get down on one knee and buy that five-carat diamond I can’t afford.” True to his grand gestures, John Hendrickson proposed at a dinner party at Buckingham Palace, and Governor Hickel officiated their wedding atop an Alaskan mountain. Their 22-year marriage was a testament to their deep connection, with Marylou famously describing them as “just two people in love, trying to grab our share of happiness in the world.”
Together, John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney embarked on a remarkable journey, filled with travel, their iconic and humorous Christmas cards, cherished friendships, and the stewardship of Whitney Industries. They revitalized Whitney Stables, achieving racing glory with Birdstone’s victory at the 2004 Belmont Stakes, denying Smarty Jones the Triple Crown. Their shared dedication extended far beyond their personal lives, as they tirelessly worked to improve the lives of others. John Hendrickson honored Marylou’s legacy in numerous ways, including commissioning a book about her late husband, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, and creating the Marylou Whitney rose. Even after Marylou’s passing, John Hendrickson continued to champion her philanthropic spirit.
John Hendrickson maintained a daily ritual of walking 12-14 miles with his beloved dog, Lu Lu, often sporting one of his self-designed humorous t-shirts. These walks were not just for exercise; they were opportunities to connect with his community, frequently stopping to chat with friends. He possessed a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, spreading joy and laughter wherever he went. His genuine care for others was evident in his daily outreach to family and friends, sending texts, sharing memes, and making phone calls to dozens of people each day. John Hendrickson genuinely loved people, and that affection was reciprocated wholeheartedly.
Philanthropy was the cornerstone of John Hendrickson‘s life. He was deeply committed to causes focused on healthcare advancement, animal protection, and uplifting underserved communities. His generosity was transformative, ranging from funding the construction of healthcare clinics and hospital wings to leaving incredibly generous tips that often prompted service workers to believe a mistake had been made. His philosophy was simple yet profound: “It won’t change my life, but it may change theirs.”
In 2017, John Hendrickson assumed the presidency of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. His visionary leadership propelled the museum into a new era of modernization and expansion, establishing it as a premier Hall of Fame institution. His recent efforts included the creation of a program providing vital veterinary care to pit bulls through the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, showcasing his broad range of philanthropic interests.
However, John Hendrickson held a special place in his heart for the backstretch workers at Saratoga Springs – the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes in the horse racing industry. For these muckers, groomers, walkers, and feeders, he and Marylou established the backstretch appreciation program. In a significant act of compassion, John Hendrickson funded and built a state-of-the-art on-site medical clinic offering free healthcare to these workers. Every night during the Saratoga racing season, he hosted dinners for hundreds of backstretch workers, recognizing their crucial contributions. Every Sunday and Wednesday, he joined them, celebrating their hard work and dedication. He was equally at ease among these hardworking individuals as he was in corporate boardrooms or Buckingham Palace, embodying the sentiment of James Keller: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”
The world has lost a truly exceptional individual in John Hendrickson. His immense heart and exemplary character left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He made life brighter and bigger for others simply by being himself. His legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire for generations to come.
John Hendrickson is survived by his mother, Gwen; brother, Ed; sister-in-law, Michele; niece, Christina (Sam); nephew, John; his beloved dog, Lu Lu; and numerous aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his father, John, and sister, Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Backstretch Employees Service Team in Saratoga, the Fix-a-bull program in Palm Beach, Florida, NY Race Track Chaplaincy, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or a charity of personal significance. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, honors John Hendrickson‘s enduring spirit.
