Paul Edson Hendrickson, born February 8, 1931, in Brainerd, MN, passed away at his winter home in Lompoc, CA, on February 25, 2015. Paul served in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952, was awarded his Bachelor's Degree from New Mexico Highlands University in 1955 and his Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska, Kearney, in 1966.
Paul signed his first teaching contract, sight-unseen, in Dunning, a small community in the Nebraska Sandhills. Besides his classroom assignments--which ranged from seventh through twelfth grades--he coached most of the school's athletic teams. And because he had completed more graduate coursework than his fellow staff members, he also served as the high school principal. In that capacity, he was required to oversee discipline as well as the school lunch program. This "trial by fire" served him well throughout his 36-year career as a high school science teacher and football, track, and cross country coach.
Perhaps Paul's happiest years were spent at Indio High School where he taught and coached for 29 years. He was honored to be named the first coach to be initiated into the Indio High School Coaches' Hall of Fame and received statewide recognition as CIF Southern Section Men's Track Honor Coach of the Year in 1980. Paul prided himself on the work he did with the students in his science classroom as well as that which he did on the athletic field. After retiring, Paul relished what he considered to be the perfect life--playing golf and savoring his time with friends and family under the warm California desert sun.
Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda, two sons, Joel Dominic of Broomfield, CO, and Jeffrey Dale of Lompoc, CA, and two grandchildren, Kerra Riley and Riley James, as well as two surviving siblings from a family of thirteen, Carol Groves of Seal Beach, CA, and Tom Hendrickson of Yucca Valley, CA.
Paul loved life, was always optimistic, and perpetually energetic. These traits were often buoyed by his private Christian faith. He found saying final goodbyes to old friends difficult. So instead of a traditional service, the family proposes a "Living Memorial." That is, rather than taking time out of your day to dress up and attend a formal service, his family believes Paul would ask you to take that time and use it as he would have. Play a round of golf with your best buddies, attend a high school or college sporting event, enjoy a drink or two with friends, help your children or grandchildren with their homework, surprise your loved one with a night on the town, plan a fishing trip to the Sierras, reestablish ties with a long-forgotten friend or relative, talk sports . . . . The list could go on and on. Whatever you choose to do, dedicate it to his memory. He would be honored.
His family plans to gather later this year to spread his ashes in a manner yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, P. O. Box 10660, Indio, CA 92202, or visit cvrm.org.