Philip George Henderson
Philip George Henderson, age 80 of Lake Bluff, IL passed away November 18, 2016 under the watchful eye of his loving family.
Phil was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the only child of G. Robert and Ellen Jane Burch Henderson. He and his loving wife of 55 years, Suzanne, took particular joy in raising three children, exposing them to extensive travel throughout many of our national parks, historical sites and national museums.
After graduating from Madison West High School, he double majored, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. A student leader, Phil was the Business Manager of the Badger Yearbook and Haresfoot Club (men’s traveling musical). He served as President of Sigma Phi fraternity, and graduated with the following distinctions: Iron Cross Society, Pi Tau Sigma, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi and Mace Scholarship. After graduation, he entered the management program at Inland Steel, Chicago, and while working full- time, earned an MBA at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Dean’s List.
Subsequently, Phil joined the Chicago firm Fry Consultants, and thus began a successful 35 year professional journey, specializing in compensation services. His career took him to Dallas, Texas and then Chicago, IL where he served as Vice President of A.S. Hansen’s Midwest Division, Director of the Executive Committee and a member on its Board of Directors. The firm was eventually acquired by Marsh & McLennan, and merged to become William M. Mercer-Meidinger-Hansen Inc, at the time the world’s largest benefits and compensation consulting firm. He later served as Vice Chairman and CEO of Chicago based Frank Lynn & Associates, retiring in 2000. Phil cherished the special relationships he developed with his colleagues and friends over his lifetime.
In retirement, Phil pursued his lifelong passions of model railroading, stamp collecting, gardening, fishing in Canada and spending Chicago winters in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Phil was a long time member of Knollwood Club, Connoisseurs International, CSO, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Sigma Phi Fraternity.
Phil is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Filek); daughter, Karen Anne (Timothy Smith) of Farmers Branch, TX; Brian David (Anne) of Nichols Hills, OK; William George (Cristi) of Grosse Pointe Park, MI and four grandchildren: Lindsey Brooks, David Allan, Nicholas George and Devin Paul.
A private family ceremony will take place in Madison, WI. The Family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Steven Lasin, the entire community of health care professionals and staff at Westmoreland Nursing Home and Journey Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Sigma Phi Educational Foundation, PO Box 57417, Tucson, AZ. 85732-7417 or JourneyCare Foundation, 2050 Claire Ct. Glenview, IL. 60025. For additional information, Reuland & Turnbough Funeral
Directors of Lake Forest, Illinois at 847-234-9649 or RTfunerals.com.