Michael Francis Hendricks

Michael Francis Hendricks was born August 13, 1945 to Lorraine Coral (Stratton) Hendricks and Nobel Franklin Hendricks in now non-existent Igloo, South Dakota. Raised primarily in Huron, South Dakota, he left home at age 15 and traveled and worked in the plains states as a laborer. On his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 8 years in the Vietnam conflict. Leaving the military as a 9th grade dropout, he started college, attending San Diego State University and Eastern Washington State to earn his Bachelor's Degree. He attended Portland State University graduate program receiving a Master of Social Work.
In 1978 he married Patty Ann Sine in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Idaho and Indian Health Service in Nevada, Mike transferred to the Veterans Administration and moved to Roseburg, Oregon. After 27 years spent at the Roseburg VA helping countless veterans, many of whom became lifelong friends, he retired in 2006 with 39 years of federal service.
During his working life and after his retirement, Michael spent many hours volunteering in the community. He coached dozens of soccer, basketball, baseball and volleyball youth teams. He was on the board of Roseburg Soccer Association for many years and also acted as coordinator for the youth referees. He served on other community boards, delivered Meals-On-Wheels and for the past several years was the chairman of the Veterans Day Parade Committee. He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Michael was committed to the recognition and support of those who served. During retirement he was able to pursue his lifelong passion for fishing. As "the Captain" of the Salmon Ho, he enjoyed spending the day in his boat with friends and family; always willing to offer the experience to anyone interested. Michael was a member of the OSU Master Gardeners, enjoyed classic Rock n Roll, jigsaw puzzles and trivia; he could frequently be found reading on the computer about some obscure topic or event. Family was extremely important to Mike and he felt blessed to be able to spend time traveling and enjoying holiday traditions with his wife and children.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patty, his children Cameron Michael and Courtney Ruthann; his brother Robert "Tip" Rouse (Sondra); his cousins Lanny Remme (Laura) and Joel Remme (Carole); five nieces and two nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Nancy Rouse and Kim Hendricks.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Veterans Parade Committee. Send checks made payable to: Douglas County Veterans Forum, P.O. Box 1124, Roseburg, OR 97470 (On the memo line of check indicate it is in honor of Mike.)