Obituary of Orval Henderson
To view the memorial service for Orval, please CLICK HERE
Orval Henderson, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and community on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Born October 14, 1942, in Swan River, he grew up on the family farm near Minitonas. Orval earned an Agriculture degree from the University of Manitoba, a Master’s in Continuing Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences from Spokane. He also held certifications as a Clinical Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist in both Canada and the U.S.
Orval began his career with Manitoba’s Department of Agriculture and later served as Chief of 4-H Manitoba. In 1978, he founded Henderson & Associates, focusing on counselling and consulting for agricultural communities. He worked in Brandon, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, and continued his private practice well into his later years.
Faith was central to Orval’s life, expressed through his ministry training and community involvement, especially at Knox United Church in Brandon. Family was his greatest joy, and he shared 46 years of marriage with Dianne, blending their families and creating a life rich in travel, gardening, and shared passions.
Orval’s many interests included sailing, remote-control airplanes, hiking, and picking berries for his jams. He also traveled widely, enjoying trips across Canada, Europe, and winters in Nanaimo and Mexico.
After a cancer diagnosis in 2008, Orval continued his practice and contributed to the Co-op housing project at 2105 Brandon Avenue. He was predeceased by his daughter Twyla, brothers, and sister, and is survived by his wife Dianne, children Dwayne, Sandy, Bruce, and Gord, and many grandchildren and extended family.
Orval will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, resilience, and compassion. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the community he helped build.
A memorial service will be held at Knox United Church, 451 18th Street, Brandon on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
