The Funeral Service to celebrate and farewell
Iain Henderson
will be held in St Augustine’s Anglican Church, 183 Unley Road, Unley on
FRIDAY, November 8, 2024 commencing at 2:30 p.m.
The service will be available by livestream. Please use the link provided above.
In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations to
Tauondi Aboriginal Community College would be appreciated.
Please use the link above to make online donations.
Born 12th October 1956.
Passed away 15th October 2024.
Loved and loving son of
Bill and Faye (both deceased).
Cherished partner of Kelvyn.
Dearest brother of Murray and Diana,
Andrew (deceased) and Daphne.
Adored uncle of
Mark, Duncan, Vicky, Angus, and Crystal.
Devoted great uncle of many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Dear Iain, your kindness, brilliance and strong convictions have enriched so many lives. Thanks for bringing laughter and challenge to our working partnership and for sharing so fully of yourself. You are gone much too soon, but never forgotten xxx
Rest in Peace Iain and your smile when we first met in Hindmarsh, will stay with me always. Over the years, we collaborated in many educational projects. You were extremely generous and supportive. You will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and family.
Rest in eternal peace my dear friend Iain, I know that you are in a much more peaceful place amongst my loved ones alongside all the angles, but we will greatly miss your presence, your kindness and caring nature. We will indeed miss the fun that you brought into every event at RASA. I have so many memories of working and training alongside you as well as partying and having fun with you. I have so many stories to tell but you decided to leave us early. until we meet again my friend fly high and rest in peace. My deepest condolences for your partner and family. thinking of them during this difficult time.
Iain - you will be deeply missed by your RASA family. I give thanks for your constant encouragement, mentoring and unwavering support. You where a huge influence in my study journey and it was an honour to work beside you after at RASA. RIP
Iain was a much loved and respected teacher in our Diploma of Community Services. He had such passion for his work and in particular for children's safety and wellbeing. It was inspiring and will always hold a special place in my ongoing work. Sending Kelvyn and Iain's family so much love and peace as you work through such a sad time of grief. What a huge loss. Rest in peace, our lovely teacher, Iain.
Dear Iain, You were always so gentle, kind, and caring, and you made such a big impact on my life. I will never forget the time we spent together in the classroom, your patient guidance, and how much you truly cared for each of us. Even though we came from different cultural backgrounds, you always understood and supported me. I’m so grateful for your compassion and wisdom. Rest in peace, Iain. You will always be in my thoughts. Rest in peace, Iain. You will be greatly missed.
Iain, I only knew you for a short time but what an impact you had! You were so kind, insightful, curious and such an amazing teacher. I am so sad I never got to thank you or let you know how supportive you were to me and my fellow students. We will all miss you! Sending my condolences to your family in this difficult time
I value those early morning conversations we had in the kitchen, while you are prepared your milo, unwrapping the Advertiser. I'm so grateful for our chats and your advice, I'll never see that green tin without think of you.
I worked with Iain at RASA about 11 years ago. My heart goes out to Kelvyn - I know what it is like to lose a partner - and the rest of the family. Iain was so loved. He was funny, kind, clever, caring, passionate and articulate. I was privileged that our paths intersected even for just a few years. Love to all who had the joy of knowing him.
Thank you so very much Iain, for the huge contribution you have made to RASA. I will remember your wonderful sense of humour, your consideration of others and your dedication to your students. My thoughts are with your partner, family and all those close to you, at this time.
I will fondly remember Iain as a colleague with a quick wit and wicked sense of humour as well as his love of and skill in supporting students in their education.
Iain you were an inspirational educator responsible for guiding so many of us in creative, engaging training and assessment activities. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and humour so generously. I will miss your insight Vivienne
Dear Iain, such a long serving and passionate educator you were, RASA will not be the same without you! We will all remember your kindness, sense of humor and dedication to social justice. You were compassionate and calm, but also very strong and the first to stand up for others when needed. There was never a dull moment in the Hindmarsh Kitchen when you were around! You will be so missed, love to your family and those who loved you. Michelle Noyce
Iain, I will forever miss your smile, and wicked sense of humour. You brightened my day with our chats about music, the arts, students and the world in general. I learned so much from you, and your incredible generosity in sharing your wisdom was humbling. Your loss is devastating to the community of learners and allies you are so loved by. A leader and an eternal student, we miss you every day. With love, Mel xxx
Thank you Iain for all your kitchen conversations and support when I was doing my CertIV and your constant encouragement. You gave so much of yourself to others through your conversations and work. You will be dearly missed, and I will very much miss our interactions in the kitchen when I go to Hindmarsh. My thoughts to your family - we are forever thankful to have known Iain, even if only for a brief moment. He will no doubt be bringing joy with him to his next life.
Rest in peace, the short time you were my teacher you showed me how kind and amazing you were. The passion you had for teaching and support you gave to each of students will never be forgotten. Condolences to your partner and family friends and colleagues. Fly high with your angel wing.
Iain oh how missed you will be. Thank you for being someone who I considered a great friend and held a strong place in my heart. Thank you for seeing greatness in me when I was unsure. Thank you for guiding me and supporting me as a student then as a worker. Thank you for always accepting and participating in my challenging conversations even if you had a giggle at my thoughts! Thank you for sharing your stories in the kitchen about your family and your childhood shenanigans you were always able to show love and put a smile on everyone's face. You were an inspiration and irreplaceable. Although you will be greatly missed, I feel privileged to have been left with so many great memories of you. My thoughts go out to your Partner and family in this time. Rest in peace my friend.
Iain – Taken too soon, your legacy will continue to resonate with RASA forever. You have touched many lives over the years as a teacher, colleague, and friend. You will be greatly missed. My condolences to your partner, Kelvyn, as well as your family and friends.
Gentleman, mentor, cheeky, thoughtful, royal, blunt, respectful, loyal, creative, responsive, genuine, giving, knowledgeable, unique, funny, irreverent, enigmatic and brave. Iain you were many things to many people- your impact will remain long in the heart space, where it should be kept safe so the work continues to be done- with integrity, strength, trust and laughter always. Thanks for being you.
A remarkable educator whose wisdom and compassion touched the lives of so many. Iain was not just a teacher, but a guiding light for those who were fortunate enough to meet him, especially his students. His kindness and generosity were evident in everything he did, always going the extra mile to ensure that each person felt seen, valued, and supported. He taught with his heart, and in doing so, left an indelible mark on all of us. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Iain. Your light continues to shine in the lives of those you’ve inspired. IN SHA ALLAH, you will have the highest place in JANNAH. Ameen.
Iain touched many people's lives. In my own case, I got to know Iain first as a delightfully humorous and deeply caring man, with a low tolerance for narrow mindedness and anti-intellectualism. He had many wisdoms to share. Iain and Kelvyn also supported me during a tricky adjustment time, enabling me to take courage and seek a new partner in life. I am saddened by Iain's passing as he has been such a rock in the community sector for so long, but also because he was such a remarkable man. I only caught up with him briefly about 3 months ago, and feel glad that I at least had that opportunity to say 'hello' again. Iain lived life strongly and without compromise. I loved him for that.
It's hard to believe you are no longer with us, Sir. When the email came through while I was driving, my dear wife asked me to pull up immediately. She read it twice before comforting me. For a moment, I couldn't believe it was true, especially since I had just met with you in your office a few days ago. You kindly let me sit by your desk, both screens on, as you helped me navigate and discuss my study plan before my trip to visit family in Africa. As always, we shared a friendly conversation and some jokes. I told you about my plans for paying dowries and the upcoming wedding ceremony, which you were so excited about. You even asked me to keep some pictures for you. If only I had known that would be our last conversation, along with the laughter we always shared while working at RASA (PEACE). Your teaching skills were remarkable, full of knowledge and understanding. It was truly a pleasure to have known you, Iain. Your Legacy will live on. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Iain partner, family, friends, colleagues and the entire students. May the Almighty rest his soul in peace. Amen
Dear Iain, there are so many things I will miss about you. Your mischievous plots, negotiations over the paper in the lunch room, trying to steal your hot chips, and the thought provoking, raucous conversations at the kitchen table. The memory of you trying to do the hula hoop at your 50th still makes me laugh. You have positively influenced so many people over the years with your generosity, time and inspired teaching and we are all better for having known you. Vale Iain, and may you rest in peace. xxx
Dear Iain, I miss you. I moved house recently and I was only days ago putting up that postcard you gave me of that man dressing in a pouffy Victorian or is it Edwardian outfit - I’m not sure which but I know you’ll know. My career was reshaped sitting next to you. Thanks for making me feel taken seriously whether I was being difficult or helpful. Thank you for introducing me to Kelvyn. Thank you for being a real person in my life about whom I still tell some of the nicest, greatest and most unbelievable stories. I miss you.
Iain was an extraordinary person, he was my colleague, teacher and mentor . I offer my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. His impact on your life, and the lives of others, is a testament to the beautiful soul he was. My sincere condolences to you all, Issac
Iain, you stood out in so many ways - a true individual - your activism manifested in educating others - such a honourable way to live and give. A gifted teacher - your patience with your students made everyone feel valued and accepted - giving rise to possibility. You will always be my mentor - my teacher - held in high esteem - someone who believed and trusted in me - and I am grateful. May you rest in peace knowing you have inspired so many others to THINK and LEARN. It's safe to say - you are a Legend Iain. love, Deanna
Iain, with you gone, I have lost a colleague, a mentor and a true friend. I know heaven's treating you right. Until we meet again!
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why I will miss our mischievous conversations Iain Our Port Adelaide games chat's on a Monday morning and so much more Rest Easy you will never be forgotten x
I’m not sure that everyone gets to leave this world truly knowing they’ve left a legacy, but Ian certainly did. I had the pleasure of working with him at the RTO, where he was both a friend and a mentor. I will always cherish our conversations that challenged me and often changed my perspective. I like to imagine that he has made it through the pearly gates and is sitting humbly with his crossword, encouraging everyone to "play more," because, as he often reminded us, it really is the best way to learn. You were right, Ian. Sending love and strength to all those he has left behind, especially to Kelvyn, whom he often spoke of with such love.
Dear Iain, amazingly, I knew you as my teacher and as my colleague. You made education exciting, filling our class with brilliant antidotes. My very last class with you focused on grief and loss. You prepared us for the inevitable part of life, where we can find new meaning through these difficult experiences. Working with you was just as rich and sharing about our days was an added bonus alongside working with clients. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom.
I am so sorry to hear that Iain, the kindest man I have ever known passed away, way too soon. My heart felt condolences to all his loved ones. He was my mentor, teacher, counsellor and friend and will be sadly missed by me and many others that loved him.
RIP dear Iain. You are now with God and in peace.
Dear Iain, You would light up the room whenever you entered. I will miss you and your love for life and learning. Jamie
Iain, your absence will be deeply felt. You were more than just a friend; you held a special place in my heart. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me through my Diploma in Counselling. I wanted to give up, but you took the time to sit with me and guide me through the course. My career in counselling today is because of you. Your guidance and support, both as a student and later as a colleague, meant the world to me. Teacher Iain, I now hold a Master of Counselling, thanks to you. Iain, you always engaged in my challenging conversations, often with a smile or a laugh. Thank you for the songs you sang in the hallway. You were truly irreplaceable and an inspiration to us all. Though you will be greatly missed, I am grateful for the wonderful memories we shared. My thoughts are with your partner and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, teacher.
Forget the Crunchie. It was your shirts Iain, that always changed the colour of my day! Blessed be as you continue on your journey.
I was deeply saddened by the news of your passing your a kind hearted and wonderful lecturer and always made time to help me with any questions. It has been a great privilege for me, that you were able to share all your knowledge and experience in Community Services. Rest in peace Iain and condolences to Kelvyn and family .
Iain - you were one in a million. I will miss your humour, your wit, your dedication and passion for those in need along with the care you showed for your students (many of which you persuaded me to take on for placement!) After 15 years of knowing you, chatting in the corridor or the kitchen and of being persuaded by you to participate in student training (which I secretly quite enjoyed) Hindmarsh will be a much quieter place, that's for sure. No more loud shirts, no more alternating hairstyles (which were always a regular talking point) and no more crossword evidence that meant - Yes, Iain must be in today! We miss you Iain and I hope you still manage to give us a poke from the other side when we need it, I will be waiting! From, your friend, Em
A mentor, a friend, an advocate for social justice, a wicked sense of humour. The best classroom facilitator ever. What a great loss for his family and a huge loss for the community services sector. I am so sad to learn you are gone. Rest in peace. Many fun memories Iain xx Liz.
A huge loss to family, friends and the community - Ian was the most inspirational educator I had. He pushed me to be who I am today - Blessings to all that loved him x
Dearest Iain, you are so missed. Your joyful and energetic exuberance is imbued in every part of the Institute, RASA and the Hindmarsh office. You loved teaching and learning; your cheekiness, curiosity and determination have grown so many ideas into programs that continue to bear fruits. Your legacy will continue to influence so many. Thank you dear Iain, and may your soul rest in peace and love with your Ancestors. My deepest condolences to Kelvyn and your loved ones, thinking of you all in this difficult time xx
Dear Iain, thank you for challenging mainstream conventions and influencing people to value diversity. You were the life of the party and will be missed by so many.
Everything I feel about Iain has been echoed in the above, a phenomenal man who I wish was still with us…there was still so much he needed to teach me. Although I had only known Iain for less than 12 months I feel enormous gratitude for the time spent with him, Iain had a gift for really seeing people. He chose to see people and for people to see him, he saw me and that is a gift I’ll treasure with me for the rest of my life. Every time I feel like something is too hard I’ll think about him pulling his hair out and saying “just do it, come on get it done you’re more than capable”. I won’t make it to the funeral on Friday but in memory of Iain I’m going to prepare an interpretive dance (a running joke in the diploma classes) just for him and when I dance around in my discomfort I’ll know he will be happy that one of us finally did it. Much love to Kelvyn and Iain’s family who he always spoke of so fondly, may he rest in peace and live in our hearts.
Iain, the halls and kitchen are different without you - thank you for your culture, kindness, humour and your spare microwave that you brought in for us so the lunch time line-up didn't get too long! You are missed x
Your insatiable curiosity about everything in the world around you was truly contagious. You approached life with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, always asking questions, challenging norms, and inviting others to explore new perspectives. As an educator, you were nothing short of remarkable. You shared your wisdom generously, nurturing the minds and spirits of your students. Yet, you were not just a fountain of knowledge but also a humble student in your own right – always eager to learn from others, regardless of their background or experience. You fostered an environment where ideas could flourish, where learning was a shared journey, and where every voice mattered. I will always cherish the little quirks that made you so special: the times you talked to yourself, or suddenly broke into song as if the world were your stage, and the collection of unique and weird items scattered across your desk. Your wicked sense of humour often would turn ordinary discussions into unforgettable LOL moments. Your joyful spirit touched all of us. You’ve left a lasting impact on our hearts, Iain, and we are forever grateful for that. Thank you for being you. Andrew
Rest in peace Iain. Thanks for your friendship, for employing me all those years ago, for the banter, the laughs, the conversations, for encouraging my kids to embrace education. You were one in a million. My thoughts and prayers are will your family and loved ones.
Iain it's just way too quiet without you in the office. Everyone misses you and has the best stories to tell about all the fun and good you did in your work over so many years. Sending love and care to your family. Rest in Peace xx
with deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Kelvyn and all of Iain's family and friends. Ian was a special person of grace and elegance as well as charm, wit & wisdom. It was such a pleasure to work with him as well as sometimes to party with him - a cherished one and who brings fullness to life. Always remembered with love.
To my good friend Gilby We had lots of Nunga yarns in the kitchen Shared many stories to each other of our lovely families and respected each other culture with pride. Can't say that we agreed on football and knowing you are a Port supporter ???? and will miss you kind notes on my computer and that small teddy ???? in my face. You are resting in a beautiful place they call heaven and god has welcome you to his world. We all miss ???? my friend you are one of a kind and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace ???? Aunti Jen
Jenny Edwards -
Rest in peace Iain you were a kind and great teacher. May you fly high with all the other angels. I'll never forget your kindness in my time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with your partner, family and friends.