Richard John Hendry

Richard Hendry was a believer in Christ, people, big dreams, and the power of a good story.

Richard was born in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 4, 1940. His father, Francis was a baker; his mother, Maria was a seamstress. Frank and Ria raised Dez, Dawn, Richard, and Maree.

Not raised in a family of faith, he embraced the loving care of his friends’ Christian families. He attended a Billy Graham Crusade in 1959 and dedicated his life to Christ. In 1965, he graduated from Trinity Theological College and served New Zealand Methodist parishes in Waitara, Rawene, Tokoroa, and Levin. He married Ruth Jenkins in 1965 and they were blessed with two children, Cushla and Stephen.

While pastoring in New Zealand, Richard served as a fireman, ambulance driver and first responder, radio announcer, and newspaper photographer. He ran for political offices, narrowly missing being elected to Parliament. He drew upon these rich life experiences to regale people with stories of firefighting, rescues, wedding officiating, traveling, and experiences of New Zealand’s native Māori people. His storytelling was legendary, especially during his Sunday morning children’s message.

As a boy, Richard dreamed of America. In 1979, after a year’s exchange at Goode Centennial United Methodist Church in Commerce City, Colorado, he fought diligently to transfer his ordination to the US. In 1983, the family emigrated and Richard became the pastor of the Cheraw UM Church near La Junta. He grew the church, gained attention, and was soon asked to join First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs as the Minister of Evangelism and Communication in 1985.

In 1989, Richard became the Senior Minister of Pueblo’s First United Methodist Church. In 1996, he became the Senior Minister of the Littleton United Methodist Church; he retired in 2012. Richard served the Methodist Church for 46 years.

Richard was extremely proud when he became a United States citizen. He used his skills in communication and marketing to help other businesses and nonprofits. As a Rotarian, he led an effort to raise funds for a permanent home for Project C.U.R.E.

Richard married Lisa Higbee on December 27, 1992. They loved and adored one another dearly. They also loved leading worldwide tours, allowing many people to visit their dream destinations. They count among their blessings many dear friends; including Richard’s New Zealand seminary friends whom he remained in contact with through memorable Zoom calls.

In 2017, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In August 2024, he fell causing a brain injury that led to his death on August 31. Richard is survived by Lisa; Cushla and Sahib Ahmad and two grandchildren, Zaynib and Haidar; Stephen Hendry; his sister Maree (Allen) Moore, and other relatives in New Zealand.

A celebration of life ceremony will be on Saturday, November 16 at 10 a.m. at the Littleton United Methodist Church. Donations may be made to the Memorial Fund, Littleton United Methodist Church.

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