After completing law school and being admitted to the New Brunswick Bar in 1992 he has engaged in a general law practice primarily in working in the greater Saint John community. He has represented clients in all levels of the Court in New Brunswick as well as before various administrative tribunals. He is very pleased to have joined the Gorman Nason team of professionals in 2019.
John is married to Nancy Ryan-Henderson BSc, MPhysEd, BEd. a retired high school teacher, who continues to serve the education system as a supply teacher. Their two adult children daughter, Sailor First Class (Nell) Henderson (RCNR) (University Student) and son, Able Seaman Byron Henderson (RCN) have continued a family tradition of service to our country.
Naval Reserve
John served in the Canadian Naval Reserve for thirty years between 1976 and 2006. As a Naval Reserve Logistician, he carried out numerous leadership, staff, material support, planning, and public relations roles. Work experience ranged through a broad ambit of full time and part time tasks in Canadian Forces bases, ships, schools, and other training establishments culminating in command of the Naval Reserve Division HMCS BRUNSWICKER in Saint John.
John also served as an Aide de Camp for two of New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governors. He later held post command appointments as Branch Advisor for Naval Reserve Support Trades and Occupations nationally and was a member of the National Naval Reserve Board.
He was decorated with the Canadian Forces Decoration and Bar and retired from the Naval Reserve holding the rank of Commander.
Community involvement
- Governor and past Chairman of the Board of Governors NB and PEI Division Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Inc.
- Former Director on the National Board of Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
- Awarded the Commissionaires Distinguished Service Medal in 2018 and Commissionaires Long Service Medal in 2019
- Executive Committee member and two times past president Nauwigewauk Community Club Inc.
- Past Chair of the Hampton Local Service District
- Former Director on the Region 8 Service Commission Board
- Member of Anglican Parish of Hammond River where he participates in their Holy Joes men’s group
- Member of St Alphonsus church in Hampton
- Member of Hammond River Angling Association
- Member of Royal United Services Institute
Professional affiliations
- Member – Canadian Bar Association
- Member – New Brunswick Law Society
- Member – Saint John Law Society
- Member – Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)
Academic rewards
- 1981 – University of New Brunswick Assistantship
- 1980 – University of New Brunswick Assistantship
- 1979 – D. Gordon Willet History Prize
- 1978 – University of New Brunswick Alumni Merit Award
- 1977 – University of New Brunswick Alumni Merit Award
- 1976 – Maria Johnson Prize for Social Sciences
- 1975 – Governor General’s Medal
- 1975 – Dr. A.T. Leatherbarrow Prize