Ross Paul Henderson

January 25, 1949 – February 10, 2025

Ross Paul Henderson, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, from a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumor which he courageously fought for almost two years. Throughout, he showed the same strength, patience and kindness that defined his life.

Ross was born on January 25, 1949, to Lillian and Laton Henderson who predeceased him. The youngest of four children, Bruce, Laton (Bud) and Barbara, Ross grew up on a farm in Wisconsin where he had the freedom to tinker, invent, build and fix things, often under the guidance of his beloved grandfather, Frank Hock, who could fix anything. Ross was proud to participate in Boy Scouts and become an Eagle Scout. In 4H, his twin sheep were Grand Champions.

By the age of eight, Ross knew that he wanted to be an electrical engineer. He attended New Richmond High School and went on to earn a BSEE (Electrical Engineering) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while serving in Naval ROTC. Ross spent two summers during college as a racecar mechanic—Formula 5000 (US) and Formula 3 (Europe)—for driver Randy Lewis. After graduation, Ross served in the Navy on the heavy cruiser, USS Newport News (CA-148), where he saw combat in Vietnam. Stateside, Ross was commissioned an Ensign and married the love of his life, Susan (Susie). Together, they departed for Mayport Naval Station, Florida where Ross was assigned as the Combat Information Center Officer on the USS Sarsfield (DD-837) from 1972-1975.

After military service, Ross returned to the University of-Wisconsin-Madison where he earned the MSEE degree specializing in Biomedical Engineering; his thesis project earned international IEEE recognition. Ross, Susie and son, Eric, then relocated to work with The Florida State University Neuroscience program in Tallahassee, FL, where for 33 years he developed state-of-the-art research equipment that revolutionized the ability to study ingestive behaviors. He loved advising researchers and improving their research outcomes through innovative circuit board designs, computer programs, and custom equipment. His small business, DiLog Instruments, Inc., extended support to researchers worldwide. A Festschrift at Columbia University in October 2024 honored his many contributions to neuroscience research.

Ross was known for his kindness, problem solving capabilities, and the ability to teach everyone something of value. He had a deep love for family, friends, engineering, physics, science, nature, cars, and an extraordinary ability to solve complex problems. Ross could build or fix anything - from circuit boards to a US Navy destroyer engine and even his North Carolina mountain retreat. Life and challenges were approached with an open mind, a generous spirit, and endless determination. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 52 years, Susie, his children, Eric (Kylene) and Laura, and his beloved grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Robert, Lillian, and Emily, who brought him endless joy. Ross touched many with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to shine through the countless lives he impacted.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., April 18, 2025, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2200 North Meridian Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303 followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Ross to The National Park Foundation or Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation for the Department of Neuro-oncology/surgery.