09/11/2026
Today, we remember Lee Hendrickson.
Many of us at Duke Farms knew Lee first as a dedicated volunteer and later as a seasonal member of our Designed Landscape team. He cared deeply for this place, especially the arboretum, and took tremendous pride in the people he worked beside.
Lee’s field reports became part of the rhythm of the team. They were detailed, generous, and unmistakably his — full of “A-Teams,” “beloved green tarps,” “implements of destruction,” and praise for the people who showed up and got the work done.
After long days in the gardens, he wrote: “Very proud to be associated with such a fine group of people.”
We felt the same about Lee.
Before Duke Farms, Lee served in the United States Navy and for more than 25 years with the New Jersey State Police. On September 11, 2001, he helped evacuate people from lower Manhattan and later took part in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero.
Even after he could no longer join the team in the field, Lee stayed connected — checking in on projects, asking what was happening across the landscape, and wanting to remain part of the work. His colleagues sent him photos, and on one of his final visits, the team took him through the places he had helped care for, sharing stories, laughter, and memories along the way.
Lee passed away on March 7, 2025, from cancer resulting from his exposure at Ground Zero.
On this September 11, we remember the lives lost that day, the many lives forever changed by it, and one of our own — a man whose life was marked by service, care, hard work, and deep affection for the people beside him.
Respectfully submitted, with gratitude, for Lee.
