Hendricks remembered for his generosity
Photo
Ken Hendricks was all smiles at a ground breaking ceremony along the Beloit Riverfront in December of 2005.
BELOIT — Ken Hendricks was remembered Thursday as a world-class builder.
A builder of companies.
A builder of communities.
Perhaps most significant, Hendricks was remembered as a strong family man who was a builder of people.
“He had a tremendous belief and faith in people, and he had a tremendous belief and faith in his family,” David Luck said at a memorial service for the 66-year-old Hendricks, who died a week ago after a fall at his Afton home.
“He truly understood the awesome power in everyone … if you just give them the opportunity.”
Luck is president of ABC Supply, the Beloit company that Hendricks, a high-school dropout, founded in 1982 with his wife, Diane. ABC is now the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and siding materials, tools and supplies in the United States.
“Ken preached: ‘Look at me; if I can do it, anyone can.’ He got people to believe in themselves and then he stood by them.”
Luck, who quipped that Hendricks is probably busy remodeling heaven, was one of several speakers at the service at the Eclipse Center, the former Beloit Mall property that Hendricks redeveloped.
The service capped a four-plus hour visitation during which a line of several thousand people snaked its way through the former mall for a public viewing. Family photos mixed with hundreds of floral arrangements of all shapes, sizes and colors. Photo slide shows accompanied by music played in loops on large screens throughout the center.
Luck said Hendricks was famous for bringing into the company people whom he felt needed a break. Around the office, they often were referred to as “Ken’s projects.”
“We would always say ‘Ken, we can’t be saving the world, we’ve got a business to run,’” Luck said. “Some of those people didn’t work out, but others did, and, if it did, Ken would let you know about it over and over again.
“If you can help a few people, in the big picture it may not matter that much, but Ken cared because it mattered to those people.”
Brent Fox, one of Hendricks’ three sons, said his father was a teacher who believed it was better to fail at something than not try it at all.
The billionaire Hendricks taught his seven kids that respect was earned, not bought or sold, he said.
“He was tough but caring,” Fox said. “But he was tough because he cared.
“He could be your biggest critic, but he was also your biggest fan.”
Gov. Jim Doyle said Hendricks was a true son of Wisconsin, a man who embodied the values so dear to so many in the state. Hendricks’ efforts to build communities have set the tone for economic development around the state, the governor said.
“He was all about creating jobs,” Doyle said. “I don’t know of anyone who had a better sense—deep in his gut—of what a job meant to someone.”
Doyle often was on the receiving end of a Hendricks phone call.
“It was always his ideas about something we should be doing to help people, never about ways we should be helping Ken Hendricks or his businesses,” Doyle said.
“There is not a citizen in this state more involved in economic development who put in his own resources than Ken Hendricks.”
Doyle posed a question Thursday that undoubtedly has crossed the minds of many since Hendricks’ death.
“What are we going to do now? Our great protector is gone,” Doyle said. “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do, and it’s what Ken would want me to do: I’m going to get up every day and work hard to make things better.”
Kevin Hendricks said that when employers left town, his father took it as a personal challenge to replace the lost jobs.
Ken Hendricks had a vision for his country, state, city, company and family, and Kevin challenged friends and colleagues who shared those visions to continue their efforts.
Ron Nief, a friend of Hendricks, echoed that sentiment.
“Helping people and building lives—this is why Ken was here,” Nief said.
“Let us continue his work.”
Jan 3, 2008 at 6:24 p.m.
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LEADERSHIP is standing by your convictions for the good of many.....Ken Hendricks was just that. He's a great example of how a decision by just one person can affect thousands of lives in a community. What if more people decided to make a positive difference in their community? Thank you Mr. Hendricks for your committment to excellence and the character you've exemplified for us all to follow. We are forever grateful. Rest in peace in the loving hands of our father.
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:53 a.m.
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How would all you people who are doing all that "wondering" like it if you were negatively wondered about in a public forum?!
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:28 a.m.
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momof5: I remember that story about the man falling down on his birthday. I actually had gotten into commenting about that story quite a bit. I think there is a harsh truth to some things about life, money, community, and prominence. In no way I am discrediting what Mr. Hendricks has done for this community. I even admire many of things said about him, but that man that fell down the stairs got 4 lines for his news story on his life. As a person interested in reporting for a career, I think it is quite sad that no one digs into that man's accomplishments or personal life goals. I bet the story of that man's life could also be comparable to Mr. Hendricks, but of course impacting different people in a different way. No one wants to take the time to write it, however. There is a story for many things if you take the time to investigate and care. Unfortunately, with how fast the industry does move, it makes the tragedy of Mr. Hendricks death even easier to report on. While I think many of sandman's comments (especially toward the second half of the post) are out of line, he has every right to question details of the article (come on, many people think the same things they just don't post it, admit it). I don't want to rip on Hendricks, but I do want to rip on how afraid we all are to say and think something different of a community leader. In my opinion, publishing that Hendricks may have been intoxicated (I don't know if he was?) would be more newsworthy than publishing a 4 line story saying a man was intoxicated on his birthday. We are all a bit too afraid to do that though, which is weird.
Jan 3, 2008 at 8:18 a.m.
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sandman, Show some respect for gods sake. Did ya get the attention you were so needing by typing yourcomment?I hope so
Jan 2, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.
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He conducted himself well for a man who had the kind of success and money that would make the average person's head spin.
Jan 2, 2008 at 12:09 p.m.
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Sandman sounds like he needs a life, instead of letting his imagination run wild as it does.
Jan 2, 2008 at 8:18 a.m.
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Mr. Ken Hendricks will be remembered as a visionary who was determined and successful in his quest to enable people to realize their full potential. God rest his soul and give peace to his loved ones. As for the comments left by "sandman", get a life. What Mr. & Mrs. Hendricks did prior to the accident is not your business nor anyone elses. Their private life is just that, private. How dare you even question why or what they were doing. Ken was doing what Ken knew, checking on work done that day. If you had an ounce of knowledge you would not have left the message you left. Ignorance at it's best is what I see in your message. There is always one in the crowd and sandman, you are it. Before commenting again please get facts before spewing your hate and inaccuracies.
Jan 2, 2008 at 6:22 a.m.
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sandmam and e-wifey are friends i'm sure of it !!! <(*_*)>
Jan 2, 2008 at 6:04 a.m.
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Sounds like SANDMAN needs a dose of Dreamland. Instead of getting stuck in the horrors of Nightmares, take some St. John's Wort, and have a nice peaceful rest, and then see if you might be able to put your wisdom to good use instead of wreaking havoc on the dead. Not in good taste to question the fate of a person who's decision at the time effected no-one except his family. He has moved on to a better place, and I can quite certianly say that he is not the one who is suffering, it is the people who knew and loved him dearly. So, your remarks about him are not directed towards him any longer, he is not listening to the "yuck" anymore, your are only hurting the people who have a long healing process to go through, and shame on you for wanting to make that more complex. tsk. tsk. It is better to live by example, and that is what he did....what examples are you living by that are of any use to better a community, family or workforce? If you are as negative on a day to day basis as you are on here, I pity your lack of happiness.
Jan 1, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.
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there is always someone who wants to make a conspiracy out of everything. hendricks was a person who did well. y bring up all these questions about his death. Had Mr. Hendricks been drinking on the evening of his death? What was his blood alcohol found to be (I'm sure the hospital tested it)? Did he drink at the bank event prior to coming home? Was Mrs. Hendrick drinking? Did anyone in attendance notice? Which of them drove home that night? If they had been drinking, did anyone offer them a ride? Why would someone go up on an unfinished roof alone and in the dark on a cold winter night? What exactly could be seen from that vantage point that could not be seen from the ground? let him rest in peace
Jan 1, 2008 at 12:32 p.m.
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Sandman, after reading your comments here and on other stories, it appears you may be the most hateful person in town. You seem to have a lot of knowledge and you can actually write, but the venom flowing from your keyboard is frightening. Hopefully, your New Year's resolution is to find the good in life.
Dec 30, 2007 at 8:05 p.m.
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Sort of off topic but I was hoping the Saints would have won today for various reasons. Of course, because they were playing "Da Bears" but also as a tribute and dedication to Ken. His son-in-law, Aaron Stecker, plays for the New Orleans Saints. I'm sure Heaven played "Oh when the Saints come marching in" when it welcomed Ken.
Dec 30, 2007 at 8:01 p.m.
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sandman,
Seems to me there was a gentleman who died after falling down the stairs ON HIS BIRTHDAY in the early fall. Of course, he happened to be drunk and the Gazette felt that was newsworthy enough to include in the article. I remember there were a lot of readers who were outraged that the Gazette included that information in the article. Fact of the matter, it is NO ONE's business if Ken was 10 sheets to the wind or why he was on the roof in the dark in the dead of winter. Ultimately and tragically, Ken paid the price for his decision to go up on the roof to check construction. It's not a matter of public safety, and therefore not a matter of public knowledge. Think about it, sandman, what if Ken were your father, son or brother. Should your outlandish accusations of drunkeness be true, would you want that information shared with the general public? If more people in this world worried more about themselves and less about others, we'd all be better off! Sandman, all I can say is SHAME ON YOU!
Dec 29, 2007 at 5:35 p.m.
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I can't believe the audacity of some of these people. Honestly. Let's try to remember that at the end of the day, the deceased had a family. He had close friends. He had grandchildren and relatives who could be reading this stuff.
Citizens deserve the "full story"??! Why? He died in a tragic accident and the grief is still fresh. Have some respect for that and have some tact for crying out loud.
Dec 29, 2007 at 1:22 p.m.
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sandman- you are a sicko!!!! why is any of tht anyones business????go back to sleep!!GOD BLESS the HENDRICKS
Dec 29, 2007 at 12:51 p.m.
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This man's life was cut short. To short for his family , freinds and community. Mr Sandman, you should be so bold as to take on corporate america and prevail such as Mr. Hendricks did. I salute a man who we all know was the underdog in the beginning and transformed himself into a world class player. As a person in this community , I applaud this man and wish his family nothing but the best . In the weeks to come , this mans influence will shine through when his family continues on Kens path for his vision of ABC and all his holdings. For the family - stay strong and hold on to Kens beliefs, because they are your's now to soldier on. You will make him proud.
Dec 29, 2007 at 12:05 p.m.
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Had Mr. Hendricks been drinking on the evening of his death? What was his blood alcohol found to be (I'm sure the hospital tested it)? Did he drink at the bank event prior to coming home? Was Mrs. Hendrick drinking? Did anyone in attendance notice? Which of them drove home that night? If they had been drinking, did anyone offer them a ride? Why would someone go up on an unfinished roof alone and in the dark on a cold winter night? What exactly could be seen from that vantage point that could not be seen from the ground? Aside from the all the treacle being thrown about, there are some very odd things about this event that are getting zero attention. Mr. Hendricks likely did much for the community and the area -- he also continued to push a half-baked proposal for housing inmates at the decrepit Caravilla site, fenced in a personal stock of game at his second little Xanadu, drove up farm land prices in the Afton area, and needlessly ate up a large tract of land west of Janesville with an elitist development, among other things. Citizens deserve the full story of the circumstances surrounding his demise -- the same investigation they would get in any other suspicious or unusual death situation. After all, Hendricks just didn't whisper "Rosebud" while quietly slipping the mortal coil on his deathbed! Where is Angela Lansbury when you need her?
Dec 28, 2007 at 6:12 p.m.
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I worked for Ken in 1994 in the Berlin, Wisconsin hailstorm project. He was a class person then and always has, as everyone says. I am sorry to say I have not seen him since and by accident heard of the news. My sympathies to the family. A michigan upper peninsula ex roofer.
Dec 28, 2007 at 5:27 p.m.
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I didn't know Ken Hendricks, but I wish I would have. We need more people like him.
Dec 28, 2007 at 1:02 p.m.
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opinion..... HUH?
Dec 28, 2007 at 12:56 p.m.
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I think OPINION posted this comment on the wrong article. I think he meant to post it on one of the Edgerton firefighter news articles.
Dec 28, 2007 at 12:27 p.m.
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For those of us outside the circle, what are you talking about????
Dec 28, 2007 at 11:32 a.m.
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