Jon Roy Hendershott, a journalist and editor for Track & Field News for more than 50 years, died peacefully on Monday April 9th at the age of 71 from complications due to a stroke he suffered at his home in Salem, Oregon.
If you've ever read Track & Field News, you knew his name. Track was his life and he lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed people and often said, "Every person has a story to tell." He was right and boy did he tell some stories. Way too many stories to count. World Class Olympic athletes would comment on his respect and professionalism, that he was their favorite journalist, and a friend.
Jon was born in Bend, Oregon not that long after the end of World War II, to Bob and Margaret Hendershott. Jon was only 11 when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a disease he would live with and successfully manage for the next 60 years. Jon never let his Diabetes get in the way of living a happy and full life.
It was at Roosevelt High School in Seattle that Jon became a sportswriter for the school newspaper. He would continue on this path at the University of Washington and later at San José State where he would graduate from the School of Journalism in 1970.
In the summer of 1967 Jon married Carol Scharz and two years later the couple would have a daughter named Megan. That October Jon's name first appeared in Track & Field News as a working member of the magazine and the rest is history. Jon won awards for his writing and went on to be president of the Track & Field Writers of America (TAFWA). Jon authored Track's Greatest Women and edited Ron Clarke Talks Track. He brought to life many athletes and their stories from all over the world.
Jon continued his work at Track & Field News until his retirement at the end of 2015. In May of 2016 he moved from the Bay Area to Salem, Oregon, where he continued to do valuable freelance writing for Track & Field News and was also a contributor to the web pages of Track Town USA and the IAAF.
Jon will be deeply missed by all. He leaves behind his daughter Megan, her husband Roger Rudikoff, his two grandchildren Zackary and Kailey, beloved cousin Jean Sargent and husband Dean, and dear friends John and Nancy Geer, Sandii Butler, Gina Conn, and numerous friends across the country and globe.
A celebration and remembrance will be held with close friends and family in Eugene, Oregon in early June.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 20 to Apr. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon Hendershott

Sponsored by Jon's Loving Family.

6 Entries

Don Gosney

August 3, 2021

We're enjoying the Tokyo Olympics right now so those of us that know track can't help but think of Jon and miss what he brought to the table.

I first met Jon back in 1976 when I started taking photos for T&FN. He was my point of contact for 39 years before he retired.

Jon was very good at his job but much more important than that, Jon was my friend. I can speak with some authority here but those of us who took photos for T&FN missed hime greatly after he retired and his ultimate departure is felt by us all.

Track & Field photographers are a small and select group. No matter what part of the world we live in, we see each other every week or two at some track meet. I have never heard a T&F photographer say anything but kind words about Jon.

Sven-Ivar Jögård

December 14, 2018

I loooked for Jons address as we always exchanged Christmas cards and was shocked to see he as dead. We knew each other for more than 50 years, as I was a correspondent for T&FN. We met Jon in 1976 when we visited SF and once again in 1983 on the way to Helsinki WC. Finally we saw each other 1995 during the Göteborg WC.
We send our condolences. Agneta and Sven-Ivar Varberg Sweden.

Carol Cassell

April 30, 2018

to Jon's family whom he dearly loved, As I think of Jon and how much he will be missed by so many...I recall his wonderful sense of humor and articulate use of words, his keen knowledge of crossword puzzles, his love of music ( especially Bruce Springsteen) and how smart and well read he was. Most of all I will remember the great joy of having him as a friend. He has left us all too soon.

Elliott Denman

April 19, 2018

To The Hendershott Family and Friends...
So sorry to hear of Jon's passing....He was a truly wonderful guy and an esteemed colleague....He wrote so many terrific, enlightening and informative stories for T&FN, IAAF, etc etc...We met at so many big events around the world...Jon was always a gentleman and friend...So very sorry he's gone..
Sincere condolences from Elliott Denman and family,
West Long Branch, NJ USA.
732-222-9213.

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April 19, 2018

Dear Hendershott Family,
I offer my deepest condolences. May the "God of all comfort" give you the strength to endure and a calm heart during this difficult time (2 Cor 1:3).

D. M.

April 19, 2018

May you find comfort in knowing Jon is resting safely in God's limitless memory because he is precious in His eyes.

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