Dr. David Hendricks

Dr. David W. Hendricks, PE, BCEE, FASCE, 89, passed peacefully on April 13, 2021.

He was born in Missouri and moved to Northern California with his parents and sister prior to starting school. He served in the United States Army after receiving his degree in civil engineering from the University of California-Berkeley. He met his wife, Betty Ann, while serving in the Army. They married after he left the army and completed his Master’s Degree from Utah State University in Civil Engineering. Married life started in Moscow, Idaho where he was an instructor in engineering for two years, leaving the position to attend the University of Iowa and  obtain his PhD in civil and sanitary engineering. Dr. Hendricks started his long academic career at the University of Utah as an associate professor of civil engineering.  After five years at Utah State University, Dr. Hendricks accepted a position in civil and environmental engineering at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado and started a 30-year career as a researcher, teacher, and mentor to a multitude of students.

At Colorado State he enjoyed teaching a range of environmental engineering courses, researching topics related to drinking water supply and treatment, and working with graduate students. He enjoyed sabbaticals to Sicily and Turkey as well as attending water-related conferences around the world. He maintained a cherished network of colleagues and former students throughout his career and retirement. He retired as an emeritus professor and continued to write books and articles, present at conferences, and to be a mentor. He finally compiled his “class notes” from years of teaching into a reference book on water treatment, “Fundamentals of Water Treatment Unit Processes,” that kept him busy for the first few years after retirement.

He was a life-long learner with an interest in history, politics, engineering, art, current events, and a range of topics. He enjoyed traveling and visiting museums and historical sites with his wife. He loved the outdoors, camping, tennis, biking, and particularly skiing at Steamboat with his family. He also loved completing many projects around the house including his legendary sprinkler systems. His grandchildren always brightened his day and he was both a playmate and grandfather (“papa”) to them. He and his wife, Betty Ann, moved from Fort Collins to Arvada, Colorado to be involved grandparents at their retirement. He is survived by children (Bridgette, Philip and his spouse Lisa, and Sara), grandchildren (Kelly and Pete), and sister (Jo Ann). He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Helen, and wife (Betty Ann).

In remembrance of David’s service to education and Colorado State University, the family suggests that any memorial tributes be made to the Civil Engineering Opportunity Fund.

Link to give online: https://advancing.colostate.edu/CEE

To Give by Mail:

Checks made payable to the CSU Foundation
In Memo line: Civil Engineering Opportunity fund, # 13563
Mail check directly to the CSU Foundation (they process and manage all gifts on behalf of CSU):

CSU Foundation

P.O. Box 1870

Fort Collins CO 80522

Please share your memories of David and condolences with his family in the Tribute Wall.