WFSE Remembers John Henson
WFSE and Retired Public Employees Council members are remembering longtime activist and leader John Henson.
Henson’s years of service and solidarity within our union impacted many union siblings and coworkers. Henson passed away August 21, 2025. He is survived by his two loving sons, Morgan L. Henson and John F. Henson II, who is also a WFSE member, and by a host of loving friends and family.
A memorial will be held Saturday, August 30 at American Lake Park in Lakewood, Wa. from 12:30-4pm. Guests are invited to bring a potluck dish and memories to share.
A Life in Service
Henson wore many hats within WFSE. He served on the Council 28 executive board, on the statewide grievance committee, and as president and several other roles in Local 793. As a shop steward, he lifted up and mentored countless Western State Hospital (WSH) coworkers.
Henson gave decades of public service to WSH, where he held roles in the laundry, as a medical transport driver, and more. Born in Marion, Oh., he served in the military before dedicating himself to public service and union work.
Henson spoke truth to power, whether at the bargaining table or to governors and legislators at the annual Local 793 Labor Day picnic. In doing so, he gained respect even from potential adversaries like the WSH labor relations staff. He was a stalwart advocate for workplace safety.
True Egalitarian
A true egalitarian, Henson felt that the lowest paid workers were as valuable and important as leaders in positions of power. He supported many union siblings in speaking up for themselves and each other.
When news of his passing was posted in the WSH Facebook group, over a hundred coworkers and union siblings posted to share stories and memories of the impact he had on their work and lives.
WFSE President Mike Yestramski credits Henson with encouraging him to step into union advocacy and leadership. Yestramski described Henson’s willingness to stand up for any union sibling, and the many relationships he built in his work and community.
“He knew you, but he also knew your partner, he knew your kids, he knew your dog,” Yestramski said. “He actually did care about you as a human.”
Lifting Up New Leaders
Despite his years of leadership, Henson was humble and disliked being the center of attention.
“When I was chief steward at one point, I wanted to give him the 793 Steward of the Year award,” Yestramski recalled. “He actually politely declined, and gave me five names of other stewards that he thought deserved it more.”
When Henson felt it was time to speak up on an issue, union siblings fell silent to listen. They knew he wasn’t wasting his breath and would have something important and useful to say.
Even after retirement, Henson stayed in close touch with his union family, texting on holidays. He greatly enjoyed the annual Local 793 picnic and was an active retiree.
“He really did believe in the idea of union solidarity and union family,” Yestramski said. “If you wore that green, you were somebody that he'd be there for.”