Those in industry throughout the Ohio Valley lost a dear friend and colleague when Noel Henderson passed away Dec. 22, 2020, four days after his 73^rd birthday. Noel had spent nearly 50 years in the valves and controls business. While shrewd and aggressive, Noel was also a gentleman and an asset for his wealth of application knowledge and experience.

Noel was a Vietnam veteran and, in his early years, worked in the valve business at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan and at the H.O Trerice Company. His last job there — as division manager — and his later roles centered on distributor development.

For the last 25 years, Noel Henderson ran his own rep company, Fluid and Steam Specialties, a valve-, regulator-, and controls-focused rep business. Noel ran his business as a “pure” rep company, and not once in 25 years did he ever buy and resell product. He focused his expertise on distributors and end users, helping guide them through the technical and application aspects of valves and controls.

Noel traveled extensively throughout the Ohio Valley and maintained a territory that for some would be more suited for a regional sales manager. Carrying forward with brands like Century Valve, H.O Trerice, Warren Controls, Westlock Controls, and Watson McDaniel, Noel developed a sterling reputation for delivering on what he promised, whether it was a quote, technical assistance, or support for the many products he represented.

Noel loved music, acting, model railroads, and travel. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, children Colin and Danielle, and grandson, Alex.