Roger E. Henley, Sr.

Roger was born and raised here in California.  His family eventually moved to Winters where he attended high school.  Upon graduating, he entered the Army Corp of Engineers.  During his enlistment he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as an instructor.  After his discharge he started working as a building contractor.  He later founded Henley and Co., one of the largest commercial and artesian plastering companies in Northern California.  Roger retired in 1995 to spend more time with his family.  However, Henley and Co. is still going strong and is based in West Sacramento.  Roger and his high school sweetheart Maria, are celebrating 57 years of marriage.  They have 3 children, seven grand children and six great grand children.  All have, and currently are attending Davis schools. 

Horses have always been Roger's hobby.  He has owned a horse most of his life so it seemed natural his children would have horses and ride, even though son Dan preferred motorcycles.  After the children went on to other things, mom and dad were very involved in the National Paint Horse Association where Roger served on the executive committee.  He is proud of his contribution in building the breed.  Roger owned 2 stallions that were bred to many champion mares that produced many champion show horses.  He and Maria showed their horses for many years on the national level.  Later, two of their granddaughters joined them in showing in the junior division.  They cherish those memories.

Roger also served as a Yolo County Fire Commissioner of the East Davis County Fire Protection District for 23 years, 20 of those years as Chairman.  He retired from the commission in 2005. 

When time came to "hang up the spurs", Roger took up golf, with encouragement from his brother and sister in law.  Luckily he met our member Adrian Bowen on a golf course.  In short time Adrian had convinced Roger to join our Kiwanis organization.  Roger is currently a board member and helps us with anything at anytime.  Henley and Co. donated a ton of work in building the new Kiwanis Family House.  Roger is proud that they could assist in the project that will benefit so many people in need.  Roger says he is proud to be a Kiwanian!

We are thankful and proud of the service Roger provides our club and community.  His commitment and perseverance deserves this recognition.  We thank and congratulate Roger with the honor of being our Kiwanian-of-the-Year!

Also see Distinguished Award Recipients