John Hendrickson, widower of Marylou Whitney, has died

SARATOGA (NEWS10) - John Hendrickson, a noted philanthropist and husband of the late Marylou Whitney, passed away on Monday at the age of 59. Hendrickson, who was deeply involved in the world of thoroughbred racing, leaves behind a legacy of generosity and commitment to the Saratoga community.

"He loved thoroughbred racing. He loved the sport, the past, the pageantry, the camaraderie," said Cate Masterson, Director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, where Hendrickson served as Chairman of the Board. "He did so much, bringing the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to a national level that his legacy will always live on here. The race day gallery, the Hall of Fame, the Hall of Fame education experience—he made a huge difference. And that is his legacy to us."

John and Marilou Whitney were instrumental in supporting the Backstretch Employees Service Team (BEST), which provides medical services and community events for the workers who make the races possible. Nancy Underwood, Executive Director of BEST, shared fond memories of Hendrickson’s dedication to the workers.

"They would come every Sunday and sit with the backstretch workers, eat with them, check the food. Every Wednesday, they would be there for bingo. They would watch the prizes being given out and make sure they were up to par," Underwood recalled. "He knew their families, would ask how they were doing. He was hysterical, had a great sense of humor, and would send the funniest text messages. He was just low-key, a great guy."

Legendary trainer Nick Zito, who trained two of the Whitney’s horses, remembered how John and Marilou decided to improve conditions at the backstretch. "One day Marylou and John came through here at night. They couldn't believe what they saw. It wasn’t quite Tijuana, but it was close. They said, ‘We’ve got to do something better,’" Zito recounted.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) also issued a statement today, honoring Hendrickson’s contributions. "John was a devoted philanthropist in support of the Saratoga backstretch community and, most recently, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic. His contributions to horse racing and to Saratoga will long be remembered."