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Sandy Hendry memorialized for volunteer work at fairgrounds

Robbie Riley and Jordan Riley, members of the concrete crew for GN Excavating, put the finished touches on a new concrete floor at the Sandy Hendry Exhibit Hall at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. The hall has been renamed in memory of Hendry in recognition of his dedication to the fairgrounds. The project was funded by the Hawesville Lions Club, with labor donated by GN Excavating.

By C. Josh Givens

The Hawesville Lion’s Club has memorialized the contributions of longtime Lion Sandy Hendry and his dedication to the Hancock County Fairgrounds with cooperation from Gary Nugent and his GN Excavating crew.

The front exhibition hall at the fairgrounds has been renovated, with the asphalt removed and replaced with concrete. New ceiling fans will also be installed, and the exhibit hall will be renamed Sandy Hendry Exhibit Hall. The work began Tuesday morning.

“Sandy worked tirelessly and extensively to keep the fairgrounds beautiful,” said Lion Bob Ogle. “He did a tremendous amount of volunteer work, and was devoted to the fairgrounds and the people of the county. He mowed the grounds, paid for his own gas and maintenance of his equipment. During the week of the county fair in August last year, Sandy worked the Lions Club booth all week. In September, he had a massive heart attack and passed away.”

Ogle said after Hendry died, the Lions Club wanted to memorialize his contributions in a lasting way, settling on funding the renovation of the exhibit hall.

“We approached the Fair Board and they were immediately on-board with the idea,” Ogle said. “We knew what we wanted to do, but couldn’t afford the labor it would take to remove the asphalt and pour the concrete, but the materials were in reach. I called Gary (Nugent) and he was very happy to contribute with his guys. I was up front, telling him, ‘Gary, this will have to be pro bono.’ He told me, ‘If that’s what you want done, then we’ll do it.’”

Ogle said the project will not only honor Hendry and his love for Hancock County, but will also make the exhibit spaces at the fairgrounds safer for disabled citizens.

“The new concrete will give our citizens with mobility challenges a nice and smooth, solid surface for walkers and wheelchairs,” Ogles said. “It will provide a safer space, without the possibility of tripping on the old asphalt. We are so thankful for the cooperation of the Fair Board, Gary Nugent, and the crewmembers of GN Excavating. The Lions Club motto is ‘We serve,’ and we believe this project is a demonstration of that commitment.”

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Harry Bryant on July 14, 2022 at 10:42 am

    Great article about my cousin Sandy. An all around great guy. Big thank you to those who made this tribute possible.

  2. Nancy Lawson on July 14, 2022 at 9:15 pm

    What an awesome way to honor such a wonderful man. He was a very special kindhearted person.

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