Erik Hendricks, 71, former Pa. SPCA executive director

Erik Hendricks, 71, of Haverford, a former staff member and longtime executive director of the Pennsylvania SPCA, died Friday, Jan. 30, of leukemia at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Mr. Hendricks' tenure with the animal welfare group ran from 1976 to 2007, and he helped create and implement some of the signature programs and services the PSPCA offers.

He also advocated at the state level for stricter laws to protect animals from cruelty and abuse.

"We are proud to have had Erik as part of our history, and we honor his commitment to our lifesaving mission," said Jerry Buckley, CEO of the PSPCA. "He will be remembered as a thoughtful, personable leader who connected well with individual employees."

Born in Rochester N.Y., Mr. Hendricks was a longtime resident of Haverford. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966, he worked on the editorial staff of the Evening Bulletin and later as the manager of the Colony Hotel, with facilities in Kennebunkport, Maine, and Delray Beach, Fla.

He moved to Philadelphia to work for the PSPCA and spent 27 years as executive director. He was credited with transforming the organization from an animal shelter to a modern animal welfare institution, with programs and departments focused on the animals' health and well-being.

He also went public with the mantra that preventive health measures and spay and neuter programs for each animal were key to the pet overpopulation problem.

"His ever-visible fleet of animal ambulances and animal control vehicles brought awareness that animals at large were often in danger," the organization said on its website.

Under his watch, six shelters across the state were added to the original Philadelphia location.

Smaller rescues often reached out to him to take over the task of animal care when they could not afford it. He helped as he could.

He testified frequently before lawmakers in Harrisburg, advocating for laws that he felt would help animals and fighting those who would undermine their welfare.

"His passion was always matched by his eloquence," the PSPCA said on its website. "His management allowed people to bring their thoughts to the table, making his ideas even better."

After retiring, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and served for two years as president of the board. He also volunteered for Eldernet, transporting senior citizens on errands and to the doctor.

Mr. Hendricks was an avid squash and tennis player and a member of the Philadelphia Country Club.

Surviving Mr. Hendricks are his wife of 34 years, Alice Haynsworth Hendricks; his mother, Tina Appleton Bishop; two daughters, Stephanie Haynsworth Hendricks and Katherine Appleton Hendricks; a brother; and nieces and nephews.

Services are private.

Donations may be made to Main Line Meals on Wheels Inc., 235 Lancaster Ave., Devon, Pa. 19333, or to the PSPCA, 350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia 19134.

610-313-8102