Labor lobbyist Henrikson dies

Jace Radke

Thursday, June 6, 2002 | 9:33 a.m.

Reading and learning were pursuits that Leo Henrikson always made time for, and it showed when he would unleash his vast vocabulary as a lobbyist for local Teamsters unions in Las Vegas.

Henrikson, who worked as a lobbyist for more than 30 years, died Monday at age 83.

"He loved to read and study," said his wife, Joan Henrikson. "He loved to read books and newspapers and keep up on current events. I think it really helped him to be a good negotiator for the union."

In the 1960s Henrikson served as secretary-treasurer for Local 881, a now defunct union of cab drivers and hotel workers. Later he represented local public employee and hotel worker unions as a lobbyist.

Born March 19, 1919, in Charleston, S.C., Henrikson grew up in the South playing football. He secured a spot with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, but was with the team for only a short time before heading to Europe with the Army Air Corps to fight in World War II.

Henrikson moved to Las Vegas in the late 1940s, and later was appointed secretary-treasurer for the union.

"Leo was one of the finest labor leaders in Nevada history," said former Gov. Mike O'Callaghan, executive editor of the Las Vegas Sun. "He never forgot the people he represented and also understood the positive relationships in labor-management negotiations."

Henrikson retired to a quieter life in 1996, when he moved to Logandale, and later married Joan Henrikson.

"He really loved living in the (Moapa) valley," Joan Henrikson said. "He loved hearing the birds and seeing the animals."

Henrikson joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while living in Logandale and worked in the Las Vegas temple.

He also spent time golfing, painting and doing calligraphy.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Viktor Henrikson of the Philippines, six stepchildren, 18 grandchildren and two nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the LDS stake center in Logandale. Viewing will be held for friends and family at 9:30 a.m. Burial will in Logandale Cemetery.