Henry C. Tapia
(July 8, 1956 – December 14, 2013)
Henry Carl Tapia died peacefully December 14, 2013 at his family home in Raton where he lived his whole life of 57 years after a short illness. Henry was born July 8, 1956 to Stella Felix Tapia and Lee Tapia.
Henry is survived by brothers Dennis Lee Tapia, of Red Oak, Texas and Fred Tapia of Las Vegas, Nevada, and many cousins and good friends. Henry, after graduating from Raton High School in 1975 worked for the La Mesa Park Race Track, helping with his brother Roddy, in the concessions during the weekends, stocking beverages and ice, and giving tips to friends on the best horses to wager on. During the week he was helping his father Lee, who worked for Raton Builders Supply for 17 years, as a co-pilot delivering building material to customers in Red River, Angel Fire, Springer, Cimarron, and the surrounding area. After his father’s retirement, Henry spent quality time with his mother and father enjoying being a family.
After a few years, Henry’s father passed away, and then later his mother passed away, leaving Henry their family home. At the time Henry went back to work for Raton Builders Supply, now called RBS True Value. He worked for many years, dedicated at his job, being in charge of cleaning, organizing, customer greeting, in which he received many compliments.
Henry was well known for his knowledge of dates, times, and events. If you wanted to know something you asked Henry. This worked very well for his passionate hobby, sports. He knew most everything about New Mexico high school sports, including coaching, players, statistics, wins and losses. From 1973, Henry never missed a Cowbell Northeaster New Mexico Basketball Tournament.
Even though Henry loved local sports, when it came to football it was all Dallas Cowboys. No other team even existed in his world. Those around him knew, that Henry knew more about the Dallas Cowboys than owner Jerry Jones, which he vocally thought was going to ruin the team, by overriding the coach’s plays. Henry really wanted to talk to Jerry Jones personally, on how to improve their organization.
On December 15th, Henry had tickets to attend the Dallas/Green Bay game. Because of the unconditional love for Henry, by those he touched, it became possible for his wish. Henry died the morning he was to leave. Thanks to all who made this trip possible.
Henry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Raton, where he sat in the front row, and in the same seat. He was a devoted Christian, who loved Jesus Christ more than anything in his life, where he is in heaven today.
Funeral Services for Henry C. Tapia, Sugar Bear; will be at 12:00 noon, Saturday December 21, 2013 at the Raton High School Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Sangre de Cristo Hospice and Palliative Care, at 186 Hospital Drive, Raton, NM 87740.
Funeral arrangements for Henry C. Tapia are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home of Raton.
