HENRY Age 74, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, a beloved coach, and former politician, died Monday, September 19, 2011. He is survived by his two children, Darren G. Sanchez of Albuquerque and Janine Salmon and husband, Louie of Almagordo, NM; one granddaughter, Kelsie; his father, Antonio Sanchez of Albuquerque; two brothers, Albert Sanchez of Albuquerque and Gilbert Sanchez of California; one nephew, Michael Sanchez of Albuquerque; other relatives and friends. Henry was preceded in death by his mother, Veneranda Armijo Sanchez. He was born in 1937 in Albuquerque, NM and graduated from St. Mary's High School, Class of 1955. He then attended and graduated from College of St. Joseph with a BA Degree. Henry later received his MA Degree from the University of New Mexico. Henry was a NAIA All American Basketball player at College of St. Joseph in 1959. From 1960-1965 he coached at Our Lady of Sorrows in Bernalillo before coaching at Bernalillo High School until 1983. He led the Spartans to five state championship games, including titles in 1977 and 1979. Henry then went to New Mexico Highlands where he coached until 1996, leading them to school records in wins in the back to back seasons of 1988-1989 and 1989-1990. That record still stands. From 1996 to 2001 he coached at Robertson High School in Las Vegas and rebuilt the basketball program. Henry then served as Mayor of Las Vegas, NM from 2002 through 2008. His pride and joy was The Love Thy Neighbor Fund which is still instrumental in Las Vegas. Henry was a member of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor, the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the New Mexico Highlands Hall of Honor. Henry was the National High School Coach of the Year in 2001. He was also eight times the New Mexico Coach of the Year. Henry was also a past president of the New Mexico Coaches Association, and National Chairman for High School Basketball. He was most famous for building "Spartan Alley" in Bernalillo where the Spartans were dominate from the 60's through the early 80's. He was a loving father, grandfather, son and brother and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Rosary will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 619 Copper Ave. NE, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at "Spartan Alley", the old high school and the new junior high in Bernalillo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Love Thy Neighbor, c/o Somos Familia, 1235 8th Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701. Please visit our online guestbook for Henry at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
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