Harvey "Harv" Herman Henry

Harvey H. "Harv" Henry
Harv Henry passed away the evening of October 30, 2014 surrounded by his family. Harv has been reunited with the love of his life Virginia to continue dancing their own version of the Shotish Shuffle. Harv was born on February 25, 1924 in Centerville Iowa to Harvey T. and Annie Lusman Henry. During the depression the family moved and settled in Frannie Wyoming where Harv met the love of his life Virginia Wambeke.
Harv graduated from Frannie-Deaver High School in 1943, and enlisted in the Marine Corp. He proudly served in the 6th Marine Amphibious Division in the Battle of Okinawa. After the war Harv returned to Frannie to begin his career in the oil fields. On August 8, 1948 Harv and Virginia eloped to Reno, NV. During his time with Continental Oil Company Harv quickly advanced up the ladder receiving numerous promotions and became Senior Production Foreman overseeing the Rocky Mountain Division. It was in this position that Harv and his family were transferred to Farmington in 1959. After being transferred to Craig Colorado and another cold miserable winter which reminded Harv and Virginia of the years in Wyoming they decided to return to Farmington. They always believed Farmington would be a great place to raise their family.

In 1962 Harv and Virginia founded Henry's Well Production which is now Henry Production, Inc. Harv immediately became involved in youth activities. He coached many years of Little League and Mickey Mantle baseball and coached youth basketball at the Boy and Girls Club. He was president of the Farmington Amateur Baseball Congress numerous years where he passed the rule that every player on the roster would play one inning and bat once every game. Not the most popular rule with coaches but Harv's motto was "It's all about the Kids".

Harv served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for 33 years and was the driving force in passing the gross receipts tax used to fund the building of the Farmington Aquatic Center, Pinon Hills Golf Course and the Farmington Boys and Girls Club.

Harv received numerous awards and citations from The City of Farmington and numerous civic organizations. In 1989 Harv was awarded Humanitarian of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce. In 1990 Harv was named the Elks Lodge Citizen of the Year. In 1998 Harv and Virginia and Henry Production were the Pioneer Business of the Year. Harv was the Connie Mack World Series Parade Grand Marshall in 1993 and in 1997 Harv was honored to be chosen to throw out the first pitch at the Connie Mack Work Series. On June 15, 2006 Harv was honored by the City of Farmington with Harv Henry Day. Harv sponsored the Harv Henry Baseball Clinic in the 1990s bringing in college coaches from UNM and BYU to help in the development of local youth. If a child wasn't able to pay the fee they weren't turned down from participating. "It's all about the kids"
While chairman with the Parks and Recreation Committee Harv was instrumental in the development of Sycamore Park and Recreation Center. At that time the Sycamore area was the only neighborhood in the city that did not have a city park. Later the gymnasium was named in his honor.
After retiring from Henry Production, Harv and Virginia set their sights on seeing the world. They enjoyed taking cruises and exploring places they had only dreamed of seeing.
No matter what the award or acclimation Harv always had Virginia by his side.
Harv is preceded in death by his father and mother Harvey T. and Annie Henry and the love of his life for 63 years, Virginia; sisters Helen Keller, Ruth Drum, Martha Davis and infant grandson John Charles Martin. Harv is survived and will be greatly missed by sister Margie Borer, brother Paul Henry and sister in law Theresa Karls-Ewen and brother in law George Davis. He is also survived by his daughters Jane (Ron) Gaines of Sandia Park NM, Kathy (Bruce) Martin of Farmington, sons Sam (Laurie) of Farmington and Tony (Roxanne) of Fruitland; Grandchildren, Marie Stremming, Jennifer (Mike) Ramirez, Cody (Jill) Henry, Jim (Sheena) Martin, Rhonda (Jed) Maag, Walt (Brandi) Whipple, Dennis (Nicole) Martin, Jessica (Joe) Slade, Mackenzie Henry, Nathan Henry and Talon Henry. Harv is also survived by 15 great grandchildren.
Viewing will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 Monday November 3, 2014 at Brewer, Lee, Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street in Farmington.
A memorial service to celebrate Harv's life will be held at 11:00 November 4, 2014, First Presbyterian Church 865 North Dustin Avenue in Farmington with Reverend Glenn Perica officiating.
Pall bears are Jim Martin, Dennis Martin, Nathan Henry, Talon Henry, Bruce Martin and Ron Gaines.
Honorary pall bearers are Jeff Bowman and the employees of Henry Production and Pumps and Service.
Many people played an important part in making Dad's last years as comfortable as possible. We would like to thank his private care givers Vanessa Padilla-Hoag and Judy Attson who have been an answer to our prayers. The knowledgeable, gentle, loving care as well as their daily dose of laughter has been a blessing. The family also wishes to express our gratitude to the Bridge of Farmington and their caring management and staff who greeted Dad every day with a smile.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Farmington Parks and Recreation for the Sycamore Park Center, 1051 Sycamore St., Farmington NM or the Farmington Boys and Girls Club, 1825 E 19th Street, Farmington, NM 87401 or the charity of your choice.
Harv's services are entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., Farmington, (505) 325-8688.