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Vail Daily obituary: Henry Lovato, 1933-2012

Special to the Daily
obituaries@vaildaily.com
Vail, CO Colorado

Henry Lovato, 79, of Grand Junction, died Oct. 15. He was born May 24, 1933, to Eliseo and Mary Lovato.

Some people drift throught life and expect others to provide for them. Others blaze the trail for the rest of us to follow. Henry was not only a leader, but a man that lived on his on adage: “Strength is endless one day at a time.” He was better known and loved as Hank, Dad, Daddio, Gramps, Grandpa Hank, Hank-the-Tank, Hankster-the-Prankster, like a father to me, dependable, trustworthy, hard-working, compassionate, and one of the greatest men to ever live.

He lived up to and exceeded his parents’ expectations, and they would be proud of his legacy. He lived for others and his heart was endless. He could never be lonely and would want us all to find bravery in the face of any sadness. To laugh with our entire souls. To live a life we can be proud of. His unconditional love was an admirable virtue: “People are going to do what they are going to do.” He taught anyone he could everything he could. And although he will be missed, his mission and character will carry through generations.

As a young man Hank played every sport he could, had fun and was good at all of them, but I think he believed a family is the most important club anyone could belong to, not to be taken for granted or lost in the chaos of our lives.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Lovato; sons Henry and Mark; daughters Beverly, Linda, Mary and Catherine; brothers Bob Lovato and Jim Lovato; sisters Lucy Borrell, Margaret Noriega and Bena Miller; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and generations to come

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An informal family party was held Oct. 20 at his son’s house. Hank wished for his ashes to be placed in Grouse Creek by Minturn.

Think of him always and everywhere. Visit him in the Colorado Mountains

Please send condolences for Beth c/o Henry Lovato, P.O. Box 5117, Gypsum, CO 81637.


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