Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Athletes, fellow educators and students pay tribute to Rex Henington's life

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Los Lunas As the sun climbs high in the sky, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves on the trees overlooking a pond as a community comes together to honor a man who was greatly admired and respected and who touched the lives of those he came into contact with.

The dedication of the pond and unveiling of a memorial stone in remembrance of Rex Henington, a teacher, coach, principal and athletic director, brought a crowd of family members, friends and colleagues together to reminisce and acknowledge the life of man who made an impact on Valencia County and cities across the state of New Mexico.

Henington passed away suddenly after being diagnosed with cancer in early 2007, and his death left a hole in the hearts of a county that knew him well. A Belen High School graduate, as a coach, Henington led the Eagles to the state playoffs in 1982. And although Henington worked throughout the state over the span of his career, he spent his final years in the Los Lunas School District.

But there were only good-humored rivalries Saturday as the two communities came together outside Los Lunas High School.

"Rex was one heck of a guy," said Los Lunas Village Councilor Robert Vialpando. "I remember him and his brother on the football team. They were pretty powerful, and there was a strong rivalry between Belen and Los Lunas in those days."

Patty Goodson, who was a classmate of Henington, opened the memorial ceremony by saying he was an example to all who knew him. She said he was an inspiration to the youth at Los Lunas High and they learned from him the importance of making a difference.

"He touched the lives of many students with his wisdom, mindset, compassion and humor," Goodson said.

One by one, friends and colleagues spoke of their fond memories of Henington, retelling stories of days gone by, bringing laughs and happy tears to those in attendance.

"Rex was one of those people that comes around once in a lifetime," State Sen. Michael Sanchez said. "I think Rex was a kid at heart."

Village school board member Frank Otero remembers the man he worked with as always having a smile on his face and a good attitude, yet not being afraid to be tough.

"It's a great loss to the Los Lunas Schools," Otero said. "He was a big part of a number of kids' lives, and he won't go unremembered."

With both Eagles and Tigers in attendance, there was some light banter between the two districts as memories were shared and recollections of football stories challenged at times, amid laughter.

Los Lunas teacher and class sponsor Marvelyn Thomas playfully welcomed the guests to the "jungle - land of the Tigers."

She spoke of the decision of the class of 2007 to use the remainder of its activity funds to begin cleanup on the area where they chose to create the memorial for Henington.

"The students moved mountains of rock for hours at a time," Thomas said. "They gave up their spring break and Saturdays for a man they loved. Mr. Henington believed in character, and what better gift from the students to show they learned their lesson well."

Former 2007 class officer Elias Casaus said the decision to restore the pond didn't take much discussion and the pond was perfect because Henington could watch over and take care of the school and community forever.

"On the first day of school, in an assembly, he (Henington) told us to get involved every day - to make friends and experience life," Casaus said. "He inspired me to do just that, and to try and find words to describe Rex Henington and how great a man he was is hard to do."

Casaus said Liz Marquez, Los Lunas' cheerleading coach, used the three best words when describing Henington - fair, firm and respected.

Henington's wife, Susie Sharp Henington, said she was overwhelmed by the effort of so many people who worked to create such a beautiful spot to honor her husband.

"There was a time in Rex's life (when) he wondered if he made the right choice," Susie said. "Before his death, he wondered if he should have spent his life in education - wondered if he had made a difference to anybody. This proves he did make a difference."

She went on to say all the rocks in the pond represent all the students whose lives Rex touched and that he couldn't have picked a better place to be remembered had he planned it himself.

Former Belen coach Evisalio "Bull" Padilla has fond memories of Henington and said he followed his career over the years. He remembers driving the school bus to games, "keeping one eye in the rear view mirror and one eye on the road.

"They were not always the best behaved," Padilla joked.

Padilla said Henington was always looking back at him, making the "high" sign used to get truckers to honk their horn.

"That was my favorite memory," Padilla said, choking up.

While there were many funny stories told of the man who so clearly made an impression on those he came across, it was evident that Henington will not be forgotten and will be missed dearly by those who knew him.

"Rex touched many lives - so many students in the education field," said Gary Elkins, who graduated two years earlier than his friend. "He was committed to what he was doing."

"He was bigger than life," said former football player Howard Achen. "We played (football) with him, and we knew how hard it was to handle him. It took seven guys to bring him down (on the field)."

Achen said the last time he saw Henington was at a state girl's softball game, and it wasn't the coaching skill he admired, but the fact that Henington knew something personal about each of his players.

"I was so impressed," Achen said. "That's what was important to him."

George Trujeque graduated with Henington and remembers him as someone who was always there for you - on and off the field.

"I was a guard and Rex was a tackle, and in the first half of one game, a tall, skinny cowboy was roughing me up pretty good," Trujeque recalls. "At half time, Rex said, 'we'll take care of this guy,' and they did."

Trujeque said Henington was an extension of Coach Padilla - always bigger than life-- and he believed the memorial was fitting for what he had accomplished in Los Lunas and in the valley.

"I'm pleased Los Lunas has embraced him - it's evident," Trujeque said.

Gene Bustamante too remembered his time on the playing field with Henington and later going to college with a man he admired from the first day he met him in fifth grade.

"He was a fabulous person - the toughest person that we all tried to emulate," Bustamante said. "He will be in my heart forever — and a few pains in my side too," he added with a chuckle. "All his happiness came from his wife, Susie."

With music from the Lost Howlin' Coyotes, Tony Mora and Gordon West closed the ceremony and the memorial stone was unveiled.

"I'm still dumbfounded by this whole thing," Susie Henington said. "Rex could not have picked something more perfect. It is wonderful."

E-mail this story Printer-friendly version