Lenzo Alchesay, Sr.

Lenzo Alchesay, Sr. died peacefully at Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert, Arizona on Thursday, February 17, 2011 from complications of kidney disease. He was 71 years old. Lenzo was born on November 28, 1939 in Carrizo, Arizona to the late Archie and Esther (Truax) Alchesay. He was so proud of his White Mountain Apache Tribal roots as well as his Mexican heritage. In his younger years, Lenzo loved to play a good game of basketball. He met his life's sweetheart, Florence Albert, and married her on May 6, 1963 at the Open Bible Lutheran Church in Whiteriver, Arizona. They would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in just 10 weeks. As newlyweds, Lenzo and Florence would regularly go in to the forest and cut and stack a couple cords of wood, almost on a daily basis. They worked well together and were able to complete a load of wood in as little as 15 minutes. Lenzo thoroughly enjoyed the out-of-doors and the many activities he was able to do outside. He was an avid hunter throughout his life and easily tracked dozens of deer and elk over the years. Lenzo also loved a good fishing trip. He fished in just about every stream, river and lake in the White Mountains; his favorite being Hawley Lake. As a young man, Lenzo began working for the forestry department of the BIA in 1956 as a Limestone Hot Shot Fireman. In 1968, he started working at FATCO in Whiteriver as a lumber grader and grade changer. Over the years he recevied promotion after promotion and retired as foreman. He was well-like by all of his co-workers and found that no task was too great for him to tackle. Lenzo was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, cherished his children and loved his grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were spent with them. No one will miss him more than his family, who looked up to him as their exemplary patriarch. Lenzo is survived by: his wife, Florence Alchesay of Whiteriver, Arizona; 4 children: Alonzo Alchesay, Treva Massey (Dave), Zasu Steele, Lenzo Alchesay, Jr., all of Whiteriver, Arizona; 2 sisters: Annie Tessay, Elmira Alchesay, both of Whiteriver, Arizona; 2 brothers: Leonard Alchesay (Caroline) of Whiteriver, Norbert Alchesay of Cibecue, Arizona; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A two day wake for Lenzo will begin 10:00 A.M. Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Alchesay family home, 100 E. Willow Street in Whiteriver, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Whiteriver Miracle Church in Whiteriver. The concluding service and interment will follow at the Whiteriver Cemetery. Lenzo's family would like to thank all those who have expressed their tokens of sympathy through thought and deed. Your love and prayers are very much appreciated.