Verne Velasquez

Verne Velazquez, of Canyon Day, Navajo County, Arizona, went to be with the Lord June 6, 2011 at the Tall Pines nursing home in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 67. Verne was born March 18, 1944 in Canyon Day, Arizona to the late Inoshio and Sarah (Ball) Velasquez. Verne had many jobs throughout his life and on the reservation. He was a pipe layer for Sunrise where he helped build Sunrise Ski Resort and was employed with the BIA as a heavy equipment operator in the forest. Following his employment with the BIA, Verne, worked for the elderly feeding program where he served as a cook. A kind and generous man, he never met a stranger and was always willing to give you the shirt off his back or even his own food. A very talented and creative artist he loved to carve and draw. An avid sports fan he loved baseball and basketball and was even known to gamble from time to time. He loved spending time with his family and friends and loved to spoil his grandchildren. Verne will be missed by all those whom knew him best but none more than his loving family. He is survived by his daughters, Verna (Cordy Young) Velasquez of Whiteriver, Arizona, Bernadine Enriquez of Cibecue, Arizona, Janice (Rick) Tenijieth of Cedar Creek, Arizona; his sons, Fernando (Vertie) Enriquez, Ricky (Cheryl) Enriquez, Jonathan (Barbara) Enriquez all of Cibecue, Arizona, Vernon Velasquez of Pennsylvania, Howard Velasquez of Canyon Day, Arizona; 57 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; a sister, Genevive Bead of Canyon Day, Arizona; brothers, Glenn Fall of Canyon Day, Arizona and Andrew Bead of Canyon Day, Arizona as well as many extended family members and friends. A one night wake will be held 10:00AM Friday June 10, 2011 at the family residence, 116 S. Middle St., Canyon Day, Arizona. Funeral services will be held 1:00PM Saturday June 11, 2011 also at the home. Interment will follow in the Canyon Day Cemetery in Canyon Day, Arizona.