Nelson Lupe, III

Nelson Lupe, III, 38 of Whiteriver, Navajo County, Arizona tragically passed away on Friday, December 1, 2017 in Whiteriver, Arizona.  He was born on a Tuesday, May 1, 1979 in Phoenix, Arizona.  Nelson was a fighter, he overcame many challenges throughout his childhood.  He was a graduate of Alchesay High School, Class of 1997.  Nelson was an amazing athlete, on the court and on the field.  His athletic abilities in basketball took him all over the country, and earned him countless honors.  He was by far the most competitive person you'd ever met, from a simple game of cards to family volleyball games.  Nelson hated to lose.  He had that same passion and work ethic in all he did, Nelson was a hard working man.  He was a Special Education Teacher Aide, Ski Instructor, Construction Worker but the job he loved the most was being a DAD.  He loved to cook and help with the local youth baseball team that his boys played on "The Pirates."  Nelson had a unique way of inspiring and motivating anyone he met.  Towering over the children, Nelson could be heard throughout the field leading the cheer... "Pirates say What?!" followed by a huge roar of him and the team shouting "AAAaaaaaRRRrrrrr!!!"  He also was a avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed all his beautiful reservation had to offer from hunting, hiking to fishing and everything in between, Nelson did it all.  Nelson was loved by many. He was a HUGE family man. He loved all of his family and friends.  He had unique names for everyone.  Nelson loved his children and was so proud of the young men and the beautiful young lady they have grown to be.  Nelson was a uncle that proudly taught bad habits, but he was there to loved and protect all his nephews ad nieces as well.  He was an Amazing, Friendly and Passionate Man who will be greatly missed.Nelson is survived by his children, Trevin, Trevon, Corey and Chaunci Lupe; parents, Erwin & Edlina Lupe-Thompson; father, Arlic Bendle; siblings, Erwin Thomas Thompson, Sanjiv (Thompson) & Francisco Ruiz; nephews, Keslee Lupe & Cecil Ruiz as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friend.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rosina & Nelson Lupe, Jr. and Emma Fall.Nelson will be brought home for a one-night wake at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 26, 2018, 523 East Street Canyon Day.  The family would like any former Basketball & Baseball Teammates, Class of 1997 and Friends to escort Nelson home, starting from the old Canyon Day Community Building site to his house.  Funeral Services will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday, April 27, 2018 at the St. Francis Catholic Church, 9 West Elm Street, Whiteriver, Arizona with Fr. Eddie Fronski officiating.  Interment will immediately follow at the Lupe Family Plot in the Whiteriver Cemetery.