Henry Michael Gonzales, born September 29, 1950, passed away after a long fight with heart issues on December 9, 2021. He was preceded in death by his Parents Carmen (Chavez) Gonzales and Moisés Gonzales; brothers Onesimo ("Oney") Gonzales, Paul Gonzales, Alfred ("Spider") Gonzales, Jude Gonzales and David ("Dino") Chavez; sisters Evangeline ("Vangie") Gonzales and Margaret Chavez; and nieces and nephews Michael Gonzales, Darron Perea; Bernadette ("Bernie") Segura, Edward Chavez and Roland Chavez.

He is survived by his long-time partner Carolyn Mitchell; ex-spouse and lifelong friend Anne B. Gonzales; daughters Magdalena Gonzales and Sarah G. Gallegos (Ignacio V. Gallegos); sisters JoAnn Gonzales and Mabel Gonzales; grandchildren Deserae Lovato (Blaine Salazar), Anthony Rivera Jr., Ana Gallegos, and Eliseo ("Cheo") Gallegos; great-granddaughter Amiyah Salazar; and nieces and nephews Yvonne, Rodney, Robby, Conrad, Carmela, Julian, Paul, Laura, Carla, Danny, Evangeline ("Honey"), Marlene ("Gati"), Charlene, Francis ("Cisco"), Gary, Celeste, Jerome, Lizzy, and Sammy.  Carolyn's children, Alyssa and Ryan also share his familial love. His memory is cherished and will be missed not only by his family, but also many more because his influence spread well beyond his family to various communities.

Henry grew up in the Sawmill area of Albuquerque, and was a lifelong educator and received a MA in history. He taught at an orphanage in Taos, the New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe, and Los Lunas High School.  He extended his love of teaching into advocacy for teachers as a National Educator's Association (NEA) union representative and staff member, challenging the status quo and fighting for better benefits for his fellow teachers, school staff and bus drivers. Even after retirement, to honor the union legacy of his father, he served as a volunteer board member for the NEA retirees and was inducted into the NEA Hall of Fame in 2014.

Henry was also a 40-year volunteer at KUNM-FM radio.  He expressed his love of music in the shows he hosted, sometimes freeform, sometimes jazz, but most importantly as a member of the Raíces Collective (El Colectivo Raíces). He advocated for local hosts and programs to reflect the local cultural interests of the community.  He was instrumental in the formation of the KUNM radio board and was elected several times to the radio board as a volunteer representative and chairman of the radio board.

Henry was also a practicing Buddhist.  He partook of the Soka Gakkai Nichiren Buddhism, and found peace in the chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, which contains the essence of the Buddha's lifetime of teaching, imparting hope, individual potential, and peace in our lives and for our society. He enjoyed the beat generation writers, particularly Jack Kerouac, and was an unapologetic, patchouli-wearing, long-haired Deadhead.  He was vocal when it came to politics for the people and causes to benefit the ordinary person, and playful when among friends.  His wit and sense of humor often went against the grain and came at surprising moments.  His favorite Buddhist Gosho was "Winter never fails to turn to Spring."

Henry's lifetime friend in faith, AL Soto, will host a private Buddhist ceremony followed by a Zoom memorial service this Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM, at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3840417789?pwd=eGlHbldJVWZYYkVDQk54citiekRPUT09

An in-person remembrance ceremony and burial for family, comrades, and friends will be held in January at a date to be determined.