Henry Fernandez

Henry Fernandez passed away Sunday July 3, 2016 at his home. He had a full and adventurous 90 years. Henry was born in Pocatello, Idaho, the son of Basque and Spanish immigrants, Juan Jose Fernandez and Petra Egurrola. He was the fourth of five children. His parents worked hard in their “New Country”. Times were especially harsh for them in the years of the Great Depression but their family loyalty and love for each other was beyond measure.
Henry was a survivor and learned early in life how to thrive in hard times. He established his first business when he was in his early 20’s. That was Henry’s Auto Wrecking. His wreckers serviced areas throughout Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. He was frequently called out to ever further destinations because his big wreckers were capable of pulling semi tractors out of deep canyons. He went with his crews whenever he got the call. More often than not he was at some far away snowy place for Christmas.
Henry’s life was colorful and rich with experiences. Without a dull moment he pushed forward from one amazing adventure to the next. He was a race car driver at the Bonneville Salt Flats and he spent time herding sheep with his Papa.
He met his lovely wife, Ardy Aldous, in 1948 when he took his Harley to Downey “to meet girls”. He was delighted to say he found the very best one. Together, Henry and Ardy had six children and with a rare bond of love we have all weathered the storms that came along.
Eventually Henry ended up starting another business, Henry’s Scrap Metals, where life lessons were abundant. He established his scrap metal businesses in Ogden, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Soda Springs, Burley, Rigby, Twin Falls and Las Vegas.
His legacy will not be just his street smarts and a quick wit. But more important he will be remembered for his many acts of compassion to the downtrodden and needy. He never forgot his humble beginnings and made many efforts in his life to lift others in need.
Henry is survived by his wife, Ardy, who he loved with his whole soul, his six children, Vicki Hochstrasser, Linda Pence, Teri (Cory) Lamb, Danny (Kirsten) Fernandez, Tami (Mark) Deagle, Randy (Lisa) Fernandez, seventeen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Petra, his sisters, Carmen, Isabel and Gloria, and his brother Joe, two grandsons, a son-in-law, one great granddaughter and one great grandson.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 7, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm and on Friday one hour prior to services at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N 12th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201.
Funeral services will be held Friday July 8, 2016 at 1 pm at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Cambridge Cemetery in Downey, Idaho