Quiet Giants : Henry Diaz , Sr .
Henry Diaz ’ s nephew , Russell Sosa , encapsulates not only the Diaz legacy , but
Henry as well , in this quote from his school essay . “ La Famila Diaz , a family filled with history , with character , with maturity . The maturity that has evolved lends character to a proud family , an honorable family . A family that has settled , settled to appreciate La Familia Diaz . The one we had , the one we have , the one we will have .”
Ron ’ s daughter , Cassandra Newton , credits her grandparents with passing down many of the family ’ s traditions . “ Camping , making jarred jalapeños , menudo , and so many things my dad has done with us all these years ,” she said .
Granddaughter Toni Diaz is confident that she can always count on her family . “[ Henry ] has instilled that quality for generations .”
“ Not too long ago my grandpa and I were sitting in his living room , and I told him I know I ’ m missing a lot of family events because I ’ m working so much ,” Toni recalls . “ He said don ’ t be sorry , work hard and go after your dreams . That meant a lot to me .”
As for Henry , all that has ever mattered is family . “ Everything the kids did for me , and I did for them , that ’ s what I love , they ’ re my life .”
TOP LEFT : Henry poses with kids , grandkids and great grandkids at his 91st birthday , 2021 . TOP RIGHT : Five generations of Henry and Rachel ’ s family . NEXT : Henry with siblings Bob Diaz , Edwin Diaz , Sr ., Sylvia Diaz-Guajardo , and Geri Guererro , 2021 . NEXT : Sheriff for the day , Henry is in charge during a drive-by parade in 2021 . BELOW RIGHT : Henry poses with his favorite nieces and nephews , and Bobby Angulo . BELOW LEFT : Family man , devoted husband , father , grandfather , and great grandfather , Henry Diaz Sr . raised his thriving family with love , laughter , and a heart of gold . Character , kindness and a zest for life define the Diaz family , as modelled by Henry and Rachel . Just as it should be .
54 WINTER 2022 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com