Thomas Henry Sanchez

Thomas Henry Sanchez, a resident of Cedar Crest, NM, was born Thursday, September 2, 1943, in Old Town Albuquerque. He passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023, after suffering for several years from various medical issues, including cancer. Tom graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1962. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brigitte. He met her in Albuquerque in 1974 after his own service in the Army from 1963-1966 in Augsburg, Germany. She was a young Vietnam widow from Munich with 2 young sons, George and Patrick "James", that he took under his wing and raised as his own. A few years later they had their own beloved son Thomas J. Sanchez.

He was known to have been a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. During his youth Tom was called Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents Honorato and Lugardita Silva Sanchez; sister Yolanda; sister-in-law Nini; and nephew Johnathan. In addition to his wife and their son, he is survived by a large immediate and extended family: son George Cox and his wife Doris; their sons Dylan, Jordan and Dakota; son Patrick James Cox and wife Karen; son K. Sage; daughter Georgiana with husband Adam Bowers and their baby son Connor; sister-in-law Jutta Boyd; her daughters Janine Hank and Sasha Hank and family; Sanchez siblings include Ernest and Priscilla, Daniel and Mary, Carl and Kathy, David, Emma, Phyllis Lara; and his godson Andrew; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

He had a strong work ethic and worked for over a decade at GTE Lenkurt and then worked for over 40 years on the base with a defense contractor, long past retirement age. He and Brigitte were avid gardeners and together they transformed their homes with manicured lawns, lush trees, and beautiful flowers. Tom was an avid lover of history and New Mexico culture. He most especially loved family gatherings and was quite the storyteller. He was greatly loved and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Cancer Society of New Mexico.