Harry Hidalgo Sr., 103, of Laramie, died Monday, July 25, 2016 at Laramie Care Center. He was born in Mexico City, Mexico on April 10, 1913 to Jerónimo and Candelaria (Rivera) Hidalgo.
Harry moved with his parents and siblings to the United States when he was five years old. Harry worked very hard and became a U.S. citizen, but he continued to be very proud of his Mexican heritage. He met his late wife, Pat, in Nebraska and they were married for 73 years before she passed away in January 2013. In 1942, Harry and Pat moved to Laramie and had two children, Harry Jr. and Patsy.
Harry worked on the railroad for a short time before he began a career as a mechanic for Monolith Cement Plant for 30 years. He retired in 1976. Harry and Pat were extremely active in the Eppson Center, Moose Lodge, and the Latin American Club, of which they were founding members. Harry loved to fish, camp, dance, and listen to Mexican music. He was an avid reader, loved to draw, and enjoyed using his many tools to create rings, wallets, and other treasures for his family. Harry was very active and participated in the Senior Olympics in the swimming division. He won several medals. Before his passing, Harry was interviewed by National Geographic Magazine on an upcoming feature about centenarians in the United States. In 1957, he was also featured in Life Magazine discussing his family ties to Mexico. Harry loved his family most of all and enjoyed having great conversations with each one of his family members. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s successes and accomplishments and they in turn were proud of him for all his life achievements. Harry will be greatly missed; and although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat; and his seven siblings.
Harry is survived by his son, Harry Hidalgo, Jr. (Lynda) of Laramie; his daughter, Patsy (Joseph) Vigil of Laramie; grandson, Dean Hidalgo of LaPorte, Indiana; granddaughter Sonya Hidalgo-Winn (Greg) of Laramie; granddaughter, Lisa Vigil-Mason (Doug) of Pindale, Wyoming; and his great-grandchildren, Samantha Hidalgo-Clark (Steve), Austin Hidalgo, Sawyer Winn, Bode Winn, and Riley Mason; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, July 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Laramie Animal Welfare Society at laramieanimals.or/donate
Harry & Pat, My condolences to you in the loss of your beloved father. I have fond memories of him and your mom dancing when we played in town at the local clubs, and I always looked forward to seeing them. My parents were very good friends with them for many years. God bless. Charlie Padilla
Pat and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you can find moments of peace during these difficult days.
Harry and Patsy, so sorry about the loss of your dad. I always admired him and your mother as I was growing up.. They were good people.
I grew up about a block away from Harry & Pat--they were always interested in what the neighborhood kids were up to and had ready smiles and waves. I would see them around town and they were always happy to stop and chat. They were both top notch dancers and I had the privilege of doing a short dance with Harry when he was about 97-98. They were both wonderful people and we are left with many happy memories. Here's to a good life---well lived!
Patsy and family: What a long and happy life! Your Dad was an exceptional man and everyone is fortunate to have known and loved him. Thinking about you as you celebrate his life and times.
This man was a true gentleman, a good man. He always held the door for me and it always made me happy to see him. May he rest in peace.
My deepest Sympathy, I enjoyed taking care of Harry and Pat when I worked for Quality Home Health care and my Grandpa, John Van Cleave sure enjoyed that Harry would come to his room for a visit. Even though Papa was only at the nursing a short couple of weeks, Harry's visit made that time more enjoyable.