April 29, 2008
Editor's note: The following letter and the reader responses are from the story published Sunday about Henry Pfafflin, a Sunset Heights resident found dead in his home on Friday. The funeral arrangements are at the bottom of this piece.
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Those Who Are Remembered Never Really Die
I got a call yesterday from a friend telling me Henry died. I was shocked and saddened to hear this sad news that haunts me. I met Henry several years ago at one of our Sierra Club Environmental Justice Briefings about El Paso's environmental problems. Opposing ASARCO's reopening and exposing their toxic legacy was Henry's number one mission and passion. Henry deeply loved his Sunset Heights neighborhood, and the people of El Paso. Many of us also loved Henry right back.
Since I met him, I always related to and learned from Henry. Henry was not only my friend, he was my ally in our fight for life, truth and justice. I will miss our conversations and the camaraderie we had over the years in our campaign to stop ASARCO from further death and destruction of El Paso's health and safety.
I realized that I am a lot like Henry.
Henry being perceived by some as "a bit odd" really meant he was just different than others.
I too have been called "odd" by the mainstream, and worse by people who don't like my opinions or brand of activism. Even some of our friends and colleagues we work with in local NGOs like Get the Lead Out and Sierra Club don't understand that our differences and diversity is what makes us as a group of concerned individuals effective and powerful. People need to understand that it takes all kinds of methods and actions working separately and together to affect change.
People like Henry and I may look different, and even act different, but we can be as effective and as smart as anyone else. Our fault, if there is one, is we care too much, and will speak out no matter what anyone thinks of us.
My pack of dogs outside howl, bark, and yes growl at passersby like Henry's did, as they want to protect me and their home. I am sure Henry's dogs loved him and wanted to protect him and their home too. Dogs have been doing this since man formed a relationship with them many thousands of years ago.
Henry! I cannot believe you have left us physically. We cannot see you anymore. But please know that a number of the people who knew you will remember and talk about you and what you did in your too short time with us. I know I will. You now know that those who are remembered and spoken about after they pass are never really gone.
God Bless you, Henry Pfafflin. You live on in spirit, in the actions you left behind, and in our hearts and souls.
Yer friend,
bill addington
Sierra Blanca & El Paso
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Thank you for the nice write-up. It is so comforting to know that Henry had so many good friends. -- Mary Lou Witholder
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We laughed with Henry. We laughed at Henry. We laughed with Henry at other people. But most of all we loved Henry. His odd ways and humor could be a spectacle to some, but were part of his normal character to most.
He fought hard. He believed in Sunset Heights, and in El Paso. He believed his home deserved better than Asarco, and he worked diligently to do his part to hold the company accountable.
Always with a smile. Always with a tune. We'll miss him very much. -- Dave
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Henry had a huge heart, and the courage to fight for what he believed in. He will be missed.
"Just say no, just say no to ASARCO"
RIP -- Eric
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The good die young. In this case, before the outcome of his struggle for the health, safety and comradeship of the people of Sunset Heights. The evils of ASARCO and those agencies meant to protect the citizens in his and our communities were only the lightning rods. I did not know him well except that his heart was in the right place. Without knowing this, his knowledgeable ramblings did not make sense. Sunset Heights and the Paso del Norte region have lost a character with real character. I know I will miss Henry Pfafflin. -- Rick Provencio
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I will miss Henry. He was genuine & committed to his beliefs for which he tirelessly worked. -- Patricia Medici
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Funeral Arrangements
Henry Louis Pfafflin (July 9, 1953- on or about April 23, 2008)
Henry's family wants to thank everyone for their comfort and help during the past few days. We can see that Henry was well-loved by the folks in Sunset Heights. You have passed that love on to us, and it means so much to us.
Henry’s funeral arrangements:
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Martin West next to Coronado High School (128 N. Resler). The internment will be at Rest Lawn Cemetery at a later date, possibly on Saturday, May 3.