Matt Henry, 1958-2021
Wallace, California resident Matthew William Henry, 62, passed away January 21, 2021. Born July 27, 1958 in Livermore, Calif., Matthew was the youngest son of Thomas and Winifred Henry. He showed sheep and steers at Livermore 4H and FFA events. He was a graduate of Livermore High School.
At a young age, Matt would rope anything that would move, including his brother and sister. He was the 1984 California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Bareback Riding Rookie Of The Year. An avid team roper, Matt was a long-time member of ACTRA - American Cowboys Team Roping Association and WSTR - World Series of Team Roping. Win or lose, Matt enjoyed all aspects of roping from the hours in the practice pen to the time spent in the truck traveling to wherever the next roping may be located. He always enjoyed dining out after competition with his family and friends.
Matt was currently a loyal heavy equipment operator for Lehigh Hanson Aggregates, Clayton, Calif. and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 3 for more than 30 years. He was looking forward to retirement in the coming years. Matt was a hard working man who believed in the Lord, and we have peace knowing he is in Heaven riding a good heel horse roping every steer on the switch. Matt always had the confidence to make conversation with anyone, anywhere. We will always admire that about him and miss him dearly.
He is survived by his companion Debbie Costa, daughter Chyann Henry, son Trent Henry, grandson Shank Forzano, father Thomas Henry, sister Denise Gouvaia, brother Thomas Henry Jr., son-in-law Cord Forzano, brother-in-law Mark Gouvaia, and many other extended family and friends.
“The last goodbye’s the hardest one to say... This is where the cowboy rides away...”
Services were held February 5 at Sunset View Cemetery in Jackson, Calif.