Henry "Hank" Rocha

90 years old, and a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, died peacefully in the company of his family on September 13, 2012. Henry was born to Jose and Carmen Rocha in Durango, Mexico but came as a 2-year old to live his lifetime in Santa Barbara. He attended Lincoln Elementary, SB Junior and SB High schools. Soon after, he began to work at the Johnson Lemon Packing facility where he met his future wife Concha. Henry was drafted into the Army at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served in the forces for two years and later joined the US Navy for an additional nine years. His travels took him to Africa, Korea and Italy where he proudly became a US Citizen. After serving our country he came back and worked in machine shop and electronics. "Hank" was happily married 61 years to 'Tia Concha and was a proud father and roller skating teacher to the batty twins Charlie and Arthur. Formal, soft-spoken and friendly, Henry's favorite activities were volleyball, water skiing, the beach and traveling. For 16 consecutive years he traveled to Cancun and rain or shine he was the last one off the beach before enjoying the company of his native friends. Later he would travel to Europe and in his last trip to Italy in 2003 he visited Florence, Tuscany, Piacenza and Montecatini where at the foot of the "Horse and Wings" statue he fondly and sadly but proudly, remembered his days in the military. At home Tio Henry enjoyed driving his Yellow Challenger to the beach, watching classic John Wayne movies, listening to his 78's collection, visiting with his grandkids and occasionally dedicated "Por unos Ojos Verdes" to his lovely wife. Henry leaves a legacy of respect, discipline, ethics and always doing the right thing. Henry was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Carmen and his brother Benjamin. He is survived by his wife Concha Rocha; sons Charlie and Arthur; and also leaves behind his grandson Danny Rocha (wife Kelli) and granddaughter Rae Ann Westlake Rocha and great grandkids Thomas Henry and Harrison Patrick Rocha, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Henry Rocha, you may be in heaven now but on earth you will not be forgotten. Your loving extended family prays the "Padre Nuestro" on your behalf. Until we meet again! The rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, September 19th at 7 pm at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel, 15 E. Sola. Mass services will be on Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe church at 10:00 a.m.

Henry "Hank" Rocha

September 22, 1921 - September 13, 2012