TITLE: In memory of Alfonso "Poncho" Cardenas of El Paso.

SUMMARY: In memory of Alfonso "Poncho" Cardenas of El Paso.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Alfonso Cardenas, a lifelong resident of El Paso who died on May 4, 2011, at the age of 80, positively impacted the lives of countless people, and he leaves behind a record of service that his loved ones can remember with pride; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his nearly 30 years with the Socorro Independent School District, Al Cardenas nurtured and inspired not only his beloved students but also a number of colleagues, for whom he was a respected mentor; he retired in 1996 after an exceptional career, during which he served as a teacher, counselor, director of federal programs, assistant principal, and principal; Mr. Cardenas held the latter post initially at Escontrias Elementary, then at the newly built William D. Slider Middle School, and finally at Myrtle Cooper Elementary; and WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Poncho," "Mr. C.," and "El Jefe" (the Boss), Mr. Cardenas held dear a wide circle of friends, and his home was the scene of many fondly remembered gatherings; those lively occasions included the annual, highly anticipated "three-campus reunion, cookout, and swim party," which brought together staff and faculty from each school where he served as principal; in addition to the esteem he enjoyed as a result of his work in the SISD, Mr. Cardenas won deep affection and appreciation for his volunteer efforts as a Little League umpire, youth basketball referee, and cofounder of the Golden Gloves at San Juan Community Center; his role in establishing the latter program won him induction into the El Paso Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002; Mr. Cardenas's interest in sports also encompassed football, and he was a fervent fan of the Dallas Cowboys; and WHEREAS, Poncho Cardenas led a full and productive life, and those who were blessed to share in his love and friendship will forever hold him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Alfonso Cardenas and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Mari Cardenas; to his children and their spouses, Alma Orozco, Brenda and Mike Castaneda, Debbie and Robert Velasquez, Kraig and Marcy Belcher, Lisa and Roland Cardenas, Michael and Veronica Valles, and Al Cardenas, Jr., and Mary Cardenas; to his mother, Estela Cardenas; to his brother and sister, Leo Cardenas and Alice Roybal; to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Poncho Cardenas. Quintanilla Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2162 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 26, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House