82R28293 MDM-D
By: Quintanilla H.R. No. 2162
R E S O L U T I O N
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.