Gilbert Tsosie

Farmington - Gilbert James Tsosie was born July 27, 1956 in Crownpoint, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by both parents, Clarence and Jeanette Tsosie. Gilbert also known affectionately as Hanko has 3 brothers and 3 sisters and 14 nephews and nieces.

Hanko loved the outdoors and often went camping and fishing with his brother Brim and his nephews Brandon (Bean) and Nick. He was very adept at putting on worms for fishing and often performed this task for his nieces when they went along. He was a good fisherman and in one instance, caught a fish with a lure soaked with Dr. Pepper when he ran out of bait.

Hanko loved classic Rock and Roll and passed this love of classics on to his nephews and nieces. Even the youngest niece would hum Rock and Roll songs and when asked where she heard it, she answered, "Uncle Hank." On the eve of his passing, his beloved nephews and niece played a Rock and Roll tribute for him. As a Rock and Roll aficionado, he attended many concerts in person. He often recorded songs and accumulated his own collection.

He enjoyed all kinds of movies, but his favorite was action movies. He thoroughly enjoyed the Supernatural series about two brothers who also liked Rock and Roll. On one occasion, he even watched the Notebook and decided he liked it. Over the years he also recorded many movies especially Disney movies for his nephews and nieces when they were young.

He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and always wore his colors when a game was on. He was a true fan celebrating the wins and stayed with his team through the wins as well as the losses.

Hanko also traveled quite a lot with his family and even traveled to Europe. He visited Disneyland in California, went deep sea fishing off the coast of San Diego, attended one of Sammy Sosa's games as a Chicago Cub at Wrigley Field and indulged in deep dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno while in Chicago, and rode the train across the country. He visited seven countries in Europe, climbing 1000 steps in Germany, riding a gondola in Venice, Italy, passing through a tunnel to get to Austria and stopping on the Alps in Switzerland to check out the birds, visiting numerous castles, tasting wine in France, trying on wooden shoes in Amsterdam, and watching the changing of the guards in England. He enjoyed all his adventures and never lost his sense of humor.

Hanko had a great sense of humor and he never failed to make you laugh. He was a true people person and would talk to everyone and make friends anywhere. He was a gentle person and will always be remembered for his kind soul.

Hanko worked as a laborer in the oil fields and construction business. When he was not working, he helped raised his 2 nephews and 2 nieces. He did a wonderful job as evidenced by the love given to him by the nephews and nieces.

Hanko was a great and generous brother, always willing to give to give a helping hand. When we remember him, we all smile and laugh at his humor and his ability to find the good in everyone and to fully enjoy the lives that we have. He believed in the Christian teachings that his parents imparted to him as he was growing up and no doubt he is now in heaven reuniting with all who have gone before him and also making new friends. Hanko, we love you and you will always remain in our hearts, inspire us to be better, and always give us a smile.

Gilbert is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel of Kirtland.