Henry J. Vavak

Born: May 13, 1922 Prague, Nebraska

Died: April 8, 2012 San Diego, California

Age: 89 Years (33 Days before his 90th)

Henry was raised on his father’s farm in eastern Nebraska.

In 1942 He joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Therein Henry served in multiple campaigns throughout the Pacific. They included China, Korea and Guadalcanal. He retired from the Marines in 1974 after serving a total of 32 Years.

October 26, 1949 Henry married Bernice Franta of Wahoo, Nebraska. They remained married for 62 Years. Together, they moved to San Diego in 1956 with their five year old son Dwayne and one year old Ralph.

There, Henry continued his Marine career at MCRD and Camp Pendleton.

In 1968 he began working at the Coronado Golf Course as a greens keeper. Over the next twenty-five years Henry worked his way to being the golf course superintendent.

Henry and Bernice purchased their first and second homes in Imperial Beach. During this time, he would frequently camp with his family and friends. As he and Bernice always owned a travel trailer, there was much opportunity to spend time with his family hiking, shooting and riding motorcycles.

After his retirement from the City of Coronado, Henry and Bernice move to their current residence in Encanto. Together they spent several months out of each year traveling in their trailer or motor home. When not traveling, he shared with his son Dwayne, the hobby of collecting and rebuilding old tractors and farm equipment.

Henry is survived by his wife Bernice, sister Agnes Vyhlidal, son Ralph, daughter-in-law Sandy, grandchildren Samantha and Eathan and great-granddaughter Rhyden. Henry lost his elder son Dwayne last July.

Henry was a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather and will truly be missed.

Pop’s favorite quote: “Let Go and Let GOD”

Henry's life will be celebrated at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Following the service, refreshments will be served.