Henry Roy Valdez

Henry Roy Valdez, “Hanksta the Gangsta” from the good old west side, was called home April 8, 2023 at the age of 51. Born October 8, 1971, in Ogden, to Lulu (Garcia) and Jimmy Roy Valdez, Henry was the oldest of four kids.

Hanksta was a big loving, genuine man with a heart made of gold, he was the type of man you could call on at any time for any reason with no excuses and would be right there for you in a heartbeat. He had a personality that was like no other and could light up a room with just his presence. He always had a way with people he came across in his lifetime. Hanksta was quite the jokester, he loved making people laugh and smile, no matter where he went. Henry was never a dull moment to be around, even when he drove you crazy. The life of the party that man was, he loved his Bud Light, rapping and dancing to his old school music, his stomping grounds, the old west side where he spent most his life growing up on F Avenue. If you grew up on the west side you knew it was the best side and everyone knew everyone. Henry loved his street fighting and boxing. He was well known for his great power and strength. He either loved you or you ran from him. That knock out power, oh boy, was it a great hit.

Henry also grew up all over Ogden and attended Ben Lomond High School where he graduated in the class of 89. He was always a hardworking man who loved his jobs. He spent many years as a welder and loved every bit of it. But he was a man of many talents.

He lived and loved his family and friends like no other, and so many people who truly loved him for who he was. Throughout his early years he met Sherry Bautista and had two boys, Timothy Levi Valdez and Rome Israel Valdez. Then, a few years later, down the road, he met Britney Bustos and had two more daughters, Ambriea Conber Bustos and Jolice Mercedes Valdez. Timothy and Ambriea gave him seven beautiful grandchildren, Timothy’s children, Selena, Neveah, Talyeah, Isaiah, Jaydee; and Ambriea’s, children, Amaris and Iyrie. Henry loved his grandbabies so much. Every chance he got he spent time with them, they were always so happy to see him and play with him. He talked so much about them and showed them off to everyone. He was so excited to take them camping and show them how to fish, box, and break dance, like he did this Summer.

“Hanksta the Gangsta” was a friend to everyone. His love radiated from him in every way possible, he was never afraid to show his emotions no matter how big and tough he was. Henry will always be remembered for the man he was, the personality he carried, the light in the room he brought, the humor he had, the strength he carried, the love he dispersed in the air, the one person you could always count on, and the heart of gold he carried with him. Henry will be direly missed by so many family and friends, a man that was gone to soon. Let’s give Henry one last ride in the west side. “WSP baby,” loud whistle in “Hanksta the Gangsta” voice.

Henry is survived by his two sons, Timothy and Rome; his two daughters, Ambriea (Buddha) and Jolice (2 Tun); seven grandchildren; grand dogs, Adonis, Cuddy, and Pookie; his sisters, Melonie and Kristen; brother, Nick; aunts, Anita, Rachel, and Elena. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy; mother, Lulu; brother, Orlando; grandparents, Jose and Lena Ludell, Recus, Edward, Pete, Pete Jr, Brian, Mercedes, and Henry; uncles, Darnel and Rodger; brother in-law, Chuck; longtime friends, Diego and Miguel.

The family would like to give a huge thank you to Carson Ray and Angela Fuentes for the help on giving Henry the service he wanted.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 at 2 p.m., at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch.

We ask everyone, this day, to please wear red as it was Hanksta’s favorite color.