Henry Talavera Depano

Born on August 11th, 1969 in Tarlac, Philippines to Carlos Ilagan Depano and Nenita Talavera Depano, Henry was the third born of six siblings. In 1983, at the age of 14, Henry and his family moved to Seattle, WA, USA. Henry also resided in Jacksonville, FL and Queens, NY.

As a kuya (Tagalog for “older brother”), he cared for his three younger brothers, always making sure they were well-fed. His favorite food to cook for his siblings was pork neck bones sinigang (tamarind soup). Though he sincerely cared for them, he also loved to playfully pick on his younger brothers. Their eldest sister would scold him for that by chasing him out of the house, and Henry would laugh while running away from her. Henry carried his humorous and lighthearted spirit into adulthood.

A proud American, Henry joined the US Navy in 1987 after graduating from Chief Sealth High School in West Seattle. As an aviation support equipment technician, he received many accolades throughout his military career such as a national defense service medal, meritorious unit commendation, and multiple good conduct awards. Henry was also enrolled in various aviation classes in 1988. He honorably completed his service in November 1995 as a Petty Officer Third Class.

A few words are not enough to truly express how much Henry wholeheartedly loved his wife and best friend, Rowena Argote Depano. Henry and Ro first met at church in Jacksonville, FL, and started dating in 1989. They married on November 4th, 1995. Anyone who knew Henry, knew how much Ro meant to him. He would spend hours talking about how much he loved her and how much happiness she brought to his life. Rowena described Henry as goofy, yet loving. The two shared their life together performing their respective duties at church, traveling the world, and being “foodies” by experiencing different cuisines. Their dog, Tiger, was truly loved by Henry and Ro as their “son”. When eating out at restaurants, Henry and Ro would always save a tiny bit of food to bring home to Tiger, and relatives would often save their steak bones just for their honorary family member. Henry, Ro, and Tiger spent fifteen wonderful years together from 2007 to 2022.

Henry owned multiple businesses and often helped others, especially his family, in their business endeavors and ownerships. With a generous heart and a giving hand, Henry sponsored a school in his hometown of Dolores, Capas, Tarlac, in the Philippines. He was one of the selfless and caring stakeholders of Dolores Elementary School. He never had second thoughts of granting their requests for the benefit of the children and teachers.

Henry loved the sports scene in Seattle. You could always find him wearing Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken gear and pairing them with Crocs. He was also a proud fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Henry always kept multiple pens in his pockets. He enjoyed playfully annoying his wife, pranking his nieces and nephews, and clowning around with his siblings.

Henry is survived by his wife Rowena; his mother Nenita; and his siblings Florida “Ate Janet”, Rannie “Kuya Raboy”, Jen, Ka. Michael “Mike” (or “Don Don”), and Ronald “Bong”. He was preceded by his father Carlos “Caloy” (1942-2019). Henry will be buried in his rainbow suspenders— an homage to his dad’s favorite suspenders.

When asked about Henry’s life, it was commonly mentioned that Henry loved all his nieces and nephews. His favorite question was “Who’s your favorite uncle?” Henry is survived by his nieces and nephews: Jeana Elisa “Jeje”, Jullius, Justin, Jed, Rannie Jr. “RJ”, Ryan, Anne-Jenelle, Monica “Tata”, Jen Jr. “JJ”, Michael Jr. “CJ”, Elisha Micah, Kayla, Ronald King “RJ”, Angelina “Angie”, Paige, Leandro, Abilene “Abi”, Alessio, Brylee, Jurnee, and Mason. Henry was also known as “Grandpa Henry” to his grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded by his niece Cara (1990-2017).

Above all else, Henry’s faith was undoubtedly the most important part of his life. He was an active and faithful member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). He was a choir member from 1989 to 2003 and also became a choir leader during that time. He then became a deacon in 2004, and then a head deacon in 2012. Henry loved his duty in the choir; as a head deacon, he often used church hymn lyrics in his prayers. Henry was the 2nd Head Deacon in the locale of Des Moines, WA at the time of his passing, alongside his brothers Jen and Bong. He was beloved by the congregation.

Henry touched the lives of his family and multiple communities throughout his life. He will be missed by many. His legacy will carry on, reminding us all to be loving and to never take life too seriously. He finished his race in life, and his family members remain hopeful to be reunited with him in the life to come.

The viewing and funeral will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, WA on October 22nd and 23rd. The United States flag will be presented by his niece, SSG Anne-Jenelle Grajales. The pallbearers are: Ka. Noel Ignacio; Henry’s brothers (Raboy, Jen, Ka. Mike, Bong, and brother-in-law Rodjoy); and his nephews, Leandro and Ronald King.

A link to live stream services for Henry on October 22nd is below:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c24105707092858

A link to live stream services for Henry on October 23rd is below:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c24108027427720