LACAPA, Michael Gene

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 03/18/2005 Michael Gene Lacapa, 49, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 in Taylor. Michael was born in Phoenix and moved to Whiteriver as an infant. He graduated from Alchesay High School, lettering in football. He then attended ASU where he graduated with a degree in Art Education and then attended NAU for graduate courses in Fine Arts. Michael met Kathy Sullivan in Canyon Day and they were married in 1977 and had three beautiful children. Michael's life passion was people. He was an artist and author of children's literature and was an internationally recognized storyteller and author/illustrator. He was a very determined person, family oriented with a good sense of humor. In his free time, Michael loved carpentry. He desired to inherit the hands of his father who was a master carpenter. People will always remember him as a national treasure. Michael is survived by his wife, Kathy of Taylor; two sons, Daniel Lacapa and Anthony Lacapa, both of Flagstaff; one daughter, Rochelle Lacapa of Whiteriver; five brothers, Robert (Lela) Lacapa of Canyon Day, Andrew (Olivia) Lacapa of Whiteriver, Duane Lacapa and Janet Pavatea of Phoenix, Nathan Lacapa and Regina Pailzote of Whiteriver, and Bennett (Cathy) Lacapa of Show Low; two sisters, Andrea (Roman) Benevente of Saipan and Stephanie (Albert) Burnette of Phoenix; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 at Grace Church in Show Low with a viewing at the church from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. To send private condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit web site: www.owensmortuary.com.