Former Gardnerville resident Edward Richard Atencio died Dec. 30, 2009, in Reno. Mr. Atencio lived in Yerington for the past 8 years. He was 85 years old.
Mr. Atencio was born May 14, 1924. He joined the Navy in 1943 and served as a member of the Seabees. He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona where he was named outstanding athlete.
He married his wife Beverly in 1954 and they moved to Gardnerville. He taught school and coached first in Gardnerville and then for more than 20 years at Coleville High School, where he was Coach of the Year, 1972-74. He was known as "Mr. Ed" and stayed in touch with many of his students.
Mr. Atencio loved skiing. The Douglas County Ski Club was created in 1958 when he began taking students to the ski slopes. He was involved with the club for 40 years. He received many awards, but was most proud of being named Man of the Year in 1989.
He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly. He is survived by daughters Jill Taliaferro and Lori Atencio, grandchildren Angela and Wesley, and son-in-law
Danny Taliaferro.
No services are planned. Arrangements are in care of Affinity of Reno.
