In this section, we wish to say farewell to our beloved Colville Tribal Members and send our wishes for health, happiness and faith to their families.
We welcome memorials about your loved ones and friends who have passed away, including photographs and poems if you wish. Please send your contributions to: Tribal Tribune Memorials, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem WA 99155 or Email @ editor.tribune@colvilletribes.com. Include your name and address on the photographs, funeral cards or other materials you want returned to you.
Bradley L. Nicholson
Bradley L. Nicholson, 7, of Omak, Wash. passed away Thursday, May 18, 2006 as the result of a car accident. He was born on August 4, 1998 in Omak, Wash. to Marty and Tonya Nicholson. Bradley spent his short life in Omak attending Paschal Sherman Indian School and North Omak Elementary School. He is a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Catholic Church.
Bradley loved all animals, the outdoors, bugs, 4-wheelers, motorbikes, trains, planes and anything with a motor. Bradley was never afraid to try anything. He could talk your ear off and was known for telling you exactly what he thought. Bradley’s mischievous smile could melt any heart. He will be deeply missed by everyone touched by him.
Bradley is survived by his dad, Marty; his mom, Tonya; his brothers, Casey and Justin; his great-aunt, Babe Nicholson; gramma, MaryRose Nicholson; grampa, Kenny Goujon, uncles, Wacey, Raymond and Lester Nicholson, Curtis St. Peter and Johnny Howard; and many other cousins, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grampa, Richard Nicholson, his favorite great-uncle, Raymond Nicholson, and his gramma, Beverly Goujon.
A family rosary was held Saturday, May 20, 2006, at 8 p.m. in the Omak Longhouse. A public Rosary was held Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 7 p.m. in the Omak Longhouse. Funeral services were held Monday May 22, 2006 at 10 a.m. in the Omak Longhouse. Final resting place was at the Ellisforde Indian Cemetery following the service on Monday. Father Jake Morton, SJ, officiated. Precht-Harrison-Nearents Funeral Chapel in Okanogan was in charge of the arrangements.
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Francis Lezard
Francis Lezard, 50, Omak, died May 22, 2006.
He was born April 3, 1956, in Nespelem and lived most of his life in Omak.
Survivors include his siblings, Leonard Lezard of Auburn, Kathleen Sam and Yvonne Thomas of Nespelem, Kelly Lezard of Elmer City, Lois, Noreene and Doreene Lezard and Wayne McCraigie, all of Omak, David Lezard of Poplar, Mont., and Tella St. Paul and Virginia Lezard of Coulee Dam, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rosary was May 24 at the Omak Longhouse with Mass at St. Mary’s Mission on May 25. Interment was in St. Mary’s Mission Cemetery.
Precht-Harrison Nearents Chapel, Okanogan, was in charge of arrangements.
Gary R. Flett, Jr.
Gary R. Flett, Jr., passed away June 1, 2006. Survived by two sisters, Danielle Flett and Star Clark, both of Nespelem, WA; one brother, Donnie Flett, Wellpinit, WA; grandmother Candy Samuels, Wellpinit, WA; four nieces and two nephews; and a host of family and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents Gary and Tina Flett and his great-grandmother Eva Paul. Wake was Monday, June 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Spokane Tribal Longhouse, Wellpinit, WA. Funeral Mass was Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. at the Spokane Tribal Longhouse. Interment followed at the Little Nespelem Cemetery.
Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Spokane, was in charge of arrangements.
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Nellie Ruth Fry
Nellie Ruth Fry, a lifetime resident of Inchelium, WA, passed away on June 16, 2006 in Colville at the age of 80. She was born in Inchelium, WA on December 24, 1925, the daughter of Clarence A. and Helen Elsie (Ferguson) Hoffman.
Nellie attended school in Inchelium. After completing her education, Nellie married Lawrence Richard Fry on August 24, 1943 at Roger’s Bar, WA. There they began a family and resided for a time. They then purchased the Moon Mountain Ranch near Inchelium and Nellie stayed home to raise the children and work the ranch. She took care of the ranch during the day while Lawrence worked away from the home. In the mid-1970’s, Nellie and Lawrence built and operated the Shady Cove Resort at Twin Lakes. They retired from the resort in the 1980’s and then focused again on the operation of the family ranch. In 2001, Nellie’s health forced her to move to Colville where she resided at the Pinewood Terrace Nursing Home.
Nellie was a wonderful cook and often cooked for large groups at the ranch. She was a woman of who lead by her honesty, sense of humor, compassion and devotion to her family. She knew the value of a full day’s work and the love of family and friends. Nellie enjoyed fishing, word and jig-saw puzzles, boating, shopping and the time spent with family, especially her grandchildren. She was a past member of the Eagles Lodge and Hall Creek Grange.
Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Levi Hoffman and her son, Larry Fry and grandsons, Ronnie Jr. and Frank Fry.
She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Fry, Colville, WA; her daughter, Katy Burdett, Tampa, Florida; her sons, Richard Fry and his wife, Lavada, Omak, WA, Ron Fry and his wife, Jean Seymour, Inchelium, WA, Don Fry and his wife, Shaundei, Inchelium, WA; her sisters, Mae Banning, Inchelium, WA, Donna “Tootie” McClung, Colville, WA, Dolly Hamley and her husband, Smokey, Colville, WA, Jean Whipple, Spokane, WA; her brother, Bud Hoffman, Inchelium, WA.
The services for Mrs. Nellie Ruth Fry began with a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at the Danekas Chapel in Colville. The Rosary was at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 22, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Michael’s Mission in Inchelium, WA. A graveside service followed the Funeral Mass at the Hall Creek Cemetery in Inchelium. Memorial contributions can be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory was in charge of the arrangements.
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Dewayne Gabriel Desautel “Bear”
Born on April 17, 1949 in Nespelem, Washington at the old Indian Health Service Hospital. He was the son of Gilbert and Lucetta Desautel.
He is survived by his sister – Deborah Friedlander; brother, Gilbert “Junior” Desautel, and his sister, Karen George.
Dewayne grew up in Washington State, living in Bridgeport, Seattle, Coulee Dam and settling in Nespelem. He went to Coulee Dam High School and was very active in sports. He participated in baseball, basketball and football. He especially excelled in football and was the most feared linebacker in the League. He was good enough to have played for any collegiate team. He graduated in 1968 and then traveled for a few years to the tune of “the wanderer”.
In 1974, he married Peggy Cawston. They had 4 children together; DJ, Desirea, Cetta – deceased, and Dallas, also deceased. During this time he began working as a heavy equipment operator in the woods. He has one grandchild from Desirae and Tahtahnka BearEagle, her name is Tahrae BearEagle.
Later Dewayne and Peggy separated and Dewayne met Janice Matt in 1987 and stayed in her companionship until death. The two of them had Robert Edward Desautel, named after Red Palmer, better known as “Cubby” and two step-children, Winfred and JW Pakootas.
Dewayne also has two other children: Michelle Desautel Talbert – who lives in New Orleans and Lea Desautel – who lives in Okanogan. He has three grandchildren from Michelle.
Dewayne touched the hearts of many, because he had a big heart of his own. He will be truly missed by all who were left behind.
The family of DeWayne Desautel Sr. would like to thank all the relatives & friends who attended his services.
To the cooks, who did a marvelous job. To all the hunters who provided meat. The ones who dried meat – it was great! Also the grave diggers.
To all the Pall Bearers – good job, you all looked so nice. Winfred & Travis for their songs. Father Jake & choir for their services. DeWayne would be so proud.
To all who sent flowers & helped with the services, our sincere Thanks.
Jancee’ Matt & family
Lucetta Desautel
Debbe, Karen and Jr. Desautel,
Desirae & D.J. Desautel
William (Bill) F. Yallup, Sr.
On September 4, 1926, the Creator blessed Thomas K. Yallup and Alice Stooyat Charley with a son, William F. Yallup. He was born in a tepee in the tribal village at the annual Labor Day Rodeo in Ellensburg, Washington. On June 17, 2006, William completed his Circle of Life’s Journey. A respected elder and leader to his Yakama people, other tribes and colleagues, he generously shared his expressions of love and friendship with others.
William’s paternal grandparents were Chief We Yallup, who descended from the seventh Treaty signer Wish-Och-Kmpits and Annie Chess. His maternal grandparents were Wesley Charley and Annie Jim. William’s Indian names were Chow wah wut yukt of the Palouse and Weal ul kaich of the Kah milt pah. He spoke fluent Yakama and English. William was a full-blood enrolled member of the Yakama Nation.
William was raised in the traditional manner of his people. He listened and learned from elders who had links to those who were present during and after the Treaty Days’ signing. His teachings included politics which became an important element in his life.
Bill attended Toppenish Schools. In his Senior Year he transferred to Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, where he graduated in 1945. He attended Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas; Yakima Valley Junior College; Sacramento State College; and Central Washington State College.
In 1956, Bill completed the term of a deceased Tribal Council member. His father was also on the Tribal Council. In 1960, he was an assistant secretary to the Tribal Council. He strived to learn all aspects of the Yakama Reservation and its ceded area. Bill knew that the natural resources could not speak for themselves. He was committed to preserve and protect the natural resources for the future generations to come.
He served as Chief Judge of the Yakama Tribal Court from 1965-69 before moving to Olympia to serve as the Indian Affairs Coordinator for Washington State. At the time, he was an alternate to the Yakama Tribal Council. In 1973, his alternate status was activated to membership on the Yakama Tribal Council. Bill was adamantly committed to his elected leader Oath of Office. Bill was honored to serve his people.
Bill has served as Chairman of the Yakama Tribal Council; Chairman of the Executive Board, Budget & Finance, Enrollment, Law & Order, Fish & Wildlife, Timber, Grazing and Overall Economic Development, Housing, Education and Welfare, Cultural and Public Relations. The Legislative and Legal Committee provided an opportunity for him to apply the teachings of his elders for the protection of his people and the natural resources.
Bill was a statesman and a diplomat. His work generated much interest and favor with Pacific Northwest tribes, state leaders and independent private businesses. Bill professionally communicated with contenders who did not share the same goals. Bill’s leadership abilities were recognized and he was appointed to positions such as being appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, approved by the Governors of Washington and Oregon, to be a voting member of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council from 1985-1988. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce appointed him to be a voting member of the U.S. Delegation for the United States-Canada Fisheries Negotiation Treaty and to be a voting member of the United States Salmon-Steelhead Commission. In 1980, Washington’s governor appointed him to be a voting member of the Northwest Power Planning Council Salmon Advisory Council. In 1973-75, Washington State’s governors appointed him to be a member of the Washington State Law & Justice Planning Committee.
From a young age, Bill was athletic. He grew up riding horses, he played football, basketball, baseball, ran track and boxed. He could swim and water ski. He loved golfing. He traveled to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas to golf with friends in the Pacific Northwest. PGA/Pro Ams. His home course was Suntides.
Bill coached the Toppenish Papooses, an independent basketball team that played in the Yakima City Major League and the Lower Valley League. The Papooses could play with the best. In 1964, the Papooses traveled to Japan and Korea with the Harlem Clowns.
Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55 and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1947-61. He belonged to the American Legion Logan Wheeler Post #36. He belonged to the Elks Lodge #318; Toppenish Eagles 2229 and the Moose.
William is survived in the home by his wife of 46 years, Martha and his sister-in-law Julia Hill who assisted in providing care to him; his son, William Yallup, Jr., Harrah; Brother Wally (Pauline) Yallup of Wapato; Sister Marian (Nick) Albert of Skokomish; and Sister Vivian (Woody) Harrison of Toppenish.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father and mother, brothers Elias Yallup and Snyder Yallup, niece Melinda Hunt and nephew Elias Yallup, Jr.
Indian Health Service Doctors; Toppenish Memorial Hospital and its Emergency Room doctors and staff, Yakama Nation’s Home Health Program, Lori, Julie, Donna and Annette; White Swan Ambulance; The Toppenish Fire District #5; AM Ambulance and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Hospice all provided sensitive support and services to Mr. Yallup. The family of Mr. Yallup, whose life was rewarding and fulfilling, is grateful to you all for the understanding and kindness you extended to him.
Traditional dressing was at Colonial Funeral Home at 9:00 a.m. Monday, June 19, 2006. After the dressing, services moved to the Toppenish Community Center for overnight services. On June 20, 2006, at 8:00 a.m. services began; by 9:00 a.m. burial services moved to McCoy Cemetery. After burial, traditional services continued at the Toppenish Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Heritage University or a charity of your choice would honor and recognize Mr. Yallup’s generous spirit.
Dear Family & Friends
Hello, I am writing to say Thank You to all of you who helped with Thomas G. Pakootas funeral & his memorial services. It has truly been a hard year and a hard truth to accept, but in all I think he is happy where he is. Thomas never truly knew how many lives he touched or how loved he was! On his birthday it was a hard day to get through, but thanks to sweats & prayers the day was a lil’ easier to bear. I am sorry I never got up to speak to everyone at his wake, but the shock was still in effect, but over all Thomas was my best friend. He loved the trips to the lake, he loved to take kids every where, and he really loved stick games. You couldn’t go anywhere and not hear him singing. I miss him a lot still but every day I get out of bed and give the day one more try.
Once again, thank you to all who came, who helped, who cooked, who sang and played…
Sincerely, Melissa Dick
In Loving Memory
James W. Stensgar, Happy Birthday Son, June 21, 1981. We miss you and love you. R.I.P.
Love, MomJames Stensgar Memorial Basketball Tournament
The family of James W. Stensgar would like to thank everybody who helped with the James Stensgar Memorial Basketball Tournament held May 12th through the 14th. The help of James’ friends and the community was overwhelming, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t have put this tournament on without all of you.
James loved basketball and made many friends throughout his years of playing basketball so it was good to see so many of his partners participate in this tournament.
We would like to give a special thanks to Brandi Crawford, Ranae Finley, Mike & Davey Finley’s local drummers, Jim Brooks and the Colville Tribal Museum and Pro-Stitch in Omak.
So many helped with this tournament, it’s impossible to name you all but a big thanks to everyone again.
James passed away July 19, 2003, along with Cloey and TJ as a result of a very tragic car wreck and our families miss them so much, may they rest in peace.
Thank you all so much.
Laurie Charette
Pendleton leather jackets, 1st place went to Ryan Stensgar’s team: Restless Natives. Hooded Sweatshirts, 2nd place went to Marshall Pakootas’ team: Rez Roadrunners. Sweatshirts, 3rd place went to Brett Marchand’s team. 1 boy MVP, 2 girls MVP, 1 Sportsmanship.
In Loving Memory
Timothy M. Charette
Happy Birthday, June 23, 1964. We miss and love you. R.I.P.
Elisha “Eli” Rose Squetimkin
Dec. 31 1985 - June 22, 2005
Memorial dinner and give away to be held outdoors next to the St. Mary’s Mission Church at Paschel Sherman Indian School ( the old campus) on Saturday June 24 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
