Obituaries for May 26, 2016
Thomas Joe Yazzie
SHIPROCK – Funeral services for Thomas Joe Yazzie, of Newcomb, N.M., were held May 9 at the Four Corners Community Church in Shiprock. Interment followed in Shiprock.
Thomas was born June 2, 1939, in Newcomb, into the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge Clan), born for Naakai dine’é (Mexican Clan). He died May 5, 2016.
Thomas was born and raised in Newcomb. He was born into a family that owned livestock and farming. From an early age, he was taught to be self-sufficient. He loved to farm and did until his health challenges got in the way.
Thomas’ education began like many other Navajo students, at a boarding school (Toadlena Boarding School) then on to Fort Sill Indian School in Lawton, Okla., Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian School, high school, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, counselor, in 1970.
Thomas served 12 years as a Navajo Tribal Council delegate from January 1979 to January 1991 and served the communities of Newcomb and Sheep Springs. For the communities he represented, he initiated and developed appropriate proposal for seeking funds from the various funding sources such as the Navajo Nation, state and federal.
Thomas also served on the following committees: Standing Committee during the 12 years as an elected Council delegate; Judiciary Committee (first term January 1979 – January 1983); Advisory Committee (second term, January 1983 – January 1987); Education Committee (first half of the third term, January 1987 – June 1988); and Budget and Finance Committee (second half of the third term, June 1988 – January 1991).
Thomas enjoyed serving as Newcomb Chapter president from 2001-2004 and Toadlena School Board president from 2000-2004. He had tremendous vision in community improvement. As a strong leader with strong local community support, the following are his significant achievements:
- Successfully led Newcomb Chapter to be approved as the 109th certified Navajo Chapter on June 18, 2004.
- Worked with community members to approve their grazing land for Newcomb public schools so that children can remain at home to attend instead of being sent to boarding schools.
- Successfully led and obtained funding for new chapter facilities for Newcomb Chapter.
- Sought and obtained funding from the state of New Mexico for Newcomb Head Start facilities.
- Worked with community members to approve their grazing land for the new housing in Newcomb.
- Most significant was being president of Newcomb Chapter. He pursued and was successful in entering into a Joint Powers Agreement, first in New Mexico, between Newcomb Chapter and state of New Mexico. This allowed stated allocated funds to go directly to Newcomb Chapter.
Thomas retired in 1991 after several decades of public services. During retirement, he enjoyed silversmith work, farming, caring for livestock, keeping his own schedule and traveled extensively until he was diagnosed with an incurable illness, which slowed him down tremendously.
Thomas was a devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather. His family came first. He supported his children’s sports and other educational activities. He was very positive, loved life, laughter and politics.
Thomas was recognized as a strong leader with great vision, a caring leader and did a lot for the community of Newcomb. He will truly be missed. The family appreciated all the help, support and prayers.
Thomas is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Dr. Rena M. Yazzie; daughter, Tomasita E. Buck; son, Rufus Yazzie; siblings, Wilfred Yazzie of Kirtland, N.M., Betty Ross of Newcomb, Harold Yazzie Sr. of Farmington, and Kenneth Yazzie of Farmington; and eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Kee Joe Yazzie and Lelia Stevens Yazzie; and sister, Loretta Tsosie.
Arrangements were entrusted to Desert View Funeral Home in Shiprock.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow