1949
2015
Gary Harmelt Joseph (65) passed away unexpectedly from the Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Washington, Saturday Morning March 28, 2015. Gary was born into the Nespelem, Washington home of Pete & Lillian Dick-Joseph on August 20, 1949. In November of 1968 Gary enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, completing basic training at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton, California. Serving his country during the Viet Nam conflict as a Radio Repairman, Gary was awarded the "Rifle Marksmanship Badge", "National Defense Service Medal", "Vietnam Service Medal" and "Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device" prior to his honorable discharge in September of 1971. A graduate of the Santa Fe Institute of Indian Arts, Gary earned his Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University then worked for the Colville Confederated Tribes where he helped create the Tribal IT Department, before going on to serve as Chief Financial Officer for the Tribal Fish and Wildlife Department. A proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Gary was actively involved in tribal politics, was very traditional in his tribal practices and often proclaimed that he - "could not do without his cultural sweat." An avid supporter of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), for which he credited for his own 37 years of sobriety, Gary tirelessly encouraged others to moderation and as a self-proclaimed "health-nut", to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to his personal triumph over alcohol, Gary also survived a battle with colon cancer. Gary enjoyed getting into the out-of-doors hunting and fishing at every opportunity, but his greatest love was spending time with his grand-daughters.
Predeceased by both of his parents: Pete & Lillian Dick-Joseph; brother: Ronnie "Wiley" Joseph and sisters: Wanda & Marilyn Joseph; Gary's proud legacy lives on through his daughter: Sashina R. Joseph; granddaughters: Winter Rose Joseph, Reyna Joseph and Corita Joseph; brothers: Gene Joseph, Ricky Joseph (Kathy) and Leland Williams; sister: Charlene Joseph-Sam and nephews: Darnell Sam & Joseph Sam.
Gary's dressing was held Sunday afternoon, March 29, 2015 at Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA. A public Recitation of the Rosary was at 7:00pm, Monday, March 30, 2015 in the Nespelem Community Center in Nespelem, WA. His funeral was conducted 10:00am, Tuesday, March 31, 2015 followed by burial in the Little Nespelem Cemetery in Nespelem, Washington.
Please sign Gary's on-line guest book at www.stratefuneralhome.com . Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be serving his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
March 31, 2015
to my classmate and friend----may u always remain in my heart--will forever remember u and may the Creator--receive u with open arms----Joanne Milliken Turner--CD High School-and former Keller Elem. teacher.
March 30, 2015
Zekkethal Vargas-Thomas
My condolences to the family, I just seen him and I can't believe he has passed. May the creator bless his journey and his family.
March 30, 2015
naomee Lucei
You will be greatly missed, continue on your journey and join family members on the other side.
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