Page 4 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - June 2024

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Daniel Daniel “Danny” Lester Gleason Jr. in Oakville, where he attended school family and friends and love for the
“Danny” was born in Centralia on Jan. 6, 1967. and formed lifelong friendships. He community he served. His warm smile
dedicated years of his life to service,
He peacefully passed away on June 22,
and gentle spirit touched the lives of
Gleason Jr. 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He working as a security guard at Lucky many.
Funeral services for Danny were
Eagle Casino and later as a Facilities
was the beloved son of Daniel Gleason
Sr. and Isabelle (McJoe) Gleason. groundskeeper for the Chehalis Tribe. held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, at
Jan. 6, 1967– Danny is survived by sister Lynn His commitment and diligence were the Oakville Shaker Church. Burial was
June 22, 2024 Gleason, adopted brother Patrick admired by all who knew him. at the Chehalis Tribal Cemetery and
Throughout his life, Danny faced
dinner followed at the Chehalis Tribal
and adopted sister Danielle. He was
cherished by aunts Virginia “Dolly” adversity with courage and grace. Community Center. Family and friends
Canales and Joan “Boots” Martin, Despite a valiant battle with cancer, he came together to honor his memory.
both of Oakville. He is also survived remained a source of a soft smile and Danny’s legacy of love and strength
by aunts Sharon Gleason and Nola always a comforting exchange. will live on in the hearts of all who had
Gleason, both of Nisqually, as well as In his final moments, Danny was the privilege of knowing him. May he
uncles Eldon Gleason of Nisqually and comforted by the presence of his father rest in peace, be reunited with loved
William Heck of Las Vegas, Nevada. and auntie Dolly and auntie Boots, who ones who have gone on before him and
He leaves behind numerous cousins stood by him with unwavering love. dance like crazy in the heavens with his
who meant the world to him. Danny will be remembered for his cousin Stella, knowing he was deeply
Danny spent his formative years kindness, unwavering loyalty to his loved and will be profoundly missed.

GRADUATES the things that you are interested
in. Travel, get out there and see
From page 1 the world. Don’t feel bound by 14 CHEHALIS TRIBAL GRADUATES HONORED
anyone else’s dream for you. Dare
future tribal leaders,” Mary said. to dream for yourself. You are now
“According to OSPI, the the authors of your own stories, so Kade Sanchez: Insight School of Washington
Chehalis Tribe has the highest make it a good one. Naw quah lah Rita Burke: Revilla High School
percentage of graduates from all – Thank you.”
Washington tribes. Cheryl, JJ, Parents and supporters were Laela Baker: Oakville High School
Leroy, Philip and all your staff, recognized by the graduates first Nathan Kluth: Oakville High School
you do an excellent job with with bouquets of flowers, hugs and Eddie Klatush: Oakville High School
our students,” she continued. praise all around each table.
“As Director of Education and When it was time for the Courtney Price: Oakville High School
Development, I see many of graduates’ gifts, everyone received Malikah McNair: Oakville High School
our young people in Head a teddy bear with a cedar miter Bella Couillard: Oakville High School
Start at the beginning of their cap made by Heritage & Culture,
educational journey and then fancy portable speakers and prizes Albert Jae Ortivez-Hicks: Taholah High School
again as they move into college from a pre-event raffle where each Brooke Stein: Career Magnet Academy, Tennessee
or vocational programs, either graduate’s name was drawn and Shania McCloud: Timberland High School
through our Higher Education placed on the prize. Each graduate
department or through Vocational was then called to the stage and Tyler Klatush: W.F. West High School
Rehabilitation.” wrapped in a Pendleton blanket. “Ace” Aaron Youckton Jr.: Yelm High School
At the conclusion of her talk, The dinner was delicious. Jeremy Wilbur: Oakville High School
Mary offered words of wisdom to Family shared laughs and some Peyton Wilson-Dean: Oakville High School
the graduates, “My advice to you tears of joy. Congratulations
is to dream, to imagine, to pursue graduates, parents and families! Nikkara Meddaugh: Oakville High School
Ben Johnson: Rochester High School