Saying Good-bye to Leon Skyhorse Thomas
Donation protected
My father, Leon Skyhorse Thomas, is from Chinle, AZ, located on the Navajo Nation and died on April 25th of COVID-19. From the time he tested positive, the virus moved fast and his death left our family stunned and deeply saddened. He had underlying health conditions that made his battle with the virus difficult to treat. My father had a strong will to live, enduring the pain of dialysis yet hopeful that he would one day receive a kidney. Those personally affected by this virus knows how hard it is when you're unable to be at their bedside, to visit them in the hospital or hold their hands during that those last moments and tell them how much you love them. It's heartbreaking.
My father had a passion for life, family, music and film. He loved going to NAC meetings until he could no longer attend due to health issues, enjoyed a strawberry snow cone now and then, taught my son to sing with his gourd, and was a great fan of the Chinle Wildcats often attending games with my grandmother, Marjorie Thomas. He was very knowledgeable about the Diné language, history and culture and loved sharing what he knew, often expressing pride in the beauty of our land while talking to strangers. He had a good sense of humor, always looked on the positive side of things, loved his family, and encouraged people to take risks and follow their dreams.
During this time, I've had the pleasure of speaking to some of his friends whom have all shared their love and appreciation for my father, his stories, prayers and friendship. Due to social distancing and the virulence of this virus, our traditional gathering of family and community meetings is not possible especially for those who want to donate to the family. While using this platform for this purpose is new to my family and I, we felt that this would be a safe and secure way to receive and accept donations, which can be tracked to help offset expenses incurred by his sudden death.
Due to the lockdown in Gallup, NM, my father's arrangements have been temporarily suspended for which the mortuary has no control over. It's been a hardship for my family and I while we wait until a date can be set so that my father can be laid to rest. Please feel free to share this fundraiser with those you know or whom may know my father. I appreciate your time and prayers.
With heartfelt blessings from my family to yours, please be safe, and thank you for your help.
Respectfully,
Tanya
My father had a passion for life, family, music and film. He loved going to NAC meetings until he could no longer attend due to health issues, enjoyed a strawberry snow cone now and then, taught my son to sing with his gourd, and was a great fan of the Chinle Wildcats often attending games with my grandmother, Marjorie Thomas. He was very knowledgeable about the Diné language, history and culture and loved sharing what he knew, often expressing pride in the beauty of our land while talking to strangers. He had a good sense of humor, always looked on the positive side of things, loved his family, and encouraged people to take risks and follow their dreams.
During this time, I've had the pleasure of speaking to some of his friends whom have all shared their love and appreciation for my father, his stories, prayers and friendship. Due to social distancing and the virulence of this virus, our traditional gathering of family and community meetings is not possible especially for those who want to donate to the family. While using this platform for this purpose is new to my family and I, we felt that this would be a safe and secure way to receive and accept donations, which can be tracked to help offset expenses incurred by his sudden death.
Due to the lockdown in Gallup, NM, my father's arrangements have been temporarily suspended for which the mortuary has no control over. It's been a hardship for my family and I while we wait until a date can be set so that my father can be laid to rest. Please feel free to share this fundraiser with those you know or whom may know my father. I appreciate your time and prayers.
With heartfelt blessings from my family to yours, please be safe, and thank you for your help.
Respectfully,
Tanya
Organizer
Tanya Yazzie
Organizer
Chandler, AZ