Kenneth L Joseph

Kenneth Lee Joseph, “iiYaxbid,” was born at home on December 19, 1944, on “Indian Hill,” near Darrington, WA. He passed away October 23, 2012, on the Lummi Nation Reservation, near Ferndale, Washington. He was born to “s.Toos-bum,” Katherine (Brown) Joseph of Sauk-Suiattle and James Joseph of Lummi.

Kenneth completed his General Education Diploma at Northwest Indian College (NWIC) in 1994 at the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. He achieved his Associate of Arts degree at NWIC and basic law enforcement certification through the FLETC, Bureau of Indian Affairs in Utah.

Kenneth was chosen to carry his name “iiYaxbid,” by family elders. This name needed to be carried within the family of descendants to “iiYaxbid”; who was one of the original ten leaders of Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe.

During his life time, he worked at Northwest Indian College as a math tutor and for many years at Skagit System Corporative as a Fisheries Enforcement Officer. He enjoyed playing guitar and was active in his local community by playing in various bands; performing in church, concerts, and jam sessions. He was also a devoted active member of the Alcohol Anonymous and a child of Christ. Kenneth enjoyed the outdoors and was a passionate hunter and fisherman. Kenneth loved to ride motorcycles.

In this final journey, Kenneth will be joining his parents James Joseph and “s.Toos-bum” Katherine (Brown) Joseph, brother Chief “Qual ish kanim” James Lawrence Joseph and his sister “To xad ” Eveline Ellen (Joseph) Matory. He is survived by his siblings: Leroy Charles Joseph of Lummi, David Leo Isaac Joseph of Tumtum, WA. Josephine Harriet (Joseph) Strong of Siletz, OR, Norma Ann Joseph of Darrington, WA, Katherine Florence (Joseph) Misanes of Darrington, Nancy Ann (Joseph) DeCoteau of Darrington, Christine Alice (Joseph) Banks of Modesto, CA. and numerous sister in laws, brother in laws, loving nieces, nephews and close friends.

A memorial will take place Saturday, October 27, 2012 4:00pm at the Lummi Wex l ie um Building (Frog House). Please come and plan to share your thoughts and stories in tribute to Kenneth. Bring your musical instrument, testimonials, story, song and prayers.

A closed casket vigil is scheduled for Sunday October 28, 2012 6:00 pm at the Sauk-Suiattle Indian’ Tribes Longhouse. The funeral follows on Monday, October 29, 2012, 10:00 am with the burial at the Sauk-Suiattle Cemetery