Born Thursday, December 9, 1954, in Coulee Dam, Washington, to Floyd T. & Maybelle M. Gendron, Ric attended North Central High School in Spokane, Washington. Following graduation, Ric went on to attend Spokane Falls Community College and Cornish College of the Arts.
A member of the Confederated Colville and Umatilla Tribes, Ric was a powwow singer and drummer who shared his cultural teachings with his children, nieces, nephews, and students. Anyone who wanted to learn was welcome at his drum practices and in his true sanctuary, the sweatlodge.
Ric leaves behind many gifts through his lifetime as an internationally-renowned artist. Guided by his favorite music and poetry, he brought a new universe into being when he put brush to canvas. From the trickster Coyote, to the ancestors who went before him, he painted a world that was all his own. He was a showing artist for many years at the Santa Fe Indian Market. He was an artist-in-residence at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and taught art at Gonzaga University. His work is the focus of two published books, Rattlebone and Kwilstn (Sweat Lodge).
Music was also his gift and his passion. Ric loved listening to music, traveling in recent years to see Bob Dylan and Neil Young at London’s Hyde Park. His extensive vinyl collection and guitars had a place of pride in every one of his homes. His talent for playing music was well-known. He could listen to a song, pick up any instrument, and play the song by ear alone.
While he enjoyed travelling to see new places, Ric's greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends. He told Spokane’s Inlander magazine recently, “My job is to go into that little studio and create paintings. My job is to take care of my family. My job is to love people the best I can.”
Ric's legacy lives on through his daughters: Yolanda "Yoyo" Gendron and Amanda "Panda" Gendron; son: Richard "Ricky" Gendron; grandchildren: Adama, Justice, Sonny, Garik, Malerie, Robbie, Kaiden, Jocelyn, Wiset, Scarlett and Marishia; Great-Grandchildren: Viviana, Raelynn, Babe, and Bishop; and siblings: Jerry Gendron (Vesta), Anita Dupris, Charlanne Quinto (Frank), Luana Gendron (Rick), Veronica Gendron, and Julia Gendron.
Ric was preceded in death by his father: Floyd T. Gendron, mother: Maybelle Gendron; brothers: Larry Gendron and Murlyn Gendron; sister: Sheila Gendron and grandchild: Monique.
A rosary will occur Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Nespelem Long House, Nespelem, WA. Washat services will follow at 9:00 PM. A sunrise Seven Drums ceremony will begin Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 5:00 AM at the Nespelem Long House. Ric's graveside service will follow at Nespelem Catholic Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for the Gendron family. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA, is serving Ric's family.
mily.
