Seymour "Smokey" John Senator Jr.

Seymour John “Smokey” Senator, Jr. (69) passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020 at his Nespelem, Washington home. “Smokey” - nicknamed after his grandfather, was born Tuesday, November 14, 1950 in Nespelem, Washington to Seymour Senator Sr. and Stella Swawilla. A graduate of Fort Sill Indian School in Lawton, Oklahoma, Smokey excelled in high school sports such as basketball and football where he was named team captain. He served his country as an infantryman with the US Army, seeing service in Vietnam from September 23, 1970 to September 23, 1971. On February 2, 1972, SP-4 Seymour J. Senator Jr was discharged from military service with honor. A man who loved being in the out of doors, Smokey worked for many years as a forester for the Colville confederated Tribes. A proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and Sacred Heart Catholic Mission, Smokey enjoyed “Old Time Stick Games”, walking, working in his yard, reading books and watching dvds, after his greatest passion - his family, whom he adored and never forgot a birthday; Smokey was hopelessly addicted to being an Habitual Yard Sailor!

Predeceased by both of his parents and siblings: Arlene Senator, Oscar Sutherland, Norman Senator and Laura Senator; Smokey’s legacy lives on through his sister: Nancy Sutherland-Potter; nephew: Norman Senator (Elizabeth Smith) and niece: Nancy K Sutherland.

Private family graveside services were held at Nespelem Catholic Cemetery in Nespelem, Washington. Due to the current Covid-19 directives, no further services are scheduled at this time.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is assisting the family with services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com for Smokey’s family.