Wilson Lee LaMere Jr.

Wilson Lee LaMere Jr.

January 11, 1957 - March 20, 2015

Wilson LaMere Jr., Che-pow-to-cos & Mununwit, of Tacoma, 58, passed away Friday, March 20th of 2015. He was raised by his parents: Margaret LaMere Sásxwiyas, and Wilson LaMere Sr. Hoonch-Ska-Ka. Wilson was born in Toppenish Washington and raised on the Yakama Reservation. He attended Wapato High School, and was actively involved in the Judo Club; he was at a Brown-Belt status in his youth. As a father, he raised three children who are very close to him: Cordelia LaMere, Wilson LaMere III, and Hope LaMere.

Wilson enjoyed fishing, hunting, family gatherings, pow-wow celebrations, hemp festivals, traveling to a variety of casinos, and he truly cherished the importance of Native Culture. In his younger days, he was a champion Grass-dancer and Fancy-dancer. He further enriched his cultural education by living in Rocky Boy Montana and Small-Boy Camp Alberta Canada. As a result of his many travels, he became close with many people who he called a brother and best friend; who he called “My Other Family.” There are too many people to list as his extended family, his laughter was contagious and he was loved by many who called him Junior. He touched many lives, including the many relatives in Winnebago Nebraska of the Bear Clan. His laughter, sense of humor, and avid storytelling will not be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by both parents; his brothers Gerald and Alex; his adopted brother Cecil Albert, his son Joseph Eli, and his first two sisters Barbara and Patricia. Wilson is survived by his sisters: Joanne, Ellen, Esther, and Sandra, along with his daughters, son, and nephews: Cordelia, Wilson the III, Hope, Douglas, Laurel, and Jonathan. He was very close to his extended family, all his brothers Rex Zack, Nick Davis, Butch Kahclamat, Kenny Roan, Wayne Roan, Rynard Roan, Frank LaMere, Edmore Green, Jonathan & Alvin Windyboy to name a few, and all his many great grandchildren.

Although we cry today, may Junior be remembered in the light of Love. He was a grandfather, father, a brother, an uncle, and nephew. As the waters of Life continue to flow, so does our traffic and journeys. For the stars in the skies are stories of the past, and the gift of tomorrow shall come to pass. You, your laughter and light, will never be forgotten. Amen.

The Dressing Service will be held Monday March 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. The Overnight Service will be held at the Toppenish Creek Longhouse in White Swan with the burial following at Wish-cum Cemetery located at Dallesport Washington on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at sunrise.

Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.