Earl “Moxy” Renecker

Earl “Moxy” Renecker passed away in his home in Tulalip, WA on November 9, 2019 at the age of 99 years. Moxy was a Tulalip Tribal Member and Veteran Merchant Marine serving in World War II.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bernice Shelton Renecker, and sons, Dell and Jim Renecker; his mother, Isabelle Brown Gobin, father, Jesse Renecker, and all his siblings – Isabelle, Anna Mae, Shirley, Emery, Daryl, Frank, and John. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Renecker; grandchildren, Cody (Sausha) and Tyler Perry, Zee Morehead; the sparkle of his eye, great-great grandson, Leland Stephen Perry; and special friends and caretakers, Michael Archangel and Sonny Nguyen.

Moxy was born in Whidbey Island May 25, 1920. He attended Haskell University as a young man and earned certification as a Welder. Moxy joined the service as a Merchant Marine shortly after marrying Bernice in 1942. When he returned home, he and his wife and children relocated to Eastern Washington where he became a Welder for Hanford Nuclear Plant. He retired from Hanford in 1984 and moved back home to Tulalip with his wife and daughter. He worked for the Tulalip Tribes for several years as an Automotive Maintenance Supervisor.

Moxy was a very ambitious and hardworking man, thus earning him the nickname “Moxy” at a young age. He loved to tend to his garden and work in his yard. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. In later years he loved time with his grandchildren, and his great-great grandson. Moxy was also known for his love of playing Slot Machines, at home in Washington and in Reno, NV. Moxy was a character, funny, quick witted, and a flirt with the ladies and loved by many. He was also a true role model of strength, integrity, hard work, commitment and loyalty. He loved his family and always looked after to make sure they were taken care of. He will be forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love him.

Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2019 at 1pm at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. Interfaith will be 6pm at the Tulalip Tribal Gym. Funeral services will be November 16, 2019 at 10am at the Tulalip Tribal Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Tulalip Chiefs celebrate 50th Anniversary of All-Native Baseball Tourney Championship

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

It was the summer of ’69. A special moment in time that many reflect upon as the best days of their lives, including the players of local baseball team, the Chiefs. The team was assembled by Tulalip tribal member, Cy Fryberg, and had an outstanding run that summer, winning in all-Native tournaments hosted at Yakama and Taholah. The Chiefs efforts led them to the final tournament of the summer held in Tacoma, where the stakes were high and the teams from surrounding tribal nations brought their A-game. 

“We weren’t the first team with just Tulalip ballplayers, but this was the biggest one,” explained ’69 Chiefs second baseman, Don ‘Penoke’ Hatch. “All the top dogs from right here were recruited. At the time, that was something special. We were ready to face and challenge anyone that came at us, we didn’t care who we were playing.” 

The all-star Tulalip team consisted of fifteen tribal members including Leroy Joseph, Marlin Fryberg Sr., Alpheus Jones, Richard Jones, Butchie James, Dean Fryberg Sr., Billy Jones, Skooky Henry, Jerry Jones, Gerald Fryberg, Dale Jones, Myron Fryberg, Penoke and player-coaches Herman Williams and Francy Sheldon. 

With Leroy being the youngest on the team at 18, the rest of the players ranged in age from their early twenties to early thirties and brought plenty of experience to the team. Previously, each player spent their young lives playing for different teams like Marysville while growing up. The road to a championship wasn’t easy, however. While at Tacoma for the tournament, the team and their families slept on the floor of Penoke’s sister’s house. This allowed the team to further strengthen their bond while they stayed up late into the night strategizing, among other social activities. 

“The first game we played was against Yakama Nation and we won that game,” recalled Penoke. “The following day we played Nisqually and won that one too. After that win, we went onto the championship game against Warm Springs and they were not an easy team to go up against.”

The large amount of playing began to take a toll on the Chiefs’ pitchers and the team needed a strong start to the championship game. Starting pitcher Marlin Fryberg went deep into the innings during their previous match against Nisqually. After trying out a number of players on the mound, the coaches turned to the catcher, Leroy, whose arm was looking strong each time he threw the ball back to the pitchers. Leroy received a quick lesson from his teammates, as he never pitched in a game prior to the championship competition. The Chiefs rallied behind Leroy and locked in. Inning after inning, the team pulled together and made big plays. By the end of the game, the Tulalip Chiefs proudly hoisted a trophy into the air and Leroy was named MVP.

Fast forward fifty years. Penoke stumbled across an old photo of the Chiefs during their 1969 summer baseball tournament tour and was filled with nostalgia. Reaching out to the Tribe, he organized a gathering for the players and their families on the afternoon of November 10, 2019 at the Greg Williams Court. 

“It’s been 50 years since that tournament down there on Portland Avenue,” Penoke said. “I thought it was important that we celebrate this and share some good memories. Nobody celebrates these types of accomplishments anymore. I want someone young to see this in the See-Yaht-Sub and say ‘look at what they did 50 years ago’ and be inspired.”

After enjoying lunch, the families were treated to a slideshow presentation which featured narration by Leroy. Laughter ensued as Leroy’s colorful commentary recapped the championship game. 

“It’s a big story because we already been to Yakama and won, we already been to Taholah that summer,” said Leroy. “This Tacoma tournament was the biggie. Just being a part of that reminds me of how together we were as friends and family, regardless of the games, we were all Tulalip and that is something I was extremely proud of.” 

Coach Herman and several other players took time to express their desire to see the game of baseball flourish within Native communities once again, suggesting ideas such a tribal booster club to get more youth out on the field. 

“The relationship from reservation to reservation, there’s little of it left,” agreed Penoke. “We’ve done very little to keep it going. You should’ve seen the strength of the community during hardball season, we all knew each other because each reservation had a lot of good ball players.”

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, each player received stylish red jackets that read ‘1969 Champs’ on the front and a Native, baseball-themed design on the back. Family representatives of those who are no longer with us accepted the jackets on their behalf. 

 “Best tournament I ever played in as an adult,” said Penoke. “We had a good team and good pitching. This team was successful because we had two veteran coaches in Herman and Francy. I’m 80 years old now and I wanted to honor those players who are still here.” 

Honoring Our Veterans

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News

On the morning of Monday November 11, the Tulalip community gathered at the Hibulb Cultural Center (HCC) longhouse to thank the brave heroes who put their lives on the line to defend this Nation’s freedom. Service men and women filled the stands of the longhouse to pay their respects as well as share their active-duty experience. 

During roll call, the veterans stated their name, military branch and years of service, among intriguing deployment stories. Family members of fallen soldiers spoke their name, recognizing them for their dedication to protecting this country. The HCC presented each veteran in attendance a gift bag, filled with items from their shop, as a sign of respect and gratitude. Since opening in 2011, the cultural center has made it a point of emphasis to pay tribute to the vets and ensure they are honored properly each November.

“It’s always a big honor to celebrate our veterans,” expressed Mytyl Hernandez, HCC Marketing and PR. “The veterans are a big part of the community and have been a huge part of our exhibits and museum. Being able to have an event for them is very special.”

Becoming an annual tradition, the ladies of the Veteran Quilting Project returned with several beautiful quilts made specifically with a tribal veteran in mind. Now in its fourth year, the Veteran Quilting Project is comprised of seven tribal quilters who produced nearly thirty red, white and blue star quilts for the eldest Tulalip veterans since 2016. 

“I made mine for Walt Campbell,” said Quilter Verna Hill. “This is my first year joining the ladies and what an honor it is. With each and every cut, you think about what those veterans done for this country. To sit down and sew for them is so rewarding. And to be here today and wrap him with that quilt was amazing. His response to me was ‘this is better than any medal I’ve ever received’. That was very powerful. I’m thankful to be a part of this group and I can’t wait to continue wrapping our veterans in love.”

As the veterans accepted their quilts, Tulalip Artist Melissa Bumgarner surprised the veterans with a gift of her own. 

“I made some beaded medallions,” she said. “At the center of each medallion is a plaque of the branch they served in; the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines. I did it because I want to say thank you for what they did. It felt good to present that to them and show them appreciation.”

The HCC’s Veterans Day observance ended with three workshops geared toward the Indigenous veteran community; a soapstone carving demonstration with Choctaw Air Force Veteran Sam Sitt, an Ozette Archeological Recovery Experience with Tulalip Army Veteran John Campbell, and the Veterans Healing Forum with Rev. Bill Eaglehart Topash, Tulalip Marine Veteran. 

“Veterans Day is a good time to remember those from the past,” expressed John McCoy, Tulalip Air Force Veteran. “Today was especially tough because we lost two of our World War II vets, Stan Jones and Moxie Renecker, this year. That was a special moment for me today, remembering those two great men.”

Tulalip Bay Fire Department Receives 2019 Stewardship Award from the Washington State Auditor

Tulalip, Wash. – The Tulalip Bay Fire Department (also known as Snohomish County Fire District 15) received the Washington State Auditor’s 2019 Stewardship Award. Only four fire districts have received the award in the last five years. 

The award was presented for outstanding accomplishment in accountability, transparency and good stewardship of public resources. The Stewardship Award is given to local governments who show exemplary financial management practices. 

State Auditor Pat McCarthy said in a recent letter, “The District has shown dedication to transparency on its path to improving operations.” She continues, “As stewards of the public’s trust, it is incumbent on all governments to promote accountability and transparency.”

Fire Chief Ryan Shaughnessy said, “It is an honor to receive this award and reflects the hard work we have done at the Tulalip Bay Fire Department to be open and transparent in our financial practices.” 

A copy of the award and the State Auditor’s letter can be found on the Fire Department’s website at

www.firedistrict15.org.

Judy Lynette Wayne (1991 – 2019)

May 28, 1991 – November 6, 2019 Judy Lynette Wayne was born May 28, 1991 to William “Tonner” Wayne and Susan Sicade Jones, in Auburn, WA. She resided in Tulalip, WA where she was helped raised by dad, Jeffery Jones, Sr. She then lived in Seattle, WA off and on.

Judy is survived by her significant other, Anthony Bob; and daughter, Laycei Star Bob; as well as her siblings, Crystal and Michael Monger, Roseann and Thomas Reeves, Edward and Ada Wayne, Michael Jones, Jeffery Jones Jr., and Baby Sister, Emily Jones; her grandparents, Leonard “Buddy” Wayne, Jr., Rose Napoleon Sicade, and Mildred “Millie” Jones; and her great uncle, Marvin Napoleon; as well as numerous aunties, uncles nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Judy will be joining the other side with her parents, William “Tonner” Wayne and Susan Sicade Jones; grandma, Judy Wayne; grandpa, Henry “Hank” Sicade; grandpa, Alpheus “Gunny” Jones Sr.; auntie, Susan Wayne; uncles, Leonord “Layback” Wayne III, Robert Michael Wayne Sr., and Stanton Sicade Sr.; cousin, Dontae Jones; and special friend and sister, Chenoeh Prez-Bill; great grandparents; and numerous great aunties, uncles, and cousins.

In her short 28 years of life she enjoyed spending time with family and friends celebrating birthdays and holidays. She loved watching her wrestling and binge- watching her shows as well as cheering for her Seattle Seahawks. She loved being a homemaker, listening to music, traveling to church, sitting by the water, collecting beautiful rocks, and she loved animals. Judy owned 2 beard dragons, a dog, and a cat who gave her litters of kittens. She would go where her spirt would lead her. She was a very outgoing and loving person with a big heart who enjoyed life. She touched many people and always greeted you with a smile and a hug. Judy went to be with the Lord the evening of November 6, 2019 in Seattle, WA. She will be missed by her family, friends, and anyone who met her in their life.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home with an Interfaith service to follow at the Tulalip Gym at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym, with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Stanley Gale Jones Sr. (1926 – 2019)

Chief “SCHO-HALLEM” July 10, 1926 – November 5, 2019 Stan Jones Sr., 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 in the comfort of his home on the Tulalip Reservation. He continued on his journey with his loving family by his side.

Born on July 10, 1926 in Monroe, WA to George Culver Jones and Juanita Jones (Giddings), Stan moved back permanently to his ancestral homelands at 3-years-old, shortly after his mother passed away. His father remarried and Stan’s childhood home blossomed to include 17 siblings. Like many Native households of the time, they grew up poor, often not having running water or electricity, but through the struggles Stan and his family persevered. At just 17-years-old, he dedicated himself to a cause much larger than himself and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served two years in Platoon 770 and saw action along the frontlines of World War II. Stan often recalled his time in the tank battalion occupying Nagasaki, Japan immediately after the Atomic Bomb was dropped.

After being honorably discharged from the military in August 1946, he met his soul mate, JoAnn Barrie. In 1950, the pair eloped in a private ceremony in Tacoma, WA and have been happily married for 69 years. They have five children: Jeanne McClain, Stanley “Sonny” Jones Jr. (deceased), Gayle Jones, Teri (Billy) Gobin and Randy Jones. Scho-Hallem’s family tree grew to include 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and many more great-great-grandchildren.

A lifetime of dedication and commitment to his tribe and community, Stan served as the longest running Tulalip Tribes board member in history. He joined the Tulalip Board in 1966, serving 44 consecutive years to the greater interest of his people. For more than half of that time, 26 years to be exact, Scho-Hallem served as Chairman. His wisdom, integrity, passion and sincere caring for the future of his people and Tribe resulted in his being voted into office for a remarkable 15 terms. Some of his accomplishments include: working on the Boldt Decision, which awarded Washington State tribes half of the state’s salmon catch. He was appointed the first Chairman of a National Task Force on Indian Gaming, and was instrumental in the negotiation of the first Tribal-State casino compact. Prior to being elected to the Board, Stan worked in logging, commercial fishing, fuel delivery, and as an electrician. He retired from the Board of Directors after 44 years, serving his last day in office on April 3, 2010. Only days later, on April 7 in San Diego, Stan was honored with the prestigious “Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award” at the National Indian Gaming Association’s annual convention. Over his lengthy career he remained committed to seeing Tulalip thrive, while receiving many awards for his innovative leadership.

Forever a leader, Scho-Hallem’s family said in his final moments he was still concerned with the well-being of the Tribe and was at peace knowing his Tulalip people are “staying the course”. Stan is preceded in death by his parents, George and Juanita Jones; son, Stan “Sonny” Jones Jr.; siblings: Jack Jones, Gloria St. Germaine, George Jones Jr., LaVerne Jones, Caroline “Uppy” Thornberry, Alpheus “Gunny” Jones, Lynn “Stomper” Jones, William Jones, and Chuckie Jones.

He is survived by his siblings: Virginia Carpenter, Dawn Simpson, Joy Lacy, Dale (Barb) Jones, Marvin Jones, Richard (Toby) Jones, and Delmer Jones; grandchildren: Mike, Shawn, Kenny, Laurie, Michelle, Stanley “Skipper” (Krystle), McKenna, Auri, Kingson, Tyee, Teresa (Jeff), Mika, Jordan, Tashena, Faith, Bow, Ryan, Mario, Nina, Teonie, Colten, Leora, Lyndsey, Kayla, and Nate; four dedicated caregivers: Dee, Maria, granddaughter, Tashena and niece, Rossane; and his always faithful canine companion, Champ. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and a tribal community that he loved so dearly.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. and continuing on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (both services located inside the Tulalip Resort’s Orca Ballroom). Burial at Mission Beach Cemetery with a dinner to follow at the Tulalip Youth Center’s gym.

Sophia Henry (1987 – 2019)

April 25, 1987 – October 30, 2019 Sophia S. Henry, 32, passed away October 30, 2019 in Lummi, WA. Sophia was a former Sedro-Woolley, WA resident and an enrolled Tulalip Tribal member. She was born April 25, 1987 in Bellingham, WA to Randall Henry and Loralei Boome. She enjoyed crocheting, beading, listening to music and spending time with her nieces. Sophia touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed in various communities including: Lummi, Upper Skagit and Tulalip. Sophia will be remembered for her beautiful smile and caring heart. She is survived by her three beautiful children, Joshua Wilbur Henry, Loralei Henry and Lawrence Henry; her sister, Mary Henry; and nieces, Raven Revey and Aiyana Gorham; her grandmother, Ruby Boome; and her good friend, Barry Wilson; as well as aunts, uncles and adopted family. Sophia is preceded in death by her mother, Loralei Boome; father, Randall Henry; nephew, Johnny Revey Jr.; fiancé, Joshua Wilbur; grandfather, John Henry I; grandmother, Barbara Henry; and grandfather, Lawrence Boome Jr. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gym. Funeral Services will be held Friday, November 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at the Mission Beach Cemetery.