Siletz news /, March 01, 2012, Page 10, Image 10

A Tribute to the Life of Everett “Buck”
Downey - 1923 - 2012
By Kristen Downey
On Feb. 14, 2012, Everett (Buck) William Downey, 88, was greeted by his bride,
Mary Jean Goodell, in their eternal home together. Mary Jean predeceased him in 1990.
His passing was sudden but he lived his final hours like he did much of his life - with
dignity, honor and a smile that still made the nurses blush.
Buck was bom on the Siletz Reservation on July 11,1923, to George and Margaret
Downey. He was the oldest of four children: Mary Ellen, Ida, and Marvin (all deceased).
Buck’s favorite memories growing up were simple - fishing, hunting and picking
berries with all the Goodell, Miller, Butler and Blacketer kids. Even after almost 50
years of living in Portland, Siletz was always his home and a place he felt the most
comfortable surrounded by the family, friends and memories he cherished.
In 1941 Buck married Mary Jean and together they had five children, starting
with the oldest: Bud, Tim (Kris), Jolyne, Henry (Jan) and Denise (Don). Buck had
eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, with
another on the way.
Buck cherished his family, those related by blood and those he grew to love and
respect over the years of his life. He always looked forward to family reunions, pow­
wows and holidays when everyone came together.
Buck was laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery with military honors on
Feb. 20. Services included his favorite country classics, remembrances from family
and friends, and a beautiful tribute on the drum from Bob Tom.
His family thanks those who were able to attend and those who sent their love
from afar. May Buck’s sprit live on through each of us.
New Baby!
Youth conduct pow-wow
dance demonstration
By Tasha Mason
We would to like thank the Portland Area Office for ask­
ing our young Tribal members to come from Siletz and do a
dance exhibition. Junior Miss Siletz Clarinda Black and Little
Miss Siletz Jocelyn Hernandez were present and represented
us well, as did Sahaylee Mason and Tre Jackson.
The children took turns demonstrating their dancing abili­
ties in grass and jingle dancing. Tre even took some of the
Elders onto the floor in a few owl dances.
I talked about what I know of Nee-Dash and Sahaylee
wore her apron to show everyone what female feather dancers
wear at solstice celebrations.
It was a great experience for all of us. We were grateful
and honored to come to Portland and share our experiences
with fellow Tribal members.
We hope to see you all at Culture Camp and can't wait to
see you dancing at the pow-wow.
Jayda Louise (Simmons)
Muniz-Strong
Creator has blessed us again, with
a girl! Jayda Louise (Simmons) Muniz-
Strong was born Jan. 24, 2012. She
weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was
19 inches long.
Proud parents are Aleatha (Levi)
Simmons and Marcos Muniz-Strong.
She joins siblings Jaysiah, JypSea, Jeff
and Jeremy; grandmas Arliss Chatterson
and Joella Strong; and great-grandma
Wilma Strong.
Ikt Tillicum
Courtesy photos
Pauline Montana and Tre Jackson (right) enjoy an owl
dance at the Portland Area Office.
The group gathers (below) during the evening of dance.
Emergency dental visits
available - Contact the Siletz
Community Dental Clinic if you
experience dental pain or a dental
emergency. The staff will do every­
thing possible to see you as soon as
reasonably possible. Check-in time
is Monday-Thursday from 8:30-9
a.m. and Friday from 10-10:30
a.m. Afternoon check-in time is
Monday-Friday from 1-1:30 p.m.
-
10
•
Siletz News
*
March 2012
Courtesy photos
Above: Everett "Buck" Downey
Left: Buck and Mary Jean