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About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 19, 1982)
0 0 6 1 7 1 “'' Warm Springs News 0RE60N H IS T O R IC A L SOCIETY 123 0 SW PARK AVE PORTLAND ♦ OR 9 7 2 0 5 U.S. sulk Rat« Permit No. 2 Warm Spring«, OR S p ily a y l ym oo WARM SPRINGS, OREGON 97761 VOL 7 NO 22 NOVEMBER 19,1982 Heart attack claims Chief Amos Simtustus by Donna Behrend Chief Amos Simtustus, Sr. Chief of the Warm Springs tribe, Amos Simtustus, died suddenly of a heart attack Tuesday, November 16, at the Simnasho Longhouse. His death has left Warm Springs and neighboring^ Indian communities in shock and mourning. In honor of his memory, flags oh the reservation were flown at half mast. During the hours and days following his death, Amps was remembered for his seemingly never-ending smile, pleasant manner and his sense of humor. He always had a kind word and through his quiet and wisdom and concern he led his people with strength. Word of Amos’ death traveled quickly and all were deeply saddened by the news. Tribal attorney Dennis Karnopp said, “I was shocked to hear of his passing, as I’m sure everyone was. It is a deep loss to the trib e and e v e ry o n e w ho knew him...every one thought a lot about Amos.” Assistant Secretary of the Interior Ken Smith said, “I am deeply saddened at the sudden death of our beloved Chief of the Warm Springs tribe, Amos Simtustus. I was privileged to have had a long and fruitful relationship with him. His foresight, talents, abilities and his genuine love for people will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to Dorothy and his children.” Johnson Menninick, Yakima Tribal Chairman, commented that Amos had many friends in Yakima and that their culture and heritage were similar. “His passing will be a big loss to us, we’ll miss him. He spoke the same language as we do and he’s related to many Yakima people.” i Colville Tribal Chairman A1 Alberton stated that his tribe “was very sorry and offer our condolences to the Warm Springs people and. Council. I t ’s saddening when a man of his stature and ability and kindness that he had for his people passes away.” Amos was a direct descendent of the treaty signer, “Old Man” Simtustus. Nearby Lake Simtustus also bears the historical name. In 1971, following Chief Nathan Heath’s death in 1969, Amos was appointed chief of the Warm Springs and he attended his first council meeting as chief in May, 1971. Amos didn’t limit his involvement in Indiah issues to a local level. He was active in several regional and national organizations such as Affiliated Tribes of the 1 N orthw est Indians, N ational Congress of American Indians, National Tribal Chairman’s Association, and the National American Indian Cattlemen’s Association, to list just a few. He was also a member of the Celilo- Wy’am Board and the tribal Range, Agriculture and Irrigation committee and on the Water Board. Amos was born November 18, 1921 to Johnnie and Elizabeth Sam Simtustus. He married Dorothy Thompson June 1, 1942 in Simnasho at the Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his wife; three daughters. Evaline Patt and Jacqueline and Marcia Simtustus. He also leaves four sons, Stanley, Amos Jr., Johnnie and Darwin Simtustus; a half brother, Bertson Simtustus, two grandsons and one granddaughter. All are residents of Warm Springs. Seven Drum dressing ceremonies were held at the Simnasho Longhouse on November 18 at 2 p.m. The dressing and overnight services were conducted by Matilda Mitchelk Burial was at the Simnasho cemetery on November 19 at sunrise. Amos’ passing will leave a void for many people. We will all miss his quiet strength, dignity and presence. But most of all, will miss that unique quality befitting the best of men. Council Proclamation Amos Simtustus, Sr., Chief of Warm Springs Tribe passed away November 16,1982. Amos Simtustus, Sr’ served as Chief and Councilman for 11 years. In recognition of these valuable duties as Chief Councilman, and Tribal Member, the Tribal Council hereby offers this proclamation: 1. The Tribal Council declares this week a week of mourning and all Tribal Flags will flown at half-mast. Delbert Frank, Sr. hairman Tribal Council u Nov 221982 OREGON HISTORICAL Ralph Minnick Secretary-T reasurer SOCIETY Warm Springs honors veterans. See pages 6 and 7
