Leonard R. Joseph

ELMO — Leonard Raymond Joseph, 38 of Elmo, went to join his ancestors on Sunday, June 18, 2006.

Leonard was born on Dec. 6, 1967, to Darryl and Juanita and spent his entire life residing in Elmo. From early on he lived life to its fullest, thoroughly enjoying the company of all whose life he touched.

He had a great love of life and had strong family values and traditional beliefs. His greatest joys were spending lots of time with his daughter, Jacqueline, given to him the Indian way from sister Melanie. He also enjoyed playing Keno with his auntie, Donna and visiting family and friends.

As a young man he received his GED and went on to attend the Salish Kootenai College. He ended up quitting school, as his work at the Kootenai Culture Committee became his greatest interest and pride. He was even more proud of the fact that he worked with his grandma, Nancy Joseph, during many of those years. To change roads, he resigned after 11 years and later began work at Mission Valley Power where he remained until his death.

His mother Juanita, grandmother Nancy Lefthand Joseph, aunties Debra Finley and DeeAnna Joseph, uncles Dale and Dennis Joseph preceded him in death.

He is survived by his parents, Evelyn and Darryl Joseph of Elmo; sisters Yvonne, Melanie and Delores Joseph, all of Elmo, and Kim Chase of Window Rock, Ariz.; brothers Ed Stasso of Pablo, Darren Joseph and Darryl Joseph of Polson; grandfather Leonard Raymond Joseph; aunts Donna Joseph of Elmo, Dovita Finley and Dorsette Joseph of Pablo and Delinda Finley of Ronan; uncles Delbert Joseph of Elmo and Desmond Joseph of Pablo.

Funeral Mass was held on June 21 in the Elmo Hall with Father Val Zdilla officiating. Burial was in the Elmo Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. Condolences may also be forwarded to www.groganfuneralhome.com