In Memory of Merrill Yaiva

Merrill Yaiva

Merrill Yaiva

Merrill Yaiva was born April 28, 1951, son of the late Joel and Lillian Yaiva of Hotevilla Village.

Merrill passed in November of 2004. He leaves behind a sister, Sally Sockyma, an older brother Melvin, younger brother Davis and sister-in-law Sadie, younger brother Leonard, as well as nephew Gabriel, nieces Joni and Vernetta, and three grandchildren, Jared, Puhuyesnem Thayer-Yaiva, and Lomanaqwa Thayer-Yaiva. Merrill was very proud of his nephew and nieces and exceptionally loving to his grandchildren.

Merrill was named Hon-muk-du (Bear Paws) by his paternal grandmother Elsie Yaiva of Bacavi, and Pip-tso-ki (tobacco plant) by his godmother Dora Tewahongva of Hotevilla. Merrill was very proud of his names and loved his aunts just as much as they loved him.

Among his family, he was considered to be very inventive and exceptionally creative.

He was an avid carver and enjoyed selling his art to people at places like Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Farmington, and in Colorado and Utah. He also was the recipient of several Best of Show awards from the Museum of Northern Arizona during the Hopi Show in the past for his unique style of rattles.

His favorite team was the Hopi High Bruins. His favorite T-shirt had the Bruin paw logo that he wore often. He was inventive, especially when it came to entertaining his nephew and nieces, and later his two older grandchildren. (Merrill passed before he could see his newest grandson, Lomanaqwa Thayer-Yaiva.)

Merrill was a good person by nature. He never hurt anyone intentionally and had a gentleness about him that was a rare trait. He was liked by many people for his keen sense of humor and easy going nature.

Although he was shy, he was considered our family clown. We could always count on him to break the ice in any situation and he had that kind of smile that could light up a room. His laughter made a big difference in our lives. He was a simple person, humble in every way. He never asked for much, just to be accepted for who he was.

Merrill, although you are gone, you will always live in our hearts and our memories. We will never forget you. Although we are going to miss your jokes, your laughter and we can no longer see that funny smile that made you unique and special, we know you will be with us in spirit. We know that you are happy and at peace. You have earned your place of honor among the Eagles, and that is where you belong, and, will remain forever.

-- From all of the Yaivas with much respect and love.

. . . And I am Watching

I am perched atop the

crest of trees

I am a speck within

the clouds

I dwell on your high

est cliffs

I am the flapping wing

in the midnight riff

I am your inspiration

I am your honor

I am a Native angel

From my feathers your

dreams dangle

I am the balance upon

which you ponder

I am the prettiest bonnet

I am the deliverer of

your prayers

I am a cry of despair

I am the cry of vic-

tory

I am a war cry to let

you

know I am still here

I am arrogance at my

worst

I am the truth at my

best

I am time, which

never rests

I am the carrier of the

World's hopes

These I carry upon my

chest

I am the sacrifice for a

plentiful harvest

I am an ornament

upon Native dress

I am the beginning

and the finishing touch

I am enough and never

too much

I am Kwahu

. . . And I am Watching

Dedicated to my paternal

family: The Kwawungum

Written by Gabriel Dave

Yaiva-Lomumsiyhveya

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