Former Council Delegate Tom LaPahe remembered as dedicated leader

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Former Navajo Nation Council Delegate Tom LaPahe, a well-respected leader who had recently retired from the 21st Navajo Nation Council, died last Monday after suffering a heart attack. He was 59-years-old.

LaPahe served 24 years on the Navajo Nation Council as a representative of Tachee/Blue Gap and Whippoorwill Chapters and was first elected in 1986.

"I am shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of my friend and colleague, Tom LaPahe," Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize said. "His leadership on the Council and his dedication to improve the lives of the families in the communities he represented was extremely admirable. He loved the Navajo Nation and never lost faith in the potential of its people."

While in the Council, LaPahe served on the Economic Development Committee and worked tirelessly with state and federal officials to bring various projects to his region including a shopping center, a new school, and the Pinon Health Clinic.

Council Delegate Nelson S. BeGaye (Lukachukai, Round Rock,Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tse Ch'izhi, Rock Point) added, "I consider him as one of the best Council Delegates the Navajo Nation ever had and was highly respected for his inspirational words, leadership, humility, determination and decisiveness. Tom served his family; people and communities and defied the odds and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to better his people."

"Tom was a gifted speaker and everyone listened when he spoke. He would always stand up and would be straight to the point and was very effective," noted former Council Delegate Leonard Chee. "He was an elder and senior leader and no one made any noise when he talked."

President Ben Shelly also remembered LaPahe.

"My friend and colleague Tom LaPahe, was a highly respected senior delegate of the Navajo Nation, he always put the Navajo people first and loved his job. He will be greatly missed by his community and the Nation."

"I had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. LaPahe for several years and together we made many accomplishments to improve the quality of life for our Navajo people. He was instrumental in developing many business projects for his chapters, a strong advocate for casino projects and a spiritual leader in the Native American Church. I am deeply saddened by his sudden departure and he will be in our prayers," President Shelly concluded.

Born in Keams Canyon, LaPahe is Tse deezhgizhnii (Rock Gap) and born for Todich'ii nii (Bitterwater) with his maternal grandfather clan Kinyaa'aanii (Towering House) and his paternal grandfather clan Ma'iideeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass).

He is survived by his wife Louise LaPahe, children Cynthia LaPahe-Natonabah, Ryan LaPahe, Johansen LaPahe and six grandchildren.

A memorial service was conducted in Whippoorwill. Donations and condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 1395, Chinle, AZ 86503.

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