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Sunnyside- Joseph Harvey Young, age 69, passed away peacefully on Sept. 24, 2011 at his home after a 3 year battle with cancer. Joseph was born on November 10, 1941 to Harvey & Leona (Hoptowit) Young in Tacoma Wa. Joe was a member of the Yakama Nation
He attended school in White Swan and Marquette High School. After school he joined the US Air Force. While stationed in California he began his career in law enforcement in the military police. After marrying Dorothy Freeman, he and his family moved back to Toppenish where he became the Chief of Police, Benton County Police Chief and Head of Security Department when Legends Casino opened its doors.
Joe loved to hunt and fish. Joe lead the way for expanding the interpretation of the Treaty of 1855 fighting for hunting and fishing rights in the ceded areas of the Yakama Reservation. He taught his daughters, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews the importance of not letting anything go to waste and to be generous. No one was ever turned away from Joe’s table.
Joe married JoAnn Stonemetz on Nov. 14, 2000 in Reno, NV. They both loved going to the casino to try their luck.
Joe is survived by his wife JoAnn, his mother in law Corine Stonemetz, both of the family home in Sunnyside. Thre daughters; Jamie (George) Hogue of White Swan, WA; Mary Joe (Patrick) Watlamet of Toppenish, WA; Lori Swan of Yakima, WA, and his grandchildren Jessica & Dillon Swan of Yakima, WA. His five brothers; Raymond (Virginia) Young; Gary (Karen) Young both of Tacoma, WA.; Ted (Carol Sue) Martin of Union Gap, WA.; Dean Martin of White Swan, WA; Jerry (Colleen) Martin of Harrah, WA. His 2 sisters; Sandra (Sam) Whitefoot; Tammy (Gabe) Swan both of Harrah, WA. Many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter’s mother Dorothy, a niece Victoria Martin and a nephew Huck Young.
Special thanks to Dr.’s Jones and Davidson and the wonderful nurses at Northstar Lodge. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be sent to the Northstar Lodge.
Joe accepted God into his life and we all feel better by knowing he is in God’s loving hands.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 at the Toppenish Eagles at 11:00 A.M. 515 S. Division. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com
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This is for Jamie, MaryJoe, Gary and Raymond Young.
I have known Jamie and MaryJoe since their father Joe Young was Chief Of the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department since my employment in June 1974. "Chief" is the way I've always addressed him. Chief had strong words in Protecting the Yakama Nation Treaty and never stepped away, when coming to those issues with the general public, both indian and non-indian. To the family members, Chief was a leader, and protector of his people. And I will truly mess him in the days to come.
Sincerely, Rueben Sandoval & Family
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JoAnn, We are so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and all the family during this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We love you,
Joe and Denise Guillen
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RAY & GARY WHO I KNOW THE BEST TELL YOUR FAMILY THAT THEY HAVE MY CONDOLENCES. JOE WAS A GREAT ROLE MODEL OF MINE AND I WAS SO PROUD TO TELL PEOPLE THAT HE WAS A PERSONAL FRIEND OF MINE. HE CAME FROM A GOOD FAMILY AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
JOE AND LINDA LAPLANTE USMC RET. TUCSON AZ.
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I've recently moved to Lolo, MT to live near my daughter and her family, but was notified by a friend in Wapato of Joe's passing. My condolences to all of Joe's family. I shall always remember Joe's wonderful laugh, his contribution to the Yakama people, and how much fun it was to grow up with Joe and the rest of my cousins. Rebecca Hoptowit
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Mary Joe and Jamie, I'm sorry for your loss. My love and prayers to all of you. Wendy
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Papa Joe will be SO missed by everyone who knew him! He was one of the most giving and caring men I've ever met... AND he was the funnest 'dancing partner' too! LOVE CRYSTAL
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Sending condeolences on behalf of my father, George Adams, Jr. Dad had intended on attending Joe's memorial service but his wondering cattle unexpectedly needed to be tended to. We remember growing up with Joe and the recall that he provided child care for us, dad's children, back in the day. As adults, whenever we would see Joe, he always acknowledge our family connection with a friendly smile & hello. We remember Joe for his laughter and the caring nature he had for people. If needed, Joe always lent a helping hand so unselfishly. Joe will sincerely be missed by many.
Best regards,
George Adams Jr. & Family
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Sorry for your loss, thinking and praying for your family. I remember when Joe worked for the tribe.
Claudette
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