Cayou, Tee-Sa-Luk Chester Sr.

It is with great sadness that the Swinomish Indian Tribal 
Community announces that Chester Cayou Sr., Tee-Sa-Luk, 
passed away August 27, 2010, eighty-eight years young. 
Chester had struggled with various health issues over the last 
several years. 

"Chet Cayou was one in a million," said Swinomish Tribal 
Chairman Brian Cladoosby. "He served his country and his 
people his entire life. He was a walking encyclopedia of 
knowledge, not just about the Coast Salish life ways and 
language, but also carried a boots-on-the-ground perspective 
of Europe in the last years of World War II. Generations of 
Swinomish kids grew up calling him 'Grandpa Chet.' We will miss 
him dearly." 

In addition to being the oldest surviving male tribal member, 
Chester was the longest serving member of the Swinomish 
Indian Senate, the elected legislative body of the Tribe. During 
his 27 years on the Swinomish Senate, Chester served in many 
capacities including Chair of the Fisheries Committee for nearly 
two decades and Chair of the Veterans Committee. He was also 
a long time member of the Budget and Personnel Committees. 
Chester also worked for the Tribe for many years, leading a 
reforestation crew after working in the shake mills around 
Skagit County. 

Chester proudly served his country in the army in World War II. 
He arrived at Normandy Beach shortly after D-Day and served 
for six months in the occupation of Berlin after the war ended. 
He was present at the Battle of the Bulge and at many other 
significant military events during his tour of duty.

Chester was a member of the Swinomish Senate, the Swinomish 
Veterans, the VFW and the Swinomish Smokehouse.

No words adequately express the loss felt by the Tribe, of this 
honorable WWII veteran. Chester is survived by his son, Chester 
Cayou, Jr. (Polly); four daughters, Tina Cayou, Regina Bob, Ina 
Cayou (Joe), Sophie and Joe Bailey; son, Dale Jones (Barb); sister, 
Susan Billy and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren 
and great great grandchildren. 

Chester is preceded in death by his loving wife, Velma; two 
sons, Fred and Donnie; grandchildren, Wayne Bob, Jr., Cassandra 
Cayou and Curtis Bailey; his parents, General Scott and Sarah 
Cayou and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 
10:00am at the La Conner High School gymnasium. A prayer 
service will be held Monday, August 30, 2010 at 7:00pm at the 
Swinomish Gymnasium.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home, 
Mount Vernon.

Published in The Herald (Everett) on August 31, 2010