Vernon J. Roanhorse

Vernon John Roanhorse of Crystal, NM, born on May 21, 1956 passed away in Albuquerque, NM on August 11, 2016, surrounded by his family. Vern, loving father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend was a legal advocate for the Navajo people. He worked in the legal field for 28 years from Prosecutor to eventual Executive Director of Ethics and Rules Department for the Navajo Nation. He helped define fundamental law in the Navajo courts from 1990 onward. An autodidact, Vern was dedicated to learning, exemplified in his talents for being a skilled griller, mechanic, farmer, litigator, and law student. He was truly a jack of all trades.

Vern was the Tangle Clan (Ta'neeszahnii), born for the Towering House Clan (Kiyaa'aanii). His maternal grandpa's clan was Bitter Water (Todich'ii'nii) and his paternal grandpa's clan was Black Streak Wood (Tsi'naajinii).

Vern graduated from Window Rock High School and attended Westminster Community College, Arizona State University, and the University of New Mexico.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Regina of To'hajiilee, NM; daughters, Katrina (Brandon Manary) of Albuquerque, NM and Kara Roanhorse of To'hajiilee, NM; sons, Kristopher and Kameron Roanhorse of To'hajiilee, NM; brothers, Darwyn Roanhorse of Oakland, CA, and John Roanhorse, III, of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Verree, Delora, and Vivienne Roanhorse of Phoenix, AZ; one nephew; three nieces; and three grandchildren.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and John Roanhorse Jr.; sister, Darlene Roanhorse; and brother, Nathaniel Roanhorse.

Pallbearers will be Kristopher Roanhorse, Kameron Roanhorse, Tim Curley, Henry Roanhorse Jr., Darrell Dennison, and Rodriguez Morris.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Roanhorse III, Darwyn Roanhorse, Marvin Roanhorse, Ed Sam, R.C. Begay, and Jamie Henio.

Vernon's Life Celebration will begin with a Service on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Albuquerque located on Osuna, followed by Burial at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family requests, in the honoring of his memory, that contributions be made to the Go Fund Me website at www.gofundme.com/vjroanhorse or home address: P.O. Box 3861, Canoncito, NM 87026.