Thomas Yazzie

(February 26, 1950 – January 3, 2022)

Thomas Yazzie, 71, of Greasewood Springs, Arizona, passed peacefully on the night of January 3, 2022. Born on February 26, 1950 to the late Kee and Helen (Crank) Kescoli in Forest Lake, AZ, he was TÅ''ááshchí'í, born for Tó dích'íi'nii, maternal grandfather Lók'aa' Dine'é, and paternal grandfather Hashk'Ä…Ä…n Hadzohí.

Tom was raised in Forest Lake, AZ, later residing in Greasewood, Tuba City and Flagstaff before settling in Greasewood, AZ. Tom was a man who wore many hats in life. He overcame harsh adversity as a survivor of the Indian Residential Boarding School system and rose above life's early obstacles to become a graduate of Flagstaff High School and of Northern Arizona University, which led him to a fulfilling career, for many years, as an Educator of many grade levels. He was also a coach and mentor for various sports. But Tom was also a son, a nephew, sibling and uncle. Tom was renowned for his gentle, patient, giving nature, along with a sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor. He thoroughly enjoyed listening to oldies, having family game night and he was an avid fan of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks. But above all, he was the loving husband of 53 years to his high school sweetheart, Linda (Salabiye) Yazzie. In addition to his wife Linda, Tom is also survived by his beloved children, Lanova Yazzie (Brian) of Phoenix, Theresa Yazzie (Marvell) of Greasewood, Marc Yazzie (Rochelle) of Indian Wells, Shaina Yazzie (George) of Mesa and Kyden Yazzie of Phoenix and his lone (granddaughter) "Nalii", Mackenzie Kescoli.

He is also survived by siblings: Teresa Little (Jimmy), Eleanor Joe, Ruby Yazzie (James), Earl Kescoli, Helena Blackrock (Steve), Calvin Kescoli, Kee Kescoli Jr., Roger Kescoli and Laverne Kescoli (Michaelson), along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends and former students.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brother Bobby Yazzie (and his wife Ruby M. Yazzie), niece Andraudia "Dottie" Kescoli Lee, nephews Rafael "Raff" Yazzie and Raimund "Jarman" Yazzie, and grandnephews Tobias "Biee" Yazzie and Larrin James Kescoli.

Courtesy of Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary & Crematory 2545 N Fourth St. 928-774-1467

Visitation will be held on Monday 1/10/22 from 8:30-10:30 am at Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, to be followed by burial (with Graveside services) at 11:00 am. Citizens Cemetery 1300 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, Az 86001.