Jeffrey H. Benally, 51, a resident of Lynnwood, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Swedish Edmonds Hospital in Edmonds, WA.
Jeff was born on August 18, 1962 in Seattle, WA, the son of Jerome & Irene Marie (Bailey) Benally. He grew up in Tacoma, Seattle and Lynnwood and attended Mountlake Terrace High School.
Jeff worked for the Tulalip Casino providing surveillance, security, working the cage and as a café attendant. He also worked surveillance at the Silver Dollar Casino in Edmonds and the Kirkland Bowl Casino in Kirkland and a loss prevention officer for Corporate Loss Control. He also was a finish carpenter for Palmer Construction, a floor installer for Benjamin Wood Floors, worked on his uncle George’s commercial fishing boat and with his family in their food vendor business, Navajo Fried Bread.
He was a member of the Upper Skagit Native American Tribe and was half Navajo Native American.
He enjoyed the casino, playing stick games and going on fishing and hunting trips. He also enjoyed Navajo Indian culture, bowling, baseball, football, painting, playing the drums, and making stick game sets.
Jeff was known as a friendly person to all he met and will be missed by all.
Jeff is survived by his daughter, Dorris Garibay and his 5 grandchildren, Ana, Esperanza, Alex, Richard and Michael Salazar of Shelton; his father, Jerome Benally of Lynnwood; sister, Nancy Whitson and husband Ben of Lynnwood; 2 brothers, Gary Benally and Mark Benally and wife Cassandra all of Lynnwood; Nieces and nephews, CJ (Charles), Patty (Mable), Latosha, Amanda, Justin and Jasmine Benally, Russell, Daniel and Carl Whitson, Devon Lawrence and Garry Peterson; Great-nieces and nephews, Jae and Jayden Benally, Tobin Sneatlum, Lena Tom, Myron Tom, Jr. and Natalie Whitson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Petty Benally in 1995, his brother, Jerry Benally in 2011 and his grandparents, Myrtle & William Bailey, Mabel and Wallace Benally and Carl Curtis.
A Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service on Thursday, January 30th at 10:00 AM at the Swinomish Tribal Youth Center in La Conner with Father Pat Twohy officiating. Interment will be at the Swinomish Native American Tribal Cemetery.
I will never forget that smile! I was one of Jeff’s supervisors at the Tulalip Casino, he worked in the Carvery. Jeff was such an awesome man always smiling and helping. We will miss you deeply!
My condolences to Jerry, Gary, Nancy, Mark and Doris. Jeffrey will be greI did. tly missed. I had the chance to know you through Jeffrey, I cherish the moments we had together. He was a great friend and an honorable human being. There will not be another like him again.
To the rest of his family and friends, I’m sure you loved him as much as i did. The pain of his loss will eventually go away. The memories of him will forever linger.
So long Jeffrey, see you on the other side my friend.
My Love and Prayers to Dad Jerome Benally , Gary, and Nancy and Mark and to Doris and her family, My Sincerey apology I will not be able to make the services although Iam going to remember him as he was his happy spirit…..I know we are absent at this time, although its too hard for the girls to deal with this as we know their dad was only gone for two years ….Although their prayers are with all All of you….Iam soooo sorry for the loss of our dear brother…he is in Gods pearly gates rejoicing …..Sending our Love, and pray that the dear Lord Jesus conforts your sadden hearts to give you strength ….Love Laura, Latosha, Amanda, Adam, Ricky….
Sam Family – Mr & Mrs Sam and our whole family are thinking of you never the less….with prayers…
I loved seeing him come in to work in the early morning. He was always so friendly and would stop and talk. We could even talk about nothing but be laughing. And his morning Ice cream cone. He loved that every morning. Jeff you will be missed buy so many. May you rest in peace. we have one more angel watching over us.
Was a wonderful man to all he met, My wife loved him very much. My prayers go out to his daughter and family for there loss. Was such a wonderful and spiritual person. Glad i got to meet him. Take care of the space up there buddy. We will meet again. Love the Rieman family.