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Joseph Dabill Obituary

Joseph Terry Dabill, 66, died of a heart attack Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at his home in Atascadero. He was born in 1948 to Ruby and Rufus Dabill in Yakima, Wash. In 1979, Joe married Kathleen Dabill, and together they had four children, Samuel, Kestrel, Abraham and Jesse. They later divorced and Joe re-married Amada Najera. Joe's passions included running, biking, flintknapping, bow and arrow making and other traditional skills. He was widely known as a teacher of Native American primitive technology. He was self-taught and had an extraordinary passion for his work. Joe had an endearing, unique personality and had faith in the way he lived his life. He loved Christ until the day he passed away. He was a patient, happy, loving person and will be missed by all who had the fortune of knowing him. Joe is survived by his wife, Amada; four children; grandson, Clayton; mother, Ruby; and siblings Steve, Charles, Gwendolyne, Cynthia, Deborah, Wayne and Christine. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014, at the First Assembly of God, 5545 Ardilla Ave. in Atascadero.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Mar. 16, 2014.

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5 Entries

Matthew Scherer

April 11, 2014

I Know Joe's workmanship and I was inspired to follow in his path to my own skills in the bow and arrow making....but I do not yet have the knapping down yet...he and I had shared manny a fire and stories....his critique of my work was always right on.......thank you and Amada

Jeff and Seona Lampman

March 18, 2014

We have fond memories of Joe on Catalina Island in the early 1980's. He was known affectionately as "Injun Joe" at Catalina Island Marine Institute in Toyon Bay, where he taught visiting schoolchildren about how Indians lived off the land. He would often run from camp into the town of Avalon and back, a 14 mile RT run up and down steep hillsides. We liked to watch Joe chew sinew to make his own bow and flintknapp arrowheads. We wish Joe's spirit well in the "happy hunting grounds," and all the best to his family.

Kate Montgomery

March 17, 2014

Joe was a big part of our lives at Santa Lucia School in Templeton where he has taught his Chumash skills, inspired us with his abilities, and entertained us with his stories for at least 20 years. One of a kind, he will be missed, so sorry.

Linda Fluitt - Schmid

March 17, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Even though I have not seen Joe in many, many years, I can still hear his engaging laughter. He was a very honest and unique person who dedicated his life doing what he loved. My condolences to the entire Dabill family. God Bless.

March 16, 2014

So sad, ALL people who knew Joe both liked and loved him. Good friend and neighbor. Peace and Love to his Family!
Conrad Mahon

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