Tim Roy Weaver

1944 - 2010

Timothy Roy Weaver, age 65, died at home in Yakima surrounded by his family on March 22, 2010, after a seventeen year battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 28, 1944 to Dr. Keith and Thelma Weaver and grew up in Ellensburg, Washington graduating from high school in 1963. During high school he lettered in baseball and football and was Vice President of his class and Student Body President. In 1967 Tim graduated from the University of Washington where he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. He married the love of his life, Gail Hartman, on August 20, 1967, a marriage that lasted 42 years. Tim felt that this was the best decision he ever made. Following graduation from Willamette Law School in 1970, where he was Law Journal editor, he worked as a law clerk for Washington Supreme Court Justice Morrell Sharp. Tim then joined James "little Jimmy" Hovis in his Indian Law Practice in Yakima. On his first day of work, May 1, 1971, he was sent to a tribal council meeting. That began a nearly 40 year career/love affair representing the Yakama Nation on legislative, state and federal taxation issues, water law, zoning and environmental and treaty fishing rights. Tim gained regional and national recognition for his Indian law skills, handling complex cases and negotiations, including two U.S. Supreme Court cases. He was also President of the Yakima County Bar Association. While Tim was short in stature, he was tall in heart and spirit. He never gave up on behalf of his clients, and everyone who dealt with him knew exactly where he stood. No one ever questioned Tim's tenacity or his undying loyalty. He was blessed with a huge number of Indian friends as he dedicated his life to the Yakama Nation and its people and received love and respect in return.

Tim's family instilled in him a love of the outdoors including duck hunting, fishing, golf, crabbing and huckleberry picking. He particularly loved to hunt ducks at the T.P. (The Generals' ) Duck Club on Toppenish Creek. He passed on his passion for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren and expects to be watching them from the big duck pond/berry field/crab fishery in the sky as they follow in the Weaver family outdoor tradition. Tim loved a party and humor always played a huge part in his life. He will be remembered for his quick wit and his humorous sayings. He was blessed with a huge array of friends, all of whom he cherished.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Jan Lange, and especially Dr. Tony Ha, and the absolutely wonderful "girls" at the North Star Lodge Cancer Center who all cared lovingly for Tim, laughed at his jokes and pampered him. Thanks also go to the wonderful Memorial Hospital Hospice Team who provided love and support during his final months.

Tim is survived by his wife Gail, sons Tyler (Jenny) and Ryan (Krystal), his brother Jud (Muriel), his grandchildren Audrey, Elliot, Rose and Addison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Keith and Thelma Weaver.

Donations in Tim's honor may be made to The Memorial Foundation to benefit the Hospice Building Fund and North Star Lodge Cancer Center or to Ducks Unlimited.
The family invites everyone to attend Tim's special Tribal Religious Ceremony at the Yakama Nation Cultural Center Winterlodge, Highway 97 in Toppenish on March 25 at 9:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, in Yakima.
Arrangements are in the care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.