WINDOW ROCK, AZ. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a proclamation calling for all flags on the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 through Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, in honor and memory of former Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begaye, who passed away on Friday, Aug. 13 at the age of 70.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Honorable Begaye’s wife, children, and grandchildren at this difficult time. He was a person of great faith and that’s what he relied on throughout his life, especially during challenging times. As we grieve together, we also turn to our prayers to provide strength and comfort for his loved ones and all who knew him. With the proclamation issued today, we pay tribute to Honorable Kelsey Begaye and thank him and his family for all of their sacrifices for the Navajo people,” said President Nez.
Begaye was born on Jan. 7, 1951 in Kaibeto, Ariz. He was Tódich’ii’nii and born for Tł’ízí łání. Prior to his public service, Begaye served in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army.
He later became a substance abuse counselor, helping many young people to overcome drug and alcohol abuse. Prior to being elected President, he also served as a local school board member, President and Secretary/Treasurer for Kaibeto Chapter, and two-terms as the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council. He served as the President of the Navajo Nation from 1999-2003 with former Vice President Taylor McKenzie, M.D.
“Honorable Kelsey Begaye touched so many lives through his work as a substance abuse counselor, Vietnam veteran, and a public servant. He was a very humble person who overcame adversities as a young man, turned to his faith in God, and dedicated so many years of his life to
helping and serving others. He will be remembered as a loving, caring, and gracious person who devoted his life to his family, his faith, and his people,” said Vice President Lizer.
The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President is also working with the family to offer live-streaming of the funeral service on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.