George Queahpama

George James Queahpama was born in Redmond, OR to Clayton (Yak’isyuaxat) and Helen (Tumyat). The nurse fell in love with him and gave him the nickname “Boots” which stuck. His Ala Squiempt and Aunt Mae raised him in Simnasho Longhouse. He grew up in Simnasho, OR along with Kat Queahpama (dec.), Cleda Peterson, Sybil Queahpama and Allie Queahpama. One brother growing up Raymond “Moe” John, (Dec) later two more brothers: Louis Napyer Jr. (dec.) and William Napyer. He chose Betty Friedlander as his lifetime mate. Together they had two other daughters,Georgina and Helen Queahpama along with Bettys son Wesley Friedlander whom he raised. Boots and Betty helped take care of their grandchildren Navia & Louella. Boots was brought up Presbyterian and traditional in the Longhouse. He taught his children to fish and hunt. They went digging for pyaxii and sa-witk in season they also went to pick x’amsii. He worked for Columbia Asphalt while his children were growing up. He would proudly point out the roads he helped to built and repair and all the houses he helped construct. Boots was a good storyteller especially when traveling. He had a story for every point we passed! Gonna miss those stories, Boots. There will be a dressing October 28, 2019, 3pm at the Wapato Longhouse with overnight services to start at 7pm. Burial will be held October 29. 2019 at sunrise at the McCoy Cemetery in Toppenish ,WA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Queahpama, please visit our flower store.