Keith D. Heemsah Sr.

Auxpilute (Keith Danny Heemsah, Sr.)

February 1, 1957 - September 1, 2026

With heavy hearts, his family shares that Auxpilute has started his next journey. He was so many things to so many people, provider, leader, husband, father, grandpa, brother, and uncle. He was usually the center of laughter and silliness, living up to his well-earned name as Goose. A funny story about Goose lives in everyone he touched. He was dedicated to his family. He left school as a young man to go to work so he could help provide for the family and he never stopped providing. Auxpilute answered the call to serve the people as a Counter for General Council and later again when he was voted on to the Yakama Nation Tribal Council. It was his nature to put others before himself. He most recently worked for the Yakama Nation Housing Authority where he fixed all manner of water problems. Goose answered every call by friends and family who needed help, especially since his last few days were spent supporting families as they laid their loved ones to rest. Whether he was wrenching, plumbing, or figuring it out, he could always be counted on. He was also the mentor for so many kids, and not just his own. He was there as they caught their first fish, completed their first hunt, joined the drum line, or entered the rodeo arena for the first time. He loved being there for the next generation. He rode broncs, wild horse raced, and during his Shitter Getter days, chased horses off the hill. It was time well spent with horses and family. Rest easy Cowboy.

Auxpilute is joining his mother, Barbara Sadie Cloud Heemsah and his father Lespy Heemsah, Sr., his brothers Jay, Tony, Les, Dale, and Levi, and his daughter Nellie Eyle. He is survived by his wife Sonia, his children Lynn Lewis, Keith Jr., Samantha (Terry), and Danny Heemsah, as well as Kristin, Samantha, Nathan, Tennille, Sheila, and Alison Eyle, his brothers and sisters Leon, Melissa, Patricia, Terry Sr., Lisa (Bobby) Bobb, Alicia, Peggy, and Shawn (Esmerelda) Heemsah, 43 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.