Kenneth Hoptowit

Kenneth M. Hoptowit, age 63, died Tuesday October 2, 2018 at his home surrounded by family after battling cancer. He was born in Toppenish to Fred Hoptowit, Sr., and Mary Lazyboy Oscar. He grew up in Wapato and graduated in 1974 from Wapato High School. On October 18, 1980 he married Christina Arquette in White Swan, WA. making their home in Wapato. They raised 3 sons, Christopher, Mathew and Joshua. Kenneth had a career in law enforcement that spanned over 35 years beginning in 1975 as a police officer, Traffic Safety Officer, Sergeant and ending with retirement as Chief of Police for the Yakama Nation in 2011. He wrote a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), awarding $11.9 million to the Yakama Nation for a Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility. He went on to serve as Coalition Supervisor with the White Swan Dream Makers and the White Swan Arts & Recreation projects. He enjoyed helping the White Swan High School students compete locally and in Washington, DC promoting suicide prevention. He enjoyed the many hours of community involvement, hosting and attending meetings, coordinating social events, parades, a 3-on-3 Basketball tournament, volunteering at the White Swan Annual Christmas Dinner, always determined and focusing on community improvements. An appointment came in 2015 – 2018 for Kenneth to serve on the Washington State Catholic Conference diocesan lay advisory board, he was 1 of 3 members appointed to assist the Bishop with on site environment and public policy. Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife, Christina (Arquette) Hoptowit, his sons Christopher, Mathew (Joyce), and Joshua, his brothers Gerald, Earl and Arthur Hoptowit, a sister Ida “Peggy” Plumlee, Aunt Elizabeth “Betty” Littleplume of Browning, Mt., and numerous nieces and nephews. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents and a sister. Viewing starts at 4 p.m., Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the Valley Hills Funeral Home, 218 W. 3rd St., Wapato, WA with Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service on Monday, October 8, 2018, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Wapato, at 10:00 a.m., 509 S. Satus Ave., Wapato, WA. Burial to follow at the Reservation Cemetery, 5161 West Wapato Road. Reception to follow at the Wapato Filipino Community Hall, 211 West 2nd St. Wapato. Thank you to Dr. Rory Sumners, North Star Lodge, Virginia Mason Medical Center Seattle and Yakima Virginia Mason Memorial Hospice. A special thank you to Nancy Fiander and Rose Hoptowit. A SUCCESSFUL MAN That man is a success - who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. By an unknown author. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Hoptowit, please visit our flower store.