Kevin Ganuelas

On August 24th, 2017 Kevin Ganuelas of Wapato and a member of the Yakama Nation was called home by Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. Known by the endearing names "Dad", "Daddy", "Kevi", “KG”, “Dabs”, and "Daboo", he was born March 25th, 1981 to Joseph "Pops" and Sandra "Mother Goose" Ganuelas, He was the youngest of 3 boys. His older brothers being Joey, and Eric (Reeva) Ganuelas also of Wapato. Kevin was the proud father of four children, Deja (16), Dezmarie (15), Dreya (13), and Kevin Ganuelas II (12), After 15 years, on August 4th 2012, Kevin married the Love of his life, the girl next door Cheyenne (Rivers) Ganuelas. Perceived by many as a "Macho" or "tough" guy, he was intimately known by his family as the dad that used a blow dryer to get his hair just right, the dad that was very ticklish, or the dad that loved black forest gummy bears and sour patch kids. Initially, Kevin wasn't too thrilled when the family brought hone a new puppy (Olivia) last year, but it wasn't long before he became close with her and nicknamed her "Livvy Bear". You could always find Kevin in a white tee and dickies or denim jeans rockin' his Seahawks cap, his chain, and shades. Every week like clockwork, Kevin cut his own hair, he didn't trust anyone else touching his hair with clippers after Hank the BarBer closed his shop in Wapato. Anytime he was seen in his trick, he was heard bumpin' the cuts. In fact, it was always an indication for his family that "Dad's Home!". Just naming a few, some of his favorite artists included E-40, The Doors, Kendrick Lamar, Al Green, Cypres Hill. Sugawolf, Scarface, and Travis Scott among others. One song Kevin always had on repeat was "I belong to you" by Rome, the song he dedicated, sang to his wife, and the one he chose to enter the church on his wedding day. As a kid, Kevin loved Woody Woodpecker, was great in Cross Country, often made the Honor Roll, and loved hanging out with his cousins. He made many fond memories and friends at the Valley Christian Church on West Wapato road. His initial career goal was to become a Machinist specializing in Gunsmithing. As little Kevin recalls, his dad told him that he looked forward to recess at school because that was when he could go to the school store and collect sports memorabilia, especially baseball cards, one of his favorites being Ken Griffey Jr. Kevin forever loved watching sports, always rooting on the Seattle Supersonics, Seahawks, and the Mariners. Over the years, Kevin worked various jobs in construction doing drywall, His most favorite being and employee of the Yakama Nation Housing. In 2011, he met Ray Benuelos who took him under his wing to show him the ins and outs of dry wall and sheetrocking, introducing him to the love of the craft of building, and sheetrocking. He was always eager to learn new ways to work often watching youtube videos, and episodes of "This Old House" to perfect his skill. Kevin took so much pride in his quality work. After a short-lived departure from housing, Kevin returned in 2015 to work alongside one of his best friends Chris Mahle. He often spoke about how he enjoyed helping the Yakama people by providing refurbished homes for them to live in. He was looking forward to returning to school so that he could advance in his career. One of Kevin's favorite past-times was watching boxing, especially when it came to Pacquiao, Triple G, and his cousin Randell Corquz. the love of guns, and shooting for sport was passed down to Kevin from his father, and he passed that love onto his family. Teaching his wife and children how to load, shoot and take care of the weapon. Kevin may have had his feats, but he always dusted himself off and fought to be the best father and husband he could be. He was always very supportive of his kids' excellence in academics, and sports activities. Kevin almost never missed a game, and always told his kids he was proud of them. He was a great cook, and the best barbecuer. His favorite dishes to cook for his family were "Hot meat", chicken adobo, and grilling up St. Louis ribs. Kevin was also very supportive of his wife's dreams to become a RN. He always fed her words of encouragement when she studied or had an upcoming test. Then again, he was always a good distraction when he wanted her to put the books down and have "cuddle time". There wasn't a thing that Kevin couldn't do, and he took pride in being the man of his house always fixing everything. If his family needed anything done, the term so frequently used was, "Ask Dad". Kevin was not only a great father and husband, He was a great son ad brother. His father and he shared the same interests in books, sports, and "fixing things". Kevin and Eric made a mountain of memories with time spent playing video games, watching Seattle's best, and of course causing mischief. Kevin loved his mother dearly, and depended on her support a great deal. Although he seemed to have a hard exterior, once you got to know Kevin, you found a friend, bro, or confidant for life. Over the 20 years with his wife he became close with her brothers, cousins, friends, and family. Precious memories were made with the time he spent with them, often giving advice, or just hanging out. Kevin knew and loved the Lord. After some time spent away from church he had recently expressed wanting to attend church, and getting back into his faith. He was a member of the All Tribes Christian Life Center. Kevin's family will never be the same without his guidance and presence. May he continue to be the protector of them, and may you continue prayers for their healing. Never again will they hear his nicknames for them. "Dejanator" (Deja), "Coco" or "Dezzi" (Dezmarie), "Tweety Bird" (Dreya), "Lil Dude" (Kevi), and "Mama", or "Chy" for his wife. Kevin was preceded in death by his firstborn son Terence James Rivers-Ganuelas, his nephew Eric Christian Ganuelas Jr., his Paternal Grandparents Blanche and Casey Watlamet, Grandfather Stephen Morales Ganuelas, and Maternal Grandparents John and Rebecca Crasco. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Monday August 28th, 2017 All Tribes Christian Life Center located on HWY 97 and Progressive Rd Private Dressing 1 pm, Public entry immediately following Evening Services to begin 7 pm Tuesday August 29th, 2017 Funeral Service 8 am Leave to Reservation Community Memorial Park 9 am Dinner to follow Burial To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kevin Ganuelas, please visit our flower store.