Phillip "Corky" Louis Ambrose Jr.

Phillip Louis Ambrose Jr (Awayama)

To the many people in his life, he was known as "Corky".

When asked how he was, you would often hear him say, "I'm Excellent."

He was born in White Swan on August 12, 1932, to Phillip L. and Grace (Wheeler) Ambrose Sr.

He was a member of the Yakama Nation and a descendant of great-great-grandfather Tochnonumhuh, Nathan Olney and great-great-grandmothers Tuassiat, Agnes Homi and Jeanette Hadley; great grandparents Peter and Grace Skahan Wheeler, Abraham Lincoln and Melvina Olney.

He graduated from White Swan High School and then served in the United State Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He enlisted July 15, 1952, serving at POPE Air Force Base (AFB) California continuing to Shepard AFB for Aircraft Mechanic training. In 1953 he transferred to Larsen AFB Washington as a C124 Mechanic for the 15th Troop Carrier Squadron. He then transferred to Donaldson AB South Carolina having re-enlisted July 16, 1956, for four more years achieving a certificate as Flight Mechanic 1957 Scanner. He was honorably discharged August 15, 1960, as S/Sgt E5.

After four decades of service. Corky retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry Department only to begin and retire from the Yakama Nation Fire Management in 1992. He was a founding member of the Yakama Warriors Association established in 1991 and it can be said that this was his third career.

The Warriors grew from 18 to 150 members with a purpose to provide military honors at funerals on the lands of the Yakama people and later expanding to a regional presence. Being responsible for the many that serve and honor their sacrifices was paramount to his contributions to the Yakama Warriors. There were many significant events throughout Corky's life upon leaving the military that he participated in and was most proud to be counted as present.

One such event was to honor Ira Haves in Sacaton. Arizona... "A Pima Native American and Marine, Hayes was one of six flag-raisers on Iwo Jima during World War Il. The image was memorialized in aniconic Associated Press photograph."

Another event took place on Memorial Day in 2016 when the group was asked "to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery in conjunction with President Barack Obama's invocation." Corky was among the group, a seventh group of Native American Veterans requested to be part of the 148th National Memorial Day Observance heldin the US capital. They were told it would be 567 years before they had an opportunity to participate in these events -Corky was honored to be among the attendees.

"The group also met Frank Buckles, the last living World War I Veteran, who died in February 2011."

Corky advocated for healthy living. He enjoyed promoting the Healthy Heart program for tribal members, offering his life experiences for managing diabetes and the need to be a healthy blood donor for the American Red Cross.

Recently, he was one of four participants in the "Honoring Our Elders" ceremony held at Heritage University on November 8, 2019. The following best reflects who Corky was...

"CORKY AMBROSE is a warrior and a protector. While serving in the US Air Force, he was part of a flight crew that brought troops, supplies and humanitarian aid to foreign countries. When he returned to civilian life, he spent the next 40 years protecting the natural resources of the Yakama Nation, both as a forester then as a woodland firefighter. Today he is his brother's and sister's keeper: supporting fellow veterans, providing funeral service support for the fallen, and serving the community through the Yakama Warriors Association, an organization he helped found in 1992."

He married Laurel Ann Workman in August 25,1961 in Yakima, Washington and together they had seven children. He is survived by his three sons, Phil (Pam) of Zillah, David (Corrine) of Yakima, Mike (Helen) of Brownstown and three daughters, Connie (Daniel) of Marysville, Margaret of Brownstown, and Anna of White Swan; 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

There were many fine qualities that were characteristic of which Corky was to family, friends and those whose life he touched every day. He was often heard to say, "Everything you do helps you get along ni a new situation." He expected accountability. He encouraged lifelong learning - don't let failure stop you. He expected you to work hard so you can be proud of what you contribute and always strive to make anything you touch better. Especially important to him was respect, respect yourself, respect your elders, and respect the land you live upon leaving it a better place for others to come.

Corky moved to Grand Ronde in 2020 where he lived with his granddaughter, Francene Ambrose, whom he raised- she called him dad- and her husband Jerald Harris. He enjoyed reconnecting with his mother's people and learning about canoe family traditions and songs. He also shared about and cultivated first foods. He visited achaf-hammi (the Grand Ronde plank house) as often as he could. We have immense gratitude for the way the community and canoe family embraced him and made him feel at home in his mother's lands.

Corky was a man of service his entire life. In Grand Ronde he volunteered at iskam mak" mak- haws (the Grand Ronde food pantry). He was there almost daily, and he managed his own station during food distributions while greeting everyone that came in. He also worked closely with all staff and with Francene serving as the iskam mak'mak-haws Program Manager.

Corky loved being part of the community and socializing with the elders and the next generation. He was a wonderful storyteller and would often visit with the community, exchanging stories and knowledge from his life.

One of his favorite hobbies was teasing and playing jokes on those that he loved. This included staff at all his usual spots that he visited: Wolf's Den, Willamina Wildwood, Fort Hill, IHOP, the Mountain View Sports Bar, the CTGR health clinic, and the CTGR dental clinic.

Corky also liked gambling. He would openly share any hints or tricks he knew to win at the machines. He enjoyed al traveling, especially to Spirit Mountain Casino,Chinook Winds, Seven Feathers, and Legends. Corky's sense of humor, common sense approaches to life, willingness to be vulnerable, reaching out with kindness and generosity was what will be missed most. He loved us all.

He was preceded in death by wife Laurel, their child Isaac Levi, his parents Grace and Phillip and his sisters Lila and Theresa.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank in honor of Corky.