BEGAY, Richard S.

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, Arizona Richard S. Begay July 15, 1943 - June 01, 2013 Clans: T³izi³ani; Born for Hash k¹¹ hadzohí Nali is Kinyá anii; Chei is Ma’iideeshgiizhnii Born July 15, 1943 in Pinon, AZ, entered into rest on June 1, 2013 in Panguitch, Utah. Richard graduated from Chilocco Indian School, lettered in many sports and was in the National Honor Society. He worked for Southwest Industries for 10 years. He was self made entrepreneur and business man specializing in Navajo Silversmithing. Credited for being the first to do storyteller bracelets and channel work. A master of mosaic inlay and double layer inlay. One of his Concho belts is displayed in the permanent collection at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. His work can also be found in the permanent collection at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ. He has work published in Gregory Schaaf’s book “American Indian Jewelry I”. He was also a Navajo composer and recording artist and nominated for a Grammy. He is survived by his wife Rita Begay; children, Beverly Begay, Philbert Begay, Ivan Begay, Amos Begay, Delbert Begay, Regina Blackhorse, Renita Begay; grandkids, Brittany Begay, Chayenne Begay, Tyana Begay, Nicholas Begay, Zachary Begay, Alexandria DuMarce, Vanessa Begay, Lawrence Begay, Terrance Begay, Andrew Begay, Seneca Begay, Talon Begay, Ashleigh Begay, Matthew Begay, Kaylee Begay, Nataanii Blackhorse, Makayla Herrera & Tahnibaa Herrera. Preceded in death by his father, Attakai Begay, mother Jane S. Begay, sister Lena Begay, brother Nelson Begay and sister Serena Ben. Funeral Service for Richard S. Begay, 69, will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 10:00 AM MST at Greer’s Mortuary Chapel in Winslow, AZ, interment to follow at Desert View Cemetery.