BENALLY, Guy

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/21/2014 Guy Benally died Feb. 13, 2014, in Mesa. He was born Aug. 5, 1934, in Sand Springs. He was a marathoner, boxer, hunter, logger and wonderful father and grandfather. Guy lived his life to the fullest. Born on the Navajo Indian Reservation, Guy came to McNary in the ‘50s to work on the railroad, later as a sawyer at Southwest Forest Industries, and as a log cutter. Guy shared his love of the wilderness with his wife Mary Lou; together they took long walks near their home in McNary, or took a drive into the mountains to enjoy the beauty of the forests. Guy enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. Guy’s greatest love was running, and he entered races throughout Arizona. His fastest time in the marathon was 1:20. Prior to the 1968 Olympics, Guy was invited to compete at the Olympic Trials; but due to financial restraints and unmet financial support, Guy was unable to compete. He will be remembered as kind, loving, hardworking, dependable and a selfless man who was willing to give, and give, and give. Guy is survived by his children: Lucy Benally, Julie Cooley, Mickey Benally, Jo Ann Lupe and Ricky Benally; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five brothers; and four sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Duryea Benally, and sons: Erick and Dean Benally. A viewing was held from 8-10 a.m., with funeral services held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fort Apache. Interment and graveside dedication will be held at the Golden Gorge Cemetery in North Fork.