The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation continues to mourn the passing of its long-time leader, Dr. Clinton M. Pattea, who left behind a unique and lasting legacy.

Pattea died July 5, 2013, with his family by his side.

Dr. Pattea served Fort McDowell in government service on the Tribal Council and as president since the 1960s.

During a celebration of his lifetime achievement held on June 29, the formation of the Dr. Clinton M. & Rosiebelle Pattea Foundation was announced.

Future scholarships will benefit his passion for education, culture as well as health and wellness.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted in the name of The Dr. Clinton M. and Rosiebelle Pattea Foundation at any Wells Fargo Bank.

Yavapai Nation Vice President Bernadine Burnette said it has been an honor and privilege to serve with Dr. Pattea for the past 20 years.

“His legacy is that of preserving and fighting for our land and sovereignty during his 49 years of leadership in the tribe,” Burnette said. “He has been very inspirational.”

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council recently approved two resolutions to honor Pattea.

Burnette said the first of those resolutions recognizes Dr. Pattea’s years of leadership service to the nation. The second designates the tribal government offices as the Clinton M. Pattea Tribal Headquarters.

“While his life has come to an end, his visionary leadership endures in the promising futures of his people,” a statement issued by the Tribal Council states.

Dr. Pattea is also eulogized in statements issued by others.

“The board and staff of the Heard Museum were saddened to hear of the passing of President Dr. Clinton Pattea,” said Heard Museum Board of Trustees Chair Mark Bonsall.

“Dr. Pattea rose from living in a dirt-floor adobe house to presiding over several history-making events in both Arizona and the United States, and was part of a generation that transformed its impoverished community into a vibrant economic powerhouse while still giving back to their neighbors.

“We send prayers to his wife Rosiebelle, their three children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

The Arizona Democratic Party also offered thoughts on the passing of Dr. Pattea.

“For 25 years, Dr. Clinton Pattea served with distinction as president of the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation. In total he served 50 years in office -- one of the longest individuals serving on a Tribal Council. Dr. Pattea was also a devoted Democrat,” said Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Bill Roe.

“He was a tireless advocate for education and economic opportunity. Dr. Pattea’s devotion to his people and their economic well-being resulted in construction of two major hotels and development of a profitable casino.”

Dr. Pattea was born and raised at Fort McDowell and attended school on the reservation until the sixth grade.

From seventh grade through high school he attended Phoenix Indian School. At that time students stayed at the school in a boarding situation for nine months and returned home for the three summer months.

After high school graduation Dr. Pattea attended Phoenix College one year before transferring to the college in Flagstaff.

He met his wife, Rosiebelle, while attending college in Flagstaff.

When he received his bachelor’s degree Dr. Pattea went to work for Valley National Bank, the predecessor to Bank One and Chase Bank in Arizona. He worked for Valley Bank for 10 years.

After the banking job, Dr. Pattea was named director of the Arizona Indian Commission, a state job he held for 16 years.

Right after his college graduation in 1960 he was elected for the first time to the Fort McDowell Tribal Council.

Dr. Pattea was serving on the council during the turmoil surrounding the Orme Dam project and, prior to the rejection of the plan, he was tribal chairman when groundwork was laid for the agreement.

In 1992 he was tribal president when federal agents raided the tribal casino and confiscated slot machines. It was he who sat down with then Arizona Governor Fife Symington and negotiated the cooling off period that may have prevented a violent confrontation. He was also president when the tribe signed its gaming compact with the state.

He has been awarded numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from NAU, the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award from the National Indian Gaming Association, the Arizona Culture Keepers Award and the Regents Award for Outstanding Service to Higher Education.

Dr. Pattea also served as a member of the Intertribal Council of Arizona and the Arizona Gaming Association. He is also a member of Kiwanis International.

He served on the board of directors of the Fountain Hills and Lower Verde Valley Museum and Historical Society for a number of years. It was his first non-Indian board appointment. An exhibit room at the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum was named in Pattea’s honor several years ago.

Dr. Pattea received his honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University in 2000.

Dr. Clinton Marshall Pattea is survived by his devoted wife Rosiebelle; his children Stephanie, Sandra and Steven; eight grandchildren: Shelley, Tamara, Andrea, Clinton, Stevi, TJ, Ryan, Renae; as well as seven great-grandchildren: Ariana, Alexis, Cynthia, Destiny, Mia, Sofia and Caleb Marshall.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the supporters and voters that entrusted his leadership during his tenure as Council Member and President of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

A public memorial event will be scheduled in November 2013 at Fort McDowell.