WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council mourns the passing of former Sweetwater Chapter Council Delegate Dean Paul, Sr., who died Dec. 2 at the age of 87 from complications due to Pulmonary Fibrosis.
On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, Speaker Crystalyne Curley extends her condolences and prayers to the family of Dean Paul, Sr.
“Council Delegate Dean Paul, Sr. was a strong man who supported his community and always lent a helping hand,” Curley said. “He always encouraged families to support their kids."
Paul was born in Dennehotso, Arizona and was Kinłichii’nii, born for Kinyaa’áanii. His mother passed away when she gave birth to him, and he was raised by his father and his step-mother.
He served as a Council Delegate for the Sweetwater Chapter from 1983 to 1991. He also served as the Navajo Nation Chief of Police during this time.
According to his youngest daughter, Deavonna Willoughby, Paul encouraged his children to pursue education and get jobs.
“He taught us to be independent. He put us through school,” she said. “He always made sure that we could hold ourselves up.”
Toward the end of his life’s journey, Paul was a very private person. His daughter Deavonna took care of him as his home health nurse.
“He always told us 'A’dá’ wholyáh,' which means to take care of yourself,” Willoughby said. “He meant this to apply to everything in our lives.”
The 25th Navajo Nation Council express their gratitude for all the work Council Delegate Dean Paul, Sr., had done to uplift his community and chapter.
