Daniel Yazzie

Daniel Yazzie passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, January 30, to begin his journey to the spirit world. He was born on April 23, 1954 in Castle Butte, Arizona to Daisy Davis and Jimmie Yazzie on the Navajo Nation. He is survived by his mother Daisy and his brothers- Lewis, Alex, Ted, and Morgan. He was preceded in death by his father Jimmie Yazzie, brothers- Roger, David, and Emery.

Daniel married the love of his life, Loretta Tsosie, a week before his birthday in 1974 and then moved to Salt Lake to attend Utah Tech. He was an artist who painted many oil paintings and portraits reflecting his Diné culture and pride as an Indigenous American. His many paintings were sold to galleries across the Southwest. He was also an avid photographer who loved to take photos of his family, his homeland, and those he welcomed into his big heart. Daniel worked with Pioneer Welding and was accepted as part of the Prazen family. He became an upholster in which he restored the interiors of another passion of his, vintage cars. Later he had his own company, Chick’s Upholstery in Midvale and then went to work with his friend, Dale.

Daniel is survived by life co-pilot, Loretta; his children- daughters, Jerilee (Wayne), J’lynn (Tevita), and his son, Nathanael; his adopted children- Brandon, Kandis, Jonathan, and Malik. He is also survived by the most cherished parts of his life; his grandchildren- Maria, Lorenzo, Mayzie, Alexandria, Dayne, Sam, and Mary; and his great-grandchildren- Katalina, Ashton, Anselina, Rowan, Tevita, and Amaia; his adopted grandchildren- Jasmine, Asa. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of his universe. He was also survived by many other children that he took into his heart and home whom he never stopped loving. He never denied a child the opportunity to call him Dad or Papa. Children and animals were drawn to his gentle nature. He was preceded in death by his best friend and dog, Elias; his cockatiels, Chip and Dale-. He is survived by many nieces and nephews who will always love their “Uncle Dan”, a man who always had a hug for anyone who would take one.

A viewing will be held February 2, 2022 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Affordable Funerals and Cremations, 4387 South 500 West, Murray, Utah, where some of his art will be displayed.