"Yaz" Virgil Wilbert Yazzie passed on August 31, 2020. His wife of 48 years was by his side as he battled COVID19. He was born at Bellmont Army Depot, Bellmont, Arizona to Wilson and Bessie Yazzie on March 2 ^nd , 1952. He was a proud member of the great Navajo Nation; he is of the Bitterwater clan and born for the Rock House People.

He graduated from Hollbrook High School in 1971, Hollbrook, Arizona. He served in the US Marine Corp and was in active combat during the Vietnam War. He was injured and granted an honorable discharge. After discharge, he worked on Camp Pendleton Military Base with wastewater, attended Palomar College, worked in the gaming industry with Pechanga Casino and continued his career at the Pala Casino, then retired.  He loved working for the tribal casinos, his co-workers, and embraced the Pala Indian Reservation as his home.

He is survived by wife Janice T. Yazzie, his mother Bessie Yazzie, sisters Carmen Nez, Sandra Long, Gloria Yazzie, and brother Michael Yazzie; son Carlisle Flores, and daughters Yvette Yazzie, Shawna Cote, Cindy Yazzie, Heather Yazzie, Tina Edwards, and Lisa Yazzie; and grandchildren Keeani Flores, Ramon Cote Jr, Colby Nejo, Caleb Howard, Chenoa Howard, Keeana Cote, Khloe Cote, Raylessa Dia, Cynthia Dia, Zeina Yazzie, Tiffany Edwards, and Taina Edwards, plus many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilson Yazzie Sr., brothers Robert Tony, Wilson Yazzie Jr., and sister Dorothy M. Yazzie.

Our dad faced death many times in his life, and we are amazed that it took a world pandemic to get him to meet his creator. What a testament to the Yazzie name. He will be dearly missed by his wife, kids, family, and friends.  Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe.