Leonard Haskie. Photo from Navajo Nation Council / Facebook

Leonard Haskie, a former leader of the Navajo Nation. passed away on Sunday. He was 71.

Haskie served as interim chairman in 1989. In 1991, he transitioned to interim president and was the first person to hold that title as part of a restructuring of the tribal government into separate branches. He also served as a delegate to the Navajo Nation Council for 12 years.

“Leonard Haskie was a person with a wealth of knowledge that he used to advance the Navajo Nation toward a better future,” President Russell Begaye, who also served as a delegate, said in a press release. “It was a pleasure to serve with Leonard Haskie during my time as a council delegate on the 22nd Navajo Nation Council.”

“Our hearts are saddened with the passing of Leonard Haskie. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and son," delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty said in a press release. "I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to discuss with him Navajo political theory and foreign political structures."

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, The Associated Press reported. A burial service will be held Friday, the AP said.

Get the Story:
Former Interim Navajo Chairman Who Led In Chaotic Times Dies (AP 12/8)
Former Navajo lawmaker Leonard Haskie dies (The Farmington Daily-Times 12/8)