Alfred "Smokey" Deshaw

Alfred G. "Smokey" Deshaw died on Saturday, May 9, 2009, in Fort Washakie at the age of 61.


Traditional Native American funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at Rocky Mountain Hall at Fort Washakie. A wake will precede at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at 17 Cedar Butte Lane on the Wind River Reservation.


Alfred George Deshaw was born on June 23, 1947 in Fort Washakie, Wyoming to Charlie and Elvira "Pete" Deshaw.


He married Lucinda "Cindy" Cachelin on July 14, 1966, in Lander. He was the of parent of five children of whom three survive.


Mr. and Mrs. Deshaw ranched land outside of Fort Washakie for 37 years, raising their children and helping neighbors and friends. They were foster parents and adopted parents to several additional children through the years.


Mr. Deshaw served with the U.S. Army during the early 1970's. After his discharge, he became a 30-year employee of BIA roads department. Prior to his death, he was employed by Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Transportation.


He was a former Fort Washakie volunteer firefighter and first responder, a member of the American Legion, having served as Commander and Chaplin. Mr. Deshaw was also an active member of the Rocky Mountain Rodeo Association.


His family said Mr. Deshaw was an avid outdoorsman, passing on his love of the Wind River


Reservation and surrounding areas to his children and grandchildren. They said he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses, camping, especially with his grandchildren.


He had participated in softball, pool and bowling leagues, enjoying the time with his friends. The family said he also enjoyed roping, rodeos, ranching and farming. He was a card-carrying member of the Hot Damn Camp. During his later, years he enjoyed playing cribbage and spending time at the local casinos.


Mr. Deshaw is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cindy


Deshaw; his sisters, Maxine and PeeWee Wesaw and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Alma Jean Dolan and her children and grandchildren, and Bernadetta and Bob Nicol and their children and


grandchildren; his children, Shawna Deshaw and her companion Mike Makeshine, Alfred Deshaw, Brad


Deshaw and his companion Nichole Wood; his


grandchildren, Shaylynn, Skyrae and D'Etta "Boo"


Durgin and Alex Franck; numerous


other family members and friends.


Mr. Deshaw was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Pete Deshaw; a brother, Alvin "Dusty"


Deshaw; two children, Alfreda Faye and Devin Dale


Deshaw, and his nephew, Wayland Nicol.