WINDOW ROCK, AZ – Former Navajo Council Delegate Sampson Begay has passed away at the age of 76. He resided in Low Mountain, AZ, at the time of his passing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Begay’s loved ones and his community during this difficult time,” said Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “Together, we honor and remember all his great sacrifices for our people and our Nation as a U.S. Army veteran, a former Council Delegate, and a community leader. He was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather who devoted his life to the Navajo Nation and his family. Words are not enough to thank him and his family for their sacrifices. We ask all of our Navajo people to keep his spirit and his family in your prayers.”
Begay served on the Navajo Nation Council from 1987 to 2011, representing the communities of Low Mountain, Steamboat, and Jeddito, AZ. He also served as Low Mountain Chapter President and Vice President for many years. Former Speaker Johnny Nazie, who worked closely with Begay, also paid tribute and offered his condolences to the family.
“Delegate Begay was a community figure and represented his community for over 20 years as a Council Delegate,” said Nazie. “He was the Chair of the Transportation and Community Development Committee and led the charge for roads, bridges, and heavy equipment, which the Navajo Division of Transportation uses today. We are thankful for his accomplishments and we will truly miss our great leader.”
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Begay; his children, Leah Tso, Michelle Deschner, Josephine Chee, John E. Chee Jr., and Bradley Chee; and his grandchildren, Myles Tso, Christian Tso, Samson Tso, Isaiah Deschner, and Sophia Deschner.