Roger M Fiander

Roger M. Fiander passed to the other camp on February 17th 2024. He was resting for his journey at Memorial Hospital,Yakima,Wa. Roger was born on July 27th 1939 in Saint Anthony’s Hospital; Pendleton, Oregon to Charles M. Fiander and Frances Rose, He spent the very early years of his life in Auburn and Tacoma, Wa with his father. He was raised in White Swan, Wa, living with his grandparents William and Alma Fiander, until his father moved back to White Swan. Roger attended White Swan Schools, Graduating High School in 1957. Roger also attened Yakima Valley Community College, Central Washington University and Navajo Community College. Roger left Central Washington College his Junior year for a position with the Yakama Nation. In his high school years Roger participated in the sports of Football, Basketball, Baseball and Tack. The highlight was defeating Goldendale 19-6;who at the time was ranked #1 in the state at Football. White Swan football was also League Champs in 1956. Roger went straight from high school to serve his country; Roger spent 8 years (1957-1965) in the United States Air Force. Basic Training-1957 Lackland AFB, Texas- Dec. 3rd, 1957 Air Postal Sq. Chatearoux Air Station France. 1961 Hq Sq 3080 ABGP- Caribor Af Stn, -1962 92nd Air Base Wing Fairchild, AFB Wa -1963-1964 Det 1, 11th Air Postal Sq. Saigon Tanson Nhut, Air Base Vietnam-1964-1965 432nd Air Base Gp- Larson AFB,Wa While in the service Roger enjoyed international Basketball, He also participated on the 432nd Gp Football team in 1964. During his time in the Air Force Roger took up the sport of Boxing. In 1960, Roger was the light welterweight of the all Air Force Unite in France. In 1960 Roger was the Runner-up in the light welter weight championship fight of all the Air Force Unit in Europe(USAFE)-Lost a split decision 3-2 to a fighter from Philadelpia,PA. Roger’s Air Force Service took him to Vietnam; 1963-1964. When he returned home, by his own evaluation; when he came home he was not the same person . After Roger’s discharge, He took up Rodeo. Having been raised a Cowboy by his Grandpa, Rodeo was a natural fit. Roger excelled at the time event end of the rodeo arena. Winning many awards. Team Roping (Header) became his specialty. During that time Roger won several belt buckles and saddles. In 2002, Roger along with roping partner and very good friend Dean Armstrong- Won the Sr. Pro Rodeo, 60+ years in Forth Worth,Texas. Also in 2002, at the age of 63 years; Roger and Dean won the Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Finals 60+ years Team Roping in Alberta, Canada. After that Roger attended many jackpot ropings with his wife Cooky and brother in-law Joe Moses, plus Numerous of others along the way.Roger and Cooky placed 3rd in the #9 at a USTRC Roping in Missoula, Montana in 2003, Bring home about $3500 bucks. Roger and Daryl Wimeyer won the Century Team roping at the Nespelem Indian Rodeo in 2014. Roger and Daryl went the Indian National Finals Rodeo in 2014 and placed 7th in the average. Roger slowed down after that. In may of 2016 Roger went through 3 spinal surgeries and his Rodeo; Team Roping days were over. He was 77 years old. Roger loved to spend time in the mountains because his father was an awesome fly-fisherman. Roger turned to his love for the Klickitat river and fly Fishing. He taught his wife Cooky how to fly fish and where to find the trout. “Cooky is a pretty darn good fly fisherwoman” Roger Married the love of his life; Velma J. Fiander (cooky) on November 20, 1987. Roger devoted his life to a life of service. The United States Air Force right out of high school. A laborer for the roads Dept. right out of the military service. The Cunningham Creek-Mount Adams lake road. White Swan Lumber Co. FT. Simcoe Job Corp. Elmers Smoke Shop. In 1972 Roger became the first manager of the Yakama Nation Tobacco Warehouse. The YIN sent Roger to classes at the Navajo Community college. In 1974 along with his friend(brother) Clifford SiJohn they wrote the “Indian Portion of the Comprehensive employment and training act” (this is a federal act). Indian Action Program Manager. Administration community service division. Administration Natural resource division. Tribal Administration Director. Manager Yakima Klicktat fisheries project. Program manager YIN voc-rehab. Assistant Deputy director human services division. 2001-2006 retired. 2007 Vice chair. 2008 Chairman. 2011 Purchasing agent-YIN legends casino. 2018 Retired. July 2019 Yakama Indian Nation General Council Chairman. Over 50 years of service to my people. Roger is preceded in death by his grandparents William and Alma Fiander, Oscar Rose, Emma Baker. Parents Frances Rose Murawski (mother)1973. Edith L. Fiander (step-mother)1973. Charles M. Fiander(father)1992.Charlene R. Fiander Yallup (sister) Roger is survived by his wife Velma J. Fiander (cooky) Sister Judy Halttunen (Glen) Neah Bay, Wa Children: Veronque R Fiander Mostoles, Madrad,Spain Veronica Jim Lawrence(Steve) Wapato,Wa Denise Fiander Hill(Noel) White Swan,Wa. Donald M. Fiander(Annette) White Swan,Wa. Daylene M. Fiander(Morris) Wapato,Wa. Roger M. Fiander Jr.(Felicia) Granger,Wa Arlen C. Fiander(Hudda) Wapato,Wa, His very special baby, who he raised Julianne J. Fiander With numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nieces, Nephews, Cousin and Friend all across this Nation.

Roger M Fiander

July 27, 1939 - February 17, 2024

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Roger M Fiander

July 27, 1939 - February 17, 2024

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