John V. Chiquiti

John V. Chiquiti, of Suquamish, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2018, in Harrison Medical Center after a long illness. Born in Algodones, New Mexico on April 4, 1939, he was the son of the late Jessica Duran and was 79 years of age.

John served his country and was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Navy. He was also a highly educated man having earned 2 Doctorate Degrees one of which being a Juris Doctorate, which he would put to good use throughout his life fighting for legislation and the rights of Native Americans. John was very proud of his Native American Heritage being Tesuque Pueblo, and because of his education and Tribal affiliation, he became a true advocate for all Native American people. It was because of John and his tireless work locally and in Washington D.C. that his own Tribe and many, many others have benefited and become the success they are today. He helped pave the way for many people like him to join the cause and continue to work for change.

In addition to being an Attorney and a Tribal Judge for several years, John was also a businessman in every sense of the word. Wherever he saw an opportunity he would start a business to better his family and the families of those he employed. John and his wife and family would move from Algodones to Bellingham and finally to Suquamish where they have lived since 1973 touching lives and making a change along the way.

John was truly a man of vision and determination. Everywhere he went he made friends and gained allies in his fight to better the lives of so many. He will be sadly missed and remembered by all who had the privilege to know him, but especially his loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Cook Family Funeral Home 163 Wyatt Way NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Friends are also invited to John's Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at 1:00 PM at the Suquamish House of Awakened Culture 7235 NE Parkway Suquamish, WA 98392.