Albert Melvin Desautel Jr.

Albert Melvin Desautel Jr., 82, of Nespelem, Washington, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, in his home. Albert was born June 20, 1934, into the Nespelem home of Albert and Myrtle Peone-Desautel Sr. This is where a remarkable life began. On September 22, 1951, Albert married the one and only love of his life – Violet Ann Sandanie. You can't mention Junior without mentioning Violet. Known to many who knew him as "Junior Desautel" or "Grandpa Junior," he was a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and a devout Catholic. Junior retired from the government, working for Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Roads Department. For 38 years, he loved his job traveling and grating the roads throughout the Colville Reservation. Following retirement, Junior would always say, "I wish I had never retired," but bided his time roaming the reservation's wooded back country roads that he had taken part in creating. This was often done with a grandchild by his side. He relished talking about and sharing his opinions with anyone regarding tribal, state, federal and world politics. He thoroughly enjoyed NASCAR – especially when Matt Kenseth was winning. Junior was a person who enjoyed traveling locally to places such as Inchelium and Coeur d'Alene, Junior frequented the Tribal Senior Meal Site and played Bingo at every chance. Junior's pride will always be his family, and he was always careful to make time for each one of his beloved grandchildren. Our world is without a truly marvelous man, but he would not want us to fret, rather rejoice that, finally, Junior and Violet are together at last.

Predeceased by both of his parents; his bride, Violet Ann Desautel; and children: Charles Lee "Chuck" Desautel, Donna Raye Desautel and Carly Desautel; Junior's legacy lives on through his son, Lawrence "Petey" Desautel; grandchildren: James Ryan Desautel (Christine) and Charles Lee Desautel Jr .; great-grandchildren: Marissa Violet LaFountaine (Lee Ray Williams), Malerie Nicole Thomas, Robert Melvin Thomas, Abby Desautel and Emily Desautel and one unborn great-grandson; great-great-grandchild: Marlee Raye Williams; sisters: Edie Van Slyke (Joe) and Betty Barnaby; brothers: Gary Evans Desautel and William Melvin "Billy" Desautel (Patty); stepbrothers: Stan and Billy Timentwa and stepsister: Grace Moore; as well as beloved nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name.

A 10 a.m., Funeral Mass for Albert was held on Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016, in Nespelem Sacred Heart Catholic Church. At his request, cremation has taken place.

Please sign Albert's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA is honored to be serving his family.