Darius "Kanie" St.Paul

Darius "Kanie" St.Paul, 67, enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday evening, July 2, 2017, in Spokane surrounded by his loved ones.

The world was forever changed on Wednesday, December 28, 1949, when Robert and Ellen St.Paul welcomed their delightfully witty, charismatic, naturally athletic, and wonderfully good looking bundle of awesomeness to this land. Kanie walked this earth with an educated determination and a bologna sandwich. He imparted his wisdom and humorous anecdotes to all who were within earshot of his commanding and magnanimous voice. Kanie was an intelligent and confident public speaker and was a ninja to his craft when sought out for numerous speaking engagements or emceeing a variety of functions. It was the talent of these golden pipes that prompted casual evenings of karaoke with family and friends.

Kanie also had a great interest in sports as an athlete, coach, spectator, and fan. His ease of coordination allowed him to excel in nearly every sport he participated in. For example, he was an avid golfer whose superior swing cast a beautiful shadow over the swings of his brothers. When not participating personally, Kanie was a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburg Steelers and, of course, the Gonzaga Bulldogs. "GO ZAGS!!!" However, Kanie's favorite athletes to watch and cheer for were always his grandchildren.

Kanie had a passion for life that led him on many adventures. The first one started when he married his high school sweetheart, Venus Jackson, and had five wonderful children. They spent many delightful years together and when their dance ended in the early 90s, Kanie and Venus remained good friends.

The second part of Kanie's life began when he met Teila. They traveled this side of the world together and made the most of every cruise, tropical destination, county fair, sporting event, or backyard barbecue. Together they loved to host relaxing boat rides on the lake with family and friends, movies, good food, holidays, musicals, car shows, and long drives together with no destination. Kanie was a hopeless romantic when it came to Teila and he was forever optimistic about the day they would be reunited once again.

Accolades and accomplishments came naturally to Kanie. He was an educator, administrator, police officer, teacher, and coach; but the most important accolades to him were the titles of husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend. Kanie's sense of humor and great laugh will be fondly remembered and long missed by his family and many friends.

Kanie was preceded in death by both parents; his brother, David; granddaughter, Ava; and in 2012, beloved wife, Thelma "Teila" St.Paul.

Kanie's legacy lives on through his children: Michael St. Paul (Shari), Venus Lezard (Christopher), Kris Whitehead, Victoria St.Paul (Dale U'Ren), Robert St.Paul (Kylie), John Wilson, Kristi Wilson, and Jamie Lezard (Ashley). He has 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Kanie's siblings include: Aaron Louis (Dorothy), Kugie Louis (Lillian), Daria Louis, Beth McMillan (Clyde), Joy Garrick, and Raila Fishburn (Paul); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please make any donations in Kanie's name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265 or online at http://ww5.komen.org/donate/donate.html

A celebration of life took place at the Grand Coulee Eagles on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, promptly at 1 p.m. At Kanie's request, he has been cremated and his urn will be placed next to Teila in Spring Canyon Cemetery, Grand Coulee, Washington.

Please sign Kanie's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.

Strate Funeral Home, of Grand Coulee, is honored to be serving Kanie's family.