In Loving Memory of “Yogi” Eugene Arthur Saxon Jr.
June 5, 1963 – July 18, 2025

“Yogi” Eugene Arthur Saxon Jr. was born on June 5, 1963, to Michelle Linda Saxon and Eugene Arthur Saxon Sr. in Hoopa. He spent his entire life in Hoopa, deeply rooted in the place he called home. Raised on Bald Hill in a home built by his father, Yogi later raised his own children in that same home, surrounded by the peace and beauty of the mountains. Bald Hill wasn’t just where he lived — it was a sacred place filled with memories and tradition. The land itself carries his family’s legacy, including the piece of land that homes the cell tower that was sold to the Hoopa Valley Tribe by his father.

Yogi was a proud athlete during his school years, forming lifelong bonds with friends like Monty Jarnaghan and Joe Joe Jarnaghan Sr. Though he didn’t graduate high school, he found a second home with Glen and Susie Sanchez at age 18. They embraced him as family and taught him about the richness of Hoopa culture, values he carried with pride and shared generously throughout his life with anyone who was willing to listen.

Cultural to his core, Yogi lived by traditional teachings. He was known for his unwavering kindness, compassion, and inclusive spirit. His home was always open — to friends, family, and even strangers. His heart was boundless, and he treated all people with love and respect.

Yogi found his passion working as a laborer in the mountains, falling trees and brushing. He believed, as he often reminded his children, that Native people should rise with the sun. He lived by that principle — up before dawn and working until sunset. In 2000, after a serious health scare due to alcoholism, he made the courageous decision to become sober in order to raise his children and live a longer, healthier life. He never turned back. He was proud of his recovery and made it his mission to speak out against drugs and alcohol abuse, especially to protect and guide the youth.

Although he used marijuana for medicinal purposes, he was never against it — in fact, he turned to it for pain relief instead of relying on prescription medications. At the time, he was preparing for both knee and hip replacements, enduring a great deal physically. But despite the pain, he made real sacrifices to participate in the big dances, just like the rest of us. He was Especially proud of the fact that he went the entire duration without smoking, and he would often share that with a sense of pride. His dedication and spirit were truly inspiring.

Yogi was deeply spiritual, loyal to his cultural roots, and a humble teacher of traditional values. His life was a living example of resilience, redemption and unconditional love.

He later discovered a deep passion for coaching the Traditional Hoopa Stick Games — an honored tradition passed down through generations by our Hoopa ancestors. This passion was ignited through the guidance of his nephew, Lil Alren Doolittle, and supported by many dedicated men in the community who volunteered their time to help teach the youth. Their collective efforts forged a strong bond between him and the young players, one built on cultural pride, mentorship, and shared purpose.

A special thank you to his nephew, Lil Ar, for teaching him how to gather and prepare the materials used to carve the traditional sticks and tassels — essential pieces in the sacred game. Gratitude also goes out to Lester & Nick White, Wilfred Ferris, and Andrew Gordon for standing beside him in coaching and sharing their knowledge.

Yogi held a special place in his heart for each and every player, including: Manny Peralta, Orien O’Neil, Jayden Dauz (his great-nephew), Kenny Doolittle (his nephew), the twins Vernon and Joe, Joe Smith Jr., Sam Pratt (his grandson), Chicken, Victor Campos, Jason Warren (his nephew), Thomas, Kika Miguelena, Braydon, Terris Ballard, Tillis, Sylvester, Henry & Oliver, Sebastian Ferris, and Cayden Beck. I apologize if anyone was left out. Their were many players on the field over the last few years.

He also cherished the many kids from the Hoopa Housing Neighborhood who would visit him regularly. Though too many to name, they know who they are. These children brought him joy by simply sharing their day-to-day lives with him. Every morning, he could be found sitting on his porch, soaking in the sun. The kids knew he would be there, always ready with a warm welcome and a listening ear. Those moments meant the world to him.

He is preceded in death by his father Eugene Arthur Saxon Sr.; siblings Nathaniel “Nat” Saxon, Rachel Saxon, Endora “Sam” Saxon, and Genivieve “Gee Gee” Saxon; his beloved daughter Aeriael Agnes Saxon and son “Lil Yogi” Eugene Saxon; Aunt Eleanor “Mouse” Abbott, Uncle Warren Abbott; niece Angel Aubrey, nephew Isaac Saxon; the mother of his children, Charlotte Abby Frank; and his brother Smidge Colegrove.

He is survived by his loving life partner, Monica Matilton; his mother, Michelle Linda Saxon; his children Gina Saxon (Howard “Howie” McCovey), Angela Saxon-Pratt (Saul Peralta), Charlotte Saxon (Skyler Mosier), Cameron “Sats” Saxon, Jessie Mosier (Nikki Risling), Stormie Mosier, and Jennie Saxon (Francis Colegrove); and his many grandchildren: Joel Mosier (Lorencita Perry), Malia Mosier (Rodney Clark), Jerome Mosier, Mariah Mosier, & Baby Skyler Mosier Jr., Harmony, Na:nyay, Chime:chwing, Samuel “Samuria” Pratt, Emilee & Donavon Lonewolf (Lacey McKinnon), Lilia, Elicia, Jada Brown, Nathaniel, Warren Saxon, Quentin, Julious, Aiyana, Cheyheila, Laheila, Jessie Mosier Jr., and Elijah Martin.

He is also survived by great-grandchildren Brielle Mosier, Joseph Mosier, Julious Jackson, and Drew Mosier; numerous nieces and nephews, including Shawnday & Andrew Lonewolf, Roseanna & Antone Aubrey IV, Virgil Doolittle, Arlene Doolittle (Jimmy Sanders), Starlene Bussell (Isaac Bussell), Lil Arlen Doolittle (Melissa Phines), Robert “Wolf,” Panther, Sissiliyia, and Christian Colegrove, along with many beloved great-nieces and nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by his aunt and uncle, Dr. Eva Smith and Emmett Chase.

Pallbearers: Cameron “Sats” Saxon, Jessie, Skyler, Joel, Jerome, Quentin, and Julious Mosier, Elijah Martin, Andrew “Beaver” Lonewolf, Virgil & Lil Arlen Doolittle, EFC, Carlyle, Suagi, Wolf, Panther & Francis Colegrove, Howard McCovey, Donavon Lonewolf, Warrior & Bubba Sanchez, Tic Mil Ashley, Blaze & Duane Carpenter, Lester White, Kenny & Freddy Doolittle, To’nehwan Dawz, Terry “Scruff” Ballard, Rodney Clark, Isaac Bussell, Jimmy Sanders, Dylan Moon, Aaron Jr. Peterson, RJ Marshall, Shan Davis, and Sport Surber.

Honorary Pallbearers: Glen Sanchez Sr., Carl Colegrove Sr., Carlyle & Robert “Blake” Colegrove, Ruben Sanders, Saul Peralta Sr., Keg Super, Joe Davis, Lyle & John Matilton, Michael Brown, Clayton James, Carlo Miguelena Sr., Bruz Aubrey, Ralph Peters Sr., Super Bibancos, Antone Aubrey IV, Frank Surber Jr., Frank Surber Sr., Dwight “Corky” Vanpelt, Emmett Chase, Stone Wallace, Merve George Jr., Craig Merrick, David Maloney, Boyd Ferris, Phillip Vigil, Ian Moore, Freddy Brown, Sylvester “Flabs” Brown, Loggy Jackson, Benjamin Spencer Sr., Jack McNertney, Johnny Pratt, Joe Joe Jarnaghan Sr., Jason Peterson.

My apologies if I left anyone out. He loved everyone.

The Wake will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities Wednesday July 23rd, 2025 @ 6 p.m.

Services will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities Thursday July, 24th, 2025 @ 11 a.m.

Burial Location: Hoopa Tribal Cemetery

Reception to fallow at Hoopa Fire Hall.

“Love everyone, judge no one, and rise before the sun.”

His memory will live on in every heart he touched. May he complete his journey peacefully to the Happy Hunting Grounds to dance for eternity with our ancestors and loved ones who went before him.

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