Gary W. Archuleta

GARY WAYNE ARCHULETA

July 18, 1950 – February 23, 2022

Gary Wayne Archuleta was born on July 18, 1950 to Beth and Martin K. Archuleta Jr., the oldest of five children.  Gary attended schools in Oroville through graduation, and later joined the US Air Force to serve a 5-year tour.

Gary was a valued employee of the City of Oroville Parks Department for 22 years.  He retired from the City when he was elected as the Tribal Vice Chairman of Mooretown Rancheria.  In 2001, he was elected to fill the vacated seat of Tribal Chairman for the Tribe.  He served the Tribe honorably for 20 years, seeing the Tribe through continued growth until his retirement from the Tribe in December 2016.

Gary was an active participant on local, state and federal fronts, working hard to ensure Tribal self-governance and with efforts to support and expand opportunities for Natives and non-Natives alike.  He served on committees and boards for California Nations Indian Gaming Association, Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority, and Feather River Tribal Health.  He appeared in commercials supporting Indian Gaming at a time when the issue was on California state ballots, representing his people with grace.  He was a humble, kind and generous man who felt strongly about improving the opportunities for Indigenous people.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Connie, two daughters, Katherine and Angela, seven grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends who loved him dearly.  He also leaves behind his sister, Linda Edwards, and three brothers, Darrel, Michael and Dennis Archuleta.  Many people were able to call him their friend.  He will be truly missed by all.

A funeral and interment will take place at the Feather Falls Cemetery on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 11:00 am, to be followed by a gathering in celebration of his life at ‘the Log Cabin’, located near Feather Falls Casino, 175 Alverda Drive, Oroville.

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