Warm Springs Chief Delvis Heath Sr. remembered for decades of leadership
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to fly at half-staff Tuesday and Wednesday in honor of Warm Springs Chief Delvis Heath Sr., who passed away Sunday. The order applies to flags at all public institutions from sunrise to sunset.
Tribal and State Leaders Pay Tribute
Heath was one of three hereditary chiefs of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which represents the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute tribes. He served as the hereditary chief of the Warm Springs Tribe since May 4, 1984. The governor's action follows a Monday order from the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to lower flags on tribal properties.
Gov. Kotek issued a condolence letter to the tribes and the Heath family following the announcement.
"On behalf of the State of Oregon, the First Lady and I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Chief Heath," Kotek wrote. "His loss will be felt deeply by the Warm Springs community and is felt far beyond Warm Springs, including by all Oregonians who benefited from his leadership, his counsel and his lifelong commitment to his people."
Early Life and Path to Leadership
Heath was born on a family ranch near Simnasho on Sept. 26, 1938. As a young man, he was known by the name "Bullneck" and spent time riding his grandfather's horses in races throughout Central Oregon.
His path to leadership began after the death of his father, Chief Nathan Heath, in 1969. While Heath initially declined the chieftainship because he felt he was not ready, the Sahaptin people eventually selected him to take his place on the Tribal Council on May 4, 1984.
Family Life and Community Roots
In 1960, Heath married Shirley Stahi of Celilo Village. The couple raised four children, a niece, a nephew and numerous other children within the community.
For many years, the family operated the Chief Heath horse stables at the Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino. While the family decided to close the stable business last year, they continued to run cattle on the Reservation range.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Heath was considered the foremost goodwill ambassador for the Confederated Tribes and served as a critical liaison for treaty issues with federal and state governments. He was deeply involved in fishing settlements and frequently opened tribal meetings in prayer using the language of his ancestors.
Beyond his official duties, Heath remained active in the community by participating in annual cattle roundups and the Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Endurance Horse Race.
Cultural and Spiritual Influence
As a leader of the Sahaptin-speaking people, Heath followed the teachings of the Washat religion and participated in spiritual drumming and singing at the Longhouse. He frequently spoke about the importance of honesty, hard work and education.
NeighborImpact, a Central Oregon community organization, also recognized his impact on the region.
"His leadership and dedication to his people shaped lives across Warm Springs and beyond," the organization noted in a statement.
Funeral Services and Honors
Funeral services and a sunrise burial are scheduled to take place in The Dalles and Simnasho on Tuesday and Wednesday. The lowering of the flags will coincide with these services, remaining at half-staff until sunset Wednesday.
