Alvin James Longhair

Alvin James Longhair, age 71, of Indian Bench, passed peacefully in his sleep on June 11, 2016.
He was born on October 20, 1944, in Ft. Duchesne, to Harry Todd Longhair and Laura Atwine-Nephi. He was raised by LaNelle Coopooie Longhair. He married MaryLee Conetah on August 20, 1965, in Roosevelt.
Alvin attended Alterra High School and graduated from Union High School in 1964. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, being stationed in South Korea, and was honorably discharged. He was a member of the Ft. Duchesne American Legion.
He had worked as a BIA Firefighter, and for the Ute Indian Tribe as a Property & Supply Clerk, Accountant, Arts & Craft Director, and Maintenance Supervisor for over 40 years before retiring. He had a good sense of humor and wherever he went he made good friends. He was a great basketball and softball player and was on the "Whiterocks Crusaders" team. He coached "Red Lake," "The Reds," "The Cougars," "The Bruins," and "The Sparrowhawks" basketball and softball teams. He was very supportive of all of his children and followed them around the country to watch and coach their various sports. He was also a Golden Glove boxer, belonged to the Ft. Duchesne Boxing Club, and in his younger years, was a bull rider. He loved being in the mountains, hunting, fishing, and camping. Traveling was a big part of his life, whether it was for Pow Wows, Handgame Tournaments, or other activities with his family, he went to almost every area of the country. He had been instrumental in organizing the first 4th of July Pow Wow and had served as its president. Wendover was like his second home, but he always left before he hit the jackpot.
The most important thing, besides his family, was his Native American Church of which he had been treasurer and secretary for 30 years. He provided much spiritual guidance to his people, and people of other tribes when asked. He always accepted requests for prayer in times of need, and said a good word, left advice, and offered his hand in friendship.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Mary Lee; children, Lelilah Longhair (Robert Pawwinnee); Charlotte Longhair; TeTona Longhair (Chad Rave), Bradford Longhair, all of Indian Bench; Rainey Longhair (Kobi Reed), Ft. Duchesne; Rossie Longhair, Kearns; Montie Longhair, Shaun Giraud, Quanah Poowegup, all of Indian Bench; 21 grandchildren with one on the way; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carmelita Jack, Indian Bench; Doreen Colorow, Ft. Duchesne; brothers, Gilbert (Mary Anne) Gardner, Indian Bench; Ansel Chegup, Salt Lake City; Troy Gardner, Pocatello, ID; an aunt, Lorena Atwine, and numerous other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter, Mahdison Lang; brother and sisters, Ruth Ellen Cuch, Clayson Longhair, Alta Mae Appenay; and Isabelle Gardner, and an aunt, Lottie Shoyo.
There will be a wake at his home after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at his home, and the graveside service at 10:00 a.m. at the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery with Military Honors by the Ft. Duchesne VFW Post 4519.
Condolences may be shared at www.hullingermortuary.com