Leonard John Tafoya

Leonard John Tafoya – Age 78

Leonard John Tafoya passed away on September 20, 2024. He was born February 3, 1946, in Preston England at the end of World War II. Leonard was an enrolled member of Santa Clara Pueblo (NM), his Tewa name was P’in Povi, he was the oldest of five siblings.

Raised in Hermosa Beach (CA), Leonard was a competitive athlete throughout high school with a gift for mathematics. Growing up he was deeply involved with the Native American community in the greater Los Angeles area. In California, he married Nancie Poodry (Sac & Fox Nation) and became a young father of sons Matthew and Gregory. He moved his family to Santa Clara Pueblo in the early 1970s and fathered his daughter Kerry. Later he married Shirley Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo) who would be his partner and wife for decades. Leonard became a widower in 2010. After some time, fate brought him Sharon Haymond (Pawnee Nation). She re-energized his spirit and love for life. Leonard and Sharon married and traveled to multiple states year after year.

Leonard was driven by his tribal roots and embedded himself in all things traditional, the ways of Kha’p’o Owinge. He also sang and danced with various gourd dance societies across multiple states, always making friends and growing his extended family. Fishing, bowling and amassing knowledge from books and participating in tribal ceremonies were Leonard’s passions. He built a career with and retired from the local telephone company.

He was buried traditionally in Kha’p’o Owinge on September 23, 2024. The Tafoya family is thankful to spiritual leadership and pallbearers from Winter and Summer clans. The family would like to express appreciation to the Santa Clara Pueblo Governor’s Office and Tribal Council. Thank you to his Winter Clan family for making possible Leonard’s celebration of life and completion of his spiritual journey.

Leonard is survived by the families of wife Sharon Tafoya, sons Matthew Tafoya, Gregory Tafoya, brothers Dennis Tafoya, Robert Tafoya, sister Linda Okazaki Tafoya, and adopted sons Kenny John and Jason Askan. Grandchildren Tara Tafoya, Rhianon Begay, Matthew Jr. Tafoya, Joseph Tafoya, Viviana Tafoya and many great grandchildren. His extended family from the states of New Mexico, Nevada, California, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and Oklahoma and all Indian Country.

He was preceded in death by Shirley Cactus Blossom Tafoya, Joseph White Cloud Tafoya, Trudy White Cloud Tafoya, Michael Little Deer Tafoya and Kerry Tafoya. Leonard leaves behind a legacy as a mentor and knowledge sharer making himself available to family and the community. Many people called him a dad, uncle, brother and friend. He was known for saying “Yes” to anything you asked of him, for his powerful singing voice, and for being compassionate. Most of all, he was known for being there for us.

The family of Leonard Tafoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477