Lynn Schonchin, Sr.
/On November 27, 2018 Lynn Schonchin Sr. "Pops" began his journey to be with his Creator, with his family by his side. He was a lifelong resident in Klamath County, with the exception of a few school years in Lincoln City. Lynn was born on September 27, 1946 at the Klamath Agency to Agatha Schonchin & Oscar Anderson Jr. He was raised by his Grandparents Winona & Calvin Barney in the Sprague River/Beatty area, helping his family on the ranch.
He loved to hunt, fish and ride horses. He fought in the West Coast Golden Gloves Championship during his teenage years. He met and married Linda Jimenez and started a family. He served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Hood Texas for 2 years.
After his service in the military he returned home and worked for numerous logging companies for several years. As he worked for the logging companies, he built many of the roads on the Klamath Tribes Reservation that still exist today. Lynn loved to Rodeo, riding as a bareback rider.
After deciding on a career change he attended U of O in Eugene, Oregon & then graduated from Southern Oregon State College. Upon receiving his degree he returned to the Chiloquin area where he worked as a teacher, counselor and coach at Chiloquin High School for 22 years. His love of baseball encouraged his teams to reach the State Playoffs twice, the first in 1986 after placing 2nd in the League, and then sharing the Southern Cascade League Championship in 1996. He was affectionately known as "Coach."
He retired from teaching and worked for the Klamath Tribes Administration as the General Manager. He also served as the Klamath Tribes Chairman for several years and was also a member of the Executive Committee as an At Large Member. From there he went into consulting work where he was well known for his knowledge in Native American history and culture. He was well know for his master of ceremony (MC) abilities throughout Indian Country for powwows and rodeos. He was a traditional dancer at powwows.
His hobby was doing beadwork and he shared it by giving most of it away. He is well known for his beaded canes and lanyards that he made. He enjoyed all of his family, including immediate and extended, it didn't matter how close, if you were family he loved you. He loved to share his knowledge and stories by oral tradition with young and old alike.
He was a Father of 4 children, he has 8 grandchildren and that was his most heartfelt sharing with them. He helped raise numerous nieces, nephews and family members. There are countless students that have thanked him for his tough love while he was a teacher and they have said that if it wasn't for him, they don't know where they would be today. He was well known for his knowledge of the Modoc War and was a Klamath Tribal Historian.
His mentors were important tribal leaders who he attained his knowledge from such as Dibbon Cook, Irwin Weiser, Friedman Kirk, Elnathan Davis Sr., Marie Norris, Helen Merritt and his "Mom" Ima Lena Lotches Jimenez. His heart was one of a true fighter for his People, home lands, wildlife, natural resources and future generations of the tribe.
He is survived by his children Lynn "Jr" & Jolene Schonchin, Loren "Peanut" Schonchin, Lahoma Jo Schonchin, Lena "Frog" Schonchin and extended family including Son Chiefie Wilder, Daughter Madeline Antonia Arredondo and Daughter Randee Jo Shepard. Grandsons Trulon, Waylon, Riggs, Eagle and Modesto. Granddaughters Julie Rae, NaTahna, Arlene and extended family grandkids Lucio, Diego, Katerra, Ira, Nate, Kadii, Wylan, Shay, and Twins Ezekiel and Elianna. Brothers Jimmy Riddle, Modesto Jimenez, Allen "Punchy" Jimenez and Rick Yasana. Sisters Oskie Yasana, Jodean Bryant, Sheila Kirk, Rena Anderson and Cynthia Gonzalez. So many wonderful nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sky Lakes for taking such good care of him. A special thank you for all your prayers, visitors and songs that were shared over this past week. Thank you to Taylor Hawk, Carlos McNair and Garin Riddle for the traditional songs that you sang for him.
Viewing is set at Davenport's on Tuesday, December 4 from 4 pm to 8 pm. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at 11 am in Chiloquin, Oregon at the Big Gym with interment at Schonchin Cemetery. There will be a potluck to follow at the Irwin Weiser Community Center in Beatty.
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