Gila River Indian Community mourns death of tribal leader
AZBigMedia
Above: Rodney B. Lewis, a giant of the legal profession in Arizona and across Indian Country nationally, passed away Tuesday at the age of 77. (Photo courtesy of Gila River Indian News)
Rodney B. Lewis, a giant of the legal profession in Arizona and across Indian Country nationally, passed away Tuesday at the age of 77 years old. Known simply as “Rod” to thousands of fellow members of the Gila River Indian Community, Mr. Lewis was the first Native American attorney in the nation to argue and win a case before the United States Supreme Court.
Mr.Lewis is survived by his wife, Wiilardene Pratt Lewis, three adult children: Stephen Roe, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, John Blaine and Katherine Elizabeth, and seven grandchildren: Akicita Roe, Daniel Roe, Kornelius, Noble, Sarah Camille, Marilily and Johnelle.
“My father lived to serve our people in every way possible,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis. “He spent 30 years of his life working on the Gila River water rights settlement, finally bringing that landmark agreement to fruition in 2004. That was only one of his proud moments. He was equally thrilled to have served as an Army Ranger during his time in the military and to have been appointed last year by Gov. Ducey to the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board.
