Roy Irwin Wilson

Cowlitz Chief Roy I. Rochon Wilson aka Itswoot Wawa Hyiu – Bear Who Talks Much passed away February 11, 2025. Roy was born in a one room tin roof cabin on the Yakima Indian Reservation to Roy E. and Ethyl M. Wilson on July 17, 1927. Roy was their 1st child. He grew up in California and graduated from high school in 1944.

Roy led a life of 51 years of service to the Cowlitz Tribe. For 11 years he was Chairman of the Cowlitz General Council and 20 years he was Chairman of the Cowlitz Tribal Council, 10 years he served as Chairman of the Cultural Resources Board. He also founded the tribe’s cultural language department. During that time he was the tribe’s spiritual leader and shaman.

Roy also was a Christian pastor, retiring after 47 years of ministry. After retiring, he would still accept invitations to be a Sunday morning guest speaker even giving sermons once a month at Centralia Unity for years.

Roy loved the Medicine Wheel and it’s teachings for life. He was known as “Grandfather” to his followers. He taught, "I Am The Wheel And The Wheel Is Me."

Roy had a life dream of having his own traditional longhouse and was able to fulfill that dream about 12 years ago here at Bearaven in Winlock. His dream developed into having a longhouse, art gallery, museum, and library of over 4, 000 Native American books. He was so pleased to have visitors come to see it. Roy, himself is a published author. His most noteworthy books include, Medicine Wheels, Legends of the Cowlitz Tribe, Chinook Wawa and History of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

Roy is survived by his wife, Cherilyn - Winlock, three children Winston (Connie) - Port Angeles, Stephen (Shawn) - Spokane and Roxene Emmel (Steven) – Spokane, five step-children and many grand, great-grand and great-great grandchildren and youngest brother George – Texas and his Cowlitz Tribal Family.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray, sister Annetta, grandsons David and Caleb.

Klahowya      Kloshe   Kawkawa      Mahsie  Naika Tum Tum!

There will be a gathering Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Borst Park Pavillion 1 in Centralia at 2 PM. Drumming,  remembrances and potluck to follow.

The Cowlitz Tribe will be holding a commemoration for Roy at a later date.

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