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Dennis Yellowhorse Jones
A LEGEND AMONG US
Aka “The Chief”
Posted
Are Legends Born or Made? In the case of our beloved friend Dennis Yellowhorse Jones, both. As with most dynamic people who become a fabric of our being and are larger than life such as was always the case with “Chief,” (as he was affectionately known), it is almost impossible to imagine them not being with us here anymore. Dennis left us on September 2nd, 2024, much too early. Some say people pass the way they lived. This was definitely true of Dennis, who braved a sudden illness and fought it to the end - even almost not acknowledging it himself. He lived on his own terms, and passed away mirroring how he would frequent life events: as the most interesting person in the room, he would both just show up - and then leave on his own terms. His presence was impactful and felt by all. People knew he was a big deal, even if they did not know exactly why. You could sense it. His absence has also been felt in a poignant way - leaving a void no one else can fill. -Boots and cowboy hats too big to fill by mere mortals. Dennis made quite the life for himself as President of U Mate International. His product was as ahead of its time as he was, behaving as a natural source of rapid and healthy growth for anything from pineapples to cannabis to healing products and beyond. Not only did Chief work deeply with agriculture professionals and leaders in the organic food / farming sphere, but he also aimed to use his product for dire environmental clean up, such as when he addressed Congress offering a possible solution to the BP Oil Spill alongside Actor Kevin Costner. He trespassed many spheres, just like how he was friends with so many different types of colorful characters from all walks of life across the world map. One friend or colleague was more interesting than the next - yet he maintained the largest presence and was always the conduit for social and work connections. During the time ‘name changing’ occurred with sports teams and more with respect to Native American Indian titles, Dennis used his popular radio show “The Real Deal” as a platform for discussion / collaboration to preserve names and give people voices. Naturally, because he was the definition of “cool,” only the best classic rock would be played often on his shows (a lot of Rolling Stones). Dennis had highly selective taste in places, people, music and beyond. His haunts were such local favorites such as The Fat Ox, The Vig, The Handle Bar J, and many more. He always could be found at the key corner seat - making his presence known but also lying low. He was highly selective about his friends and rather discerning about his colleagues. When he would laugh, it was loud and hearty. A bullshitter he was not. Chief was friends with such Greats as Waylon Jennings, one of the Oldest Living Code Talkers: Peter MacDonald, Rich Dad, Poor Dad Author Robert Kyosaki (their recent podcast is a must watch), International Groundwater Guru and Water Pioneer Mark Burr, many Goldwater Family Members, and the list goes on and on. If you were friends with him, you were pretty proud about that - Dennis made people that much cooler just standing near him. His work was cutting edge and environmentally friendly - his work was ahead of his time like his legendary self. He was known for his vibrant spirit, excellent company and beyond engaging stories, the friends he had literally everywhere, the authentic Navajo necklace he’d wear so well (and with deep honor), the parties he held at his home in Paradise Valley, and most importantly, his friendship. Dennis is survived by his wife, Maggie, his beautiful daughter Shalimar, his loving sister Deanna, and his two brothers Bill and David. Dennis is joined in the Heavens with his first wife, Jane Yellowhorse Jones, who was also a coveted Valley resident whose talent as a jewelry and art buyer for The Heard Museum was highly respected. Dennis’s absence has been profoundly felt by his family and friends across the map who remain grateful for him in their lives. His life was a true testament to the power of incomparable Friendship and passionate Leadership. His memory will continue to inspire all who loved him dearly. He will be missed very, very much. Dennis is likely holding court as the New Legend in the Heavens, captivating all with his stories, his laugh, his big hat and larger than life smile…meeting old and new friends alike. A Celebration will be held on Sunday Nov. 17th at The Franciscan Renewal Center (in the very back of the property near the desert labrynth) at 5pm. To follow, further toasts and celebrations honoring Chief will be at El Chorro from 6:30pm on. -In true Dennis form, “All Are Welcome.”