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Light a Candle
Karl Raymond Gillson, age 58, of Gallup, New Mexico passed away on January 24, 2021. He was born on January 19, 1963 in Gallup, New Mexico into the Tó'aheedlíinii (Water That Flows Together) clan born for Bilaagana. Karl spent his childhood in his beloved community of Tse' Si Ani (Lupton, AZ). He was a graduate of Rehoboth High School and attended Dordt College in Iowa, where he ran cross country eventually transferring to New Mexico State University and graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, summa cum laude. In 1988, Karl attended the Pre-law Summer Institute for American Indian and Alaskan Native students (PLSI) at UNM. He graduated from the University of New Mexico Law School in 1991 and shortly thereafter, became the Assistant District Attorney for McKinley County. He served in that position for two years until 1993 when, at the encouragement of former Navajo Nation President, Peterson Zah, former New Mexico Governor Bruce King appointed Karl as McKinley County Magistrate Judge. At only 30 years old, he was the youngest and first Navajo, (3rd Native person ever) to serve as a Magistrate Judge in the state of New Mexico. While serving as District Judge, Karl ensured that there were Navajo, Zuni, and Spanish language translators available for those appearing in his court. He advocated for alternative dispute resolution methods, bringing Navajo Peacemaking into the courts. In 2000, he ran for McKinley County District Attorney and won. He served in that position for 17 years, until retiring in 2017. As District Attorney, he obtained federal funding from the Office on Violence against Women at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the DOJ Community Gun Violence Prosecution Program, to hire two prosecutors who would solely focus on domestic violence and sexual assault cases. He knew that this was a great need especially knowing that American Indian women are highly affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. As the District Attorney in the Indian Arts capital of the world, he was one of few in the country who successfully targeted and prosecuted non-Native art dealers who sold counterfeit Indian jewelry in violation of the 1990 Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Karl understood that making and selling jewelry was often the livelihood of so many Navajo, Zuni and Pueblo artists in the state and their livelihood needed to be protected. Karl also recognized and appreciated the hard and sometimes, overlooked work of his colleagues within the DA and City of Gallup offices and Navajo Nation government. We know he counseled many young promising and talented attorneys, who have praised his mentorship. Former Navajo Nation Prosecutor, Gertrude Lee, once remarked “Karl Gillson taught me a lot. He mentored me and I learned trial practice from him…he’s been an excellent mentor.” Among his many accomplishments, he also served our Navajo Nation in many other ways, including casework supervisor for the Navajo Nation Social Services Division, prior to law school. He served on the Board of Directors for Navajo Nation DNA Legal Services, serving as their Board Chair, and was the president of the McKinley County Bar Association. Karl dedicated his career and life to serving those who were disadvantaged, underprivileged and was a fierce advocate for children and women. He was a hardcore Denver Broncos fan and loved music including his all-time favorite band U2. Karl was preceded in death by his father, Sidney E. Gillson; maternal grandparents Albert Begay and Mary Joe Begay; paternal grandparents Hettie and Raymond Gillson; paternal uncle Peter Gillson; maternal uncles Andy Roy, Wilson Begay, Tom Loy and maternal aunt, Sarah Yazzie. He is survived by his mother, Clara M. Gillson (Al); wife, Jennifer Chischillie-Gillson; daughters Mikquel Matherson (Justin) and Journey Gillson (Noah); sons, Skye Gillson (Tejaswita) and Horizon Gillson; sisters Geraldine Draper (David), Laura McKown (Doug) and Lisa Gillson; adopted brother Loren Miller; 11 nieces and nephews who he loved as his own; 11 grandchildren and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, in-laws, and extended family. Karl will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Due to COVID-19 precautions and Navajo Nation COVID-19 restrictions, a private immediate family graveside funeral will be held on Friday, January 29 in Lupton, AZ. A celebration of life will be forthcoming once it is safe to be with all friends and family again. Pallbearers will be Erik Goodsoldier, Skye Gillson, Nicholas August, Roger Haley, Loren Miller, and Core Henry. Honorary Pallbearers are Billy Frazier, Justin Burbank, Kerry Cominsky, James Patterson, Troy Conley, Arnold Arviso, Fred White, John Haupt, Lemuel Martinez, Don Tamminga, Michael Stauder, Jeff Holtsoi, John Bernitz, Kevin DeVries, Peter Gillson Jr., Donald Gallegos, Dr. Chris Gonzaga, Dr. Jeremias Torres, Brian Bleyenberg, Clarence Hunt, Scott Merrill, Vince Jimenez and Jesse Monongye. Rollie Mortuary is compassionately serving the Gillson family.
