Harry Anthony Cruye

BLACKWATER - Harry Anthony Cruye Jr., 75, a longtime member of the Gila River Indian Community Council, died on April 8, 2015, at Caring House in Sacaton.

Mr. Cruye will lie in state from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Gila River Governance Center in Sacaton. A wake will follow from 6 to 9 p.m. at the District 1 Service Center in Blackwater. Rosary will be recited at 6, with Bryson Hall leading. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Mission by the Rev. Gregory Rice. Burial will be in West Blackwater Cemetery.

He was born on Dec. 14, 1939, in Los Angeles and was a son of Evelyn (Lewis) and Harry Cruye Sr. He worked for the San Carlos Irrigation Project and as a tribal councilman representing District 1 for 27 years. He was seen as a good leader and visionary who worked tirelessly for his community.

He was instrumental in the tribe’s battle for water rights and worked on Gila River Gaming, Gila River Farms, Firebird Lake, Gila River Telecommunications and Gila River Utility Authority. His last project was Caring House and advocating for elderly people. He had a great sense of humor, laughed at his own jokes and stood up for what he believed in. He spearheaded growth in the Blackwater area.

Survivors include a daughter, Shirley Miller of Blackwater; a sister, Barbara Roberts of Blackwater; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, MaryAnn; four sons, Anthony, Benjamin and Franklin Cruye Sr. and Alexandro Marin; a brother, Franklin Cruye; a sister, Lorraine Ortiz; and three grandchildren, Evelyn, Tanisha and Vance Cruye.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel is in charge of arrangements.