Puyallup tribe elder 'Sonny' McCloud dead at 87

Northwest Indian communities on Friday mourned the death of prominent Puyallup Tribe of Indians elder Andrew "Sonny" McCloud.

McCloud, 87, died early Friday at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia shortly after gathering with his extended family for Thanksgiving dinner and an early celebration of his upcoming birthday, said Hank Adams, a family friend.

McCloud was the older brother of Billy Frank Jr., chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and Theresa “Maiselle” Bridges, founder of the independent WaHeLut Indian School at Franks Landing near Olympia.

McCloud was a World War II veteran and, for nearly four decades, worked throughout the Northwest as a lineman. He inspired many American Indians to follow him into the lineman profession, including Frank and another brother, Don McCloud, who preceded him in death, Adams said. The three brothers also were fishermen on the Nisqually River.

McCloud is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edith (Kanine) McCloud, and 12 children.

Funeral services have been set for Sunday evening and Monday morning at the WaHeLut School. Burial will be at the Squaxin Island tribe’s Tobin Family Cemetery in northwest Olympia.

Rob Carson: 253-597-8693

rob.carson@thenewstribune.com