I truly wish to express my sincere condolences to the passing of Former Navajo Nation President the honorable Dr. Kelsey A. Begaye that went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 13, 2021.
I nominated Dr. Begaye to receive an honorary Doctorate back in July 2011 for his national advocacy in tribal education and health along with Former Navajo Nation President Dr. Ben Shelly and my spiritual Father in the Lord the honorable DrRalph Dee Jr. from Solid Rock Outreach. Dr. Clyde Rivers, Chief Chancellor of Educational Development Worldwide for United Graduate College and Seminary granted me the opportunity to honor Kelsey A. Begaye for his life work of helping the Navajo Nation people and Indigenous people around the world.
Dr. Begaye became my colleague teaching me the importance of being a champion of collaboration, he was a companion helping me to understand the methods of counseling the young Navajo people and he helped me to grow when it comes to honoring our United States Veterans. Begay was a Radio operator for the U.S. Army in the Republic of South Vietnam in 1969. He was born in Kaibeto the place where his mother, father, and ancestors are from. He was a well-respected man in his local community that not only mentored the young but was also a mentor of leaders.
Today we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Begay family, the Great Navajo nation, and all Tribal Nation Partners around the world associated with Dr. Begaye. Brother Begay was an ordained minister and a man of faith, so I will end with a scripture. I pray that this encourages you, understanding that the love God has for Kelsey A. Begaye will always continue. Rest in peace Sir.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dr. Robert Ornelas
