Joseph Squeque
courtesy photo
Joseph Squeque
POLSON — Joseph Francis “Pinhead” Squeque, age 82, passed away on Jan. 17, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born on Feb. 3, 1937, in St. Ignatius, the son of Louison Squeque (Finley) and Josephine (Caye) Lefthand and Alex Lefthand.
He attended school through the eighth grade. He married Joanne Adams and together they had six children. They later divorced and he married Mary Catherine Andrew and they had one daughter. They later divorced.
Joe was a proud member of the Sober Indian Riders and proud of his 35-plus years of sobriety. His hobbies, besides riding the many Harleys he owned throughout the years, included making head roaches for war dancers, a hobby he learned from Joe Phillips who preceded him in death. He also enjoyed hanging around Dempsey’s on a regular basis with his good friend Bernie, who also preceded him in death. He was learning how to play the violin, the acoustic guitar, the flute and the keyboard. He enjoyed the company of his adult children and spending time with his grandchildren, always spoiling them when he could.
He was a member of the Kootenai Elder’s Advisory Committee, a role which he took very seriously. He attended every meeting and paid attention to what was being said. He always said, “Everyone that works at Kootenai Culture should speak the language.” He was a proud member of the Salish & Kootenai Tribes. He also went to school for business.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Tina Marie; his brothers, Patrick and Kenneth; his sisters, Edna, Marie, Patricia and Josephine; as well as many good friends and relatives.
He is survived by his siblings, Susie (Tom) Antiste of Big Arm, and Wain (Cheryl) Lefthand of Elmo; his children, Marlene (Ralph) Sproul of Spokane, Washington; Loretta (Tab) Hoots of Polson,; Debora (Estebon) Garcia of Plummer, Idaho; Thomas Finley of Plummer, Idaho; Monica Finley of Tensed, Idaho; Daniel Finley of Ronan; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Joe’s wishes were for cremation to take place and there will be no services. His daughters followed through with those wishes. There will be a dinner at a later date, which the family will announce.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements were under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
