Virgil Danford, Sr.

Mr. Virgil Danford Sr., 73,  passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona, June 29, 2017. He was born November 21, 1943 in Cibecue, Az to his parents, the late Dirk Danford and the late Ruth Taylay Danford. Virgil has many loving grandchildren whom he had the pleasure of loving. He showed his love with his constant presence. He took them for joyrides along the backroads and all the different lakes and streams, teaching them about fishing, wildlife, traditional herbs and telling them many stories  about the reservation and its landmarks. He loved singing old Apache songs for them and telling them of the stories from his early years. His world revolved around his grandchildren. Virgil’s employment includes working with WMAT FATCO, BIA Forestry, WMAT Police Dept., WMAT Utility Authority, Cibecue Athletic Director and Game and Fish Woodland Ranger. He was also a very competitive man, a sportsman like no other. Amongst his many talents and skills playing softball was one of his favorites, always hitting them "homers n  grand slams." Virgil will be greatly missed. Virgil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Viola Henry Danford; sons, Virgil Danford Jr. and Zelmor (Yolanda) Danford; daughters, Virgilene (Emery H) Danford and Zelda (Tony) Alsenay; step daughter, Regina (Alvin) Quay; and stepson Ardell Caddo. A traditional two night wake was held in Cibecue, Arizona at the residence of Tony and Zelda Alsenay. The wake was held from Friday, July 7 til Sunday, July 9. A funeral service followed. Burial was at the Open Range Cemetery next to his father and mother.