Robert Renwick “Swiggs” Ezekiel, 73, went to be with his ancestors on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. Swiggs lived a long and happy life in Lapwai and attended Lapwai High School. He also attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Ore., during his youth.

Swiggs worked for the Nez Perce Tribe as a forestry firefighter, then several years as a custodian at the the Clearwater River Casino. He was a great artist and pottery maker. He loved going to the mountains and enjoyed attending pow-wows and the annual Sun Dance ceremonies.

He married Judy Slockish and had three children; they later divorced.

Swiggs spent the last 11 years, 4 months and 22 days with the love of his life Judy Robinett, at their Lapwai home. He is also survived by his ex-wife Judith A. Craig (Slockish) of Toppenish, Wash.; children Sheila (Ray) Decoteau, of Toppenish, and her two sons William and Ray Decoteau Jr., and Coleman (Rosey) Ezekiel, of Lewiston; grandchildren Jazzelena and Enzo Ezekiel, and siblings Warren Reuben and Antonio Facio.

His father and mother, Robert Ezekiel and Inez Facio Miles, preceded Swiggs in death, as did his son Robert R. Ezekiel Jr., and sisters Bobbie Ezekiel, Katherine Ezekiel and Bessie Williams; also, many relatives from the Yakima and Lapwai valleys.

Services will include a dressing at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, (immediate family only). A public viewing will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston, with a 3 p.m. funeral procession to the Longhouse in Spalding, Idaho, and seven-drum service held at the Spalding Longhouse. A sunrise burial will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Spalding Cemetery.