On the crest of a hilltop, facing an eastern valley sunrise, Joseph Bonnell-Hall was put to rest this weekend surrounded by close family and friends. As they mourned the end of his earthly journey, their eulogy characterized his spirit with a theme of infinite love, determination and principled living that inspired the many lives he touched.
Joseph was born in Portland, Ore., on Aug. 18, 1992, to a remarkable and unconditionally loving family that survives him: his parents Tim and Selene Bonnell Hall, his older brother Josh (Kellie) Hall, of Battle Ground, Washington, his younger sister Shayoo Bonnell Hall of Moscow and grandparents Jim and Ruth Hall of Newport, Washington. During his youth, they moved to Plummer, Idaho, to live on the land of the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe. There, he thrived and excelled in each of his interests, graduating as valedictorian from Lakeside High School in 2010 having played varsity football, wrestling, track and field and leading his peers as class president. His family and community were proud to see him continue his education at Dartmouth, graduating in 2014 with a double major in environmental science and Native American studies. One highlight of his undergraduate coursework was a trip to South Africa to learn more about water resource management.
His thirst for knowledge and excellence wasn’t an academic pursuit, but a communal one. Every moment of research was fueled by desired action and impact and multiplied by his ability to share his learning with others. Therefore, Joseph moved to Sandia Pueblo, New Mexico, to be of service to his ancestral homeland and people. However, Joseph’s NW roots called him home where he continued to be an indispensable part of the community. His ability to share his knowledge with others without judgement, and his willingness to lend a helping hand was appreciated in employment by wildland firefighting, various roles within the CDA Natural Resources, Fisheries and Fire Management departments and by his family. Always up for a challenge, Joseph earned his permaculture certificate in 2023 and began a master’s of environmental science at University of Idaho in the fall of 2024.
With all of these accomplishments, it’s incredible to think that they were overshadowed by the way he loved. But it’s true. He loved Native communities and participated in ceremonial paddling events along the historically salmon-rich rivers on the Inland NW. He loved his family, both immediate and widely extended. To his nieces and nephew, he was known as Meme, the Tiwa word for uncle. He was the most devoted uncle, and in turn, they idolized him.
To mourn the loss of this incredible son, brother, grandson, Meme, environmental advocate, tribal-member and friend, the community is invited to a memorial on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Services begin at noon at Marimn Health Coeur Center, 43935 US-95, Worley, Idaho, and continue at the Rosecreek Longhouse. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, consider Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute, Ecosystem Restoration Communities or the Arbor Day Foundation.
Submitted by the family of Joseph Bonnell-Hall.