Royce Manuel, renowned Salt River basketweaver and community leader, dies at 68
Shondiin Silversmith, Arizona Republic
Renowned Akimel O’odham artist and historian Royce Manuel died Monday in Scottsdale, surrounded by his family. He was 68.
Manuel was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in January and, after undergoing treatments early on in his diagnosis, he chose to spend his remaining time in hospice care in Scottsdale.
"Part of me thought I still had a little more time," Debbie Nez Manuel said of her husband's passing. "I have a feeling that Royce has a lot to do with the amount of support that I received since (Monday)."