Jonathan "Jonny" Issaiah Soria

Jonathan Issaiah Soria was born August 12, 1996 to Oscar Z. Soria and Catherine Garzia. He was the youngest of three children and was truly the baby of the family and often took the job of being the "messenger" for his sister and brother when the situation was tenuous. He was also very much adored and protected by his sister Venessa and brother Oscar as well as his extended family and dearest Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jason.

There was not a meal that his Aunt Nancy made that Johnny did not enjoy and he learned from his aunt and uncle how to speak his truth. Having Nancy and Jason a part of his life was instrumental in empowering him in his growth to become a respectful, loyal and compassionate young man.

While in Yakima Jonny spent time with both sides of his family quite often and he grew up enjoying the support of a loving environment. Camping, fishing and exposure to the wilderness was a part of his daily life there.

Even though things could be difficult at times, through his struggles he was able to persevere. He was wise, he was an inspiration, he was a student and a teacher to the world.

When Jonny was eight years old, his mother and siblings moved to Lynnwood, Washington to begin a new chapter in their lives. He thrived and his interests broadened as he grew. He was a student at Lynnwood High School where he enjoyed participating in wrestling and playing drums in band.

Although he participated in these groups, he was never a "follower", instead immersing himself in self studies of his own history as an Indigenous person, drumming, creative arts in shirt design, camping, spending time at the ocean and listening to the repetitive calm that the tide provides. He was fond of going to release stress by shooting at the gun range, being outdoors and visiting art galleries. He loved motorcycles-which gave him a release of being free and in control at the same time. He kept his red Suzuki in tip top condition. For Jonny the world was without boundaries and borders and he found interest in so many diverse passions.

He was a music lover, he was open to all types of music, he and his brother shared the passion of music and much more together. Saying he and Oscar were best friends would be an absolute understatement. He was well read and self-taught in his Native Language. He was interested in politics and utilized many sources to form his opinions and decisions.

He was outspoken in his own way, thoughtful in his choice of words and expressions, articulate, intuitive and did not find any purpose in suppressing what he thought or felt. His many friends have reiterated this sentiment and have expressed their appreciation for him in how much he encouraged them. He was ferociously kind, a sincere and true friend and such a constant support for those around him.

Jonny also gave credit to his "Ina" (mother) for his strength and had the highest level of respect for women. He believed his mother taught him to persevere and was retrospective in realizing that the way she raised him was a direct correlation in the person he had become. He had love and admiration for her. She was, and will always be thankful for the opportunity she had to raise him.

Jonny died tragically in the early hours of September 5, 2020 in Mountlake Terrace. His family is devastated beyond words can convey.

He leaves to mourn his memory, his Mother Catherine Anne Garzia, his father Oscar Z Soria, his sister Venessa Soria, his brother Oscar Soria (Jessica) as well as extended family and friends.