Richard Jeffrey Abe

Richard Jeffrey Abe, known by his Hidatsa name "Maxúbawaarudac" (Northern Star), a name given by Bryon Brady, and “White Buffalo,” given by his paternal grandmother Rita Abe, was born on September 28, 1987, at Tuba City Hospital in Tuba City, Arizona. He was a true blessing to his parents, George and Karen (Canyon) Abe. He and his siblings, Cheryl, Sonya, and Chris, all grew up in Tuba City, Arizona.

Richard proudly carried a rich cultural heritage that deeply shaped his identity. On his mother’s side, he was Diné, belonging to the Deer Water clan (Biih Bitoodnii). On his father’s side, he was an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, born for the Child of a Prairie Chicken clan. His maternal grandfather belonged to the Yucca Fruit clan (Haashk’ąą hodzohí), and his paternal grandfather was of Japanese descent. Richard thoughtfully embraced both his Native American and Japanese roots, honoring the traditions and values of each throughout his life.

He attended grade school in Tuba City and later moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where he graduated from Rio Rancho High School in 2006. Continuing his education, Richard earned an associate degree in Network Management from Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI).

His interests and hobbies included being a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, golfing, recreational shooting/target practice, video games, and reading to his son Suji. He worked for three years at Santa Ana Star Casino as a bartender before joining Intel in Rio Rancho.

Richard met the love of his life, Juanita “Jenny” Tinsley, in 2020 while working at Santa Ana Star Casino. Together, they began building a family and joyfully welcomed their son, Xander Tatsuji Abe, on September 9, 2021. Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Xanalise Toyo Abe, on February 4, 2025. Richard and Jenny shared a home in Albuquerque and had plans to marry, with hopes of raising their children close to Richard’s parents, George and Karen, keeping family bonds strong.

Richard's legacy wasn’t built on grand gestures but on those quiet, meaningful moments—offering a helping hand, sharing a laugh with his playful and sarcastic sense of humor, or simply being there with his warm hugs and a constant smile. Richard walked a humble path, never seeking recognition or praise; He embraced every moment with understanding, patience, and kindness, qualities that defined his character and shaped the way he connected with everyone around him. What mattered most to him was the happiness and well-being of his family.

His spirit lives on through the memories and stories shared by those who loved him and the countless ways he made life better for everyone around him. Yet, above all, the most profound love he carried was for his two beloved children, Xander and Xanalise. His devotion to them was a defining feature of his life, a love that was as fierce as it was tender, a source of unwavering encouragement and guidance. It is this powerful and endless love for his children that shines brightest. It is that love which will carry his spirit forward, living on in their hearts and in the many lives he touched with his generosity and kindness.

He is survived by his parents George and Karen Abe; sisters Cheryl Abe (Allen) and Sonya Rita Abe (Lee); brother Christopher George Abe (Julie); Girlfriend Juanita “Jenny” Tinsley; Son Xander Tatsuji Abe; Daughter Xanalise Toyo Abe; Nieces Kaley Abe and Ruby Rose Strikes Enemy; Nephews Dresden LaRocque, Trenton LaRocque, Leighton Abe, Hunter Wells, Christian Abe, and Hayes Abe; and his extended family, including his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, uncles, and in-laws. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Bella.

Richard was preceded in death by his maternal Grandparents Jefferson and Lena Canyon, paternal Grandparents Tatsuji and Rita Abe, Aunt Leona M. Canyon, Uncles Thomas Abe and Eugene Abe, and Cousin John Paul Abe.

Richard will be deeply missed, he taught us all what it means to love selflessly and to live humbly, leaving behind a legacy that transcends words, a legacy defined by love that knows no bounds.