Travis A. Pinkham

Travis A. Pinkham, 36, passed away tragically in an automobile accident on Friday Oct 19 2024.

His mother was Sandra Pinkham and his father was William “Bill” Whistaken.

Travis was born and raised on the Nez Perce Reservation, in Lapwai Idaho.

Growing up Travis spent most of his time in the hills and playing in creeks, enjoying the outdoors on Webb Road. He loved getting his education and learning through books. His favorite book series was Harry Potter.

Travis was raised briefly on the Coeur D Alene reservation by his Aunt Teresa and Uncle Michael Fabor on his father’s family property. In 2001-2002, at the age of fifteen, Travis went to live with his dad “Tota” Richard Arthur in Lapwai Idaho. As a teenager, Travis went on trips with his dad to Connecticut, New Mexico, Colorado. They also attended the Annual Mud Springs encampment and the Crow Fair events, as well as going to the West Coast.

Travis loved learning his NiMiiPuu culture through tribal medicine, songs, practicing sweat, making drums and cultural events. He was a very proud Nez Perce native man and carried that with him wherever he went. He had many friends and made new friends quite easily as he was always a cheerful, happy-go-lucky guy who loved joking around. He loved jamming to music as I spoke to his heart.

Travis was a family man. He married Angelica Reyes in June 2024 in Portland, where they made their home. Travis and Angelica supported one another in sobriety, always doing cultural activities as a family with her two daughters. They were both employed by the same company, but had dreams of one day opening their own business and to be their own boss.

Travis comes from a very large family whom loved him very much. His siblings include Vashti Scott, Michael Pinkham, Patricia Pinkham, Jesse Calkins, Eduardo “Walo” Lara, Victoria Jackson, Mikayla Calkins and Maria Calkins (the twins). He has over 30 nieces and nephews. He also has an adopted sister Augustina Arthur Oatman. His adopted brothers are Reuben “Booge” Blackeagle and Tyrone Paul: adopted aunts Janice Arthur and Teri Scott. He also has an aunt and uncle on his father’s side, Teresa and Michael Fabor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sandra Pinkham and William “Bill” Whistaken, and his older brother Michael Pinkham.

Dressing Thursday October 24, 2024 2 pm at Vassar-Rawls funeral home. 7 drum services will be Thursday night at 7 pm at the Pineewaus Burial Friday morning at daylight on Webb Road family cemetery.