Inyowen ‘Yo’ John Shelton — 1986-2016

Inyowen John Shelton

Inyowen John Shelton died June 20, 2016. He was 29.

Inyowen was a Tahoe baby who came into the world smiling. Being part Hidatsa and Chippewa, he was a steward of the Earth. He was wise for his years – a young sage and a scholar of all things, especially of the natural.

He loved to work with his hands and excelled at everything; art was in his blood. Inyowen was a painter of beautiful landscapes and custom homes. He played a mean, self-taught guitar.

An avid peak bagger, he slept on all the summits becoming one with the mountain. He shared the mountains with his friends. A woodsman, an eco-warrior, a river rat, sculptor, skater, a boarder, botanist, geologist, jeweler, a weaver, counselor, an animal magnet, and a hugger of trees in clouds; passions too many to include.

He was a misanthrope and a philanthropist. He cracked wise and enriched lives.

He is survived by his mother, Peg Standridge; brother Lukanyon Glen Shelton; son Vincent Michael Shelton; father Dwight Grinnell; aunt and uncle Amy and Mike Saladin; cousins Lilah and Connor Saladin; and many friends.

His life will be celebrated Aug. 2 from 3pm until twilight at Camp Richardson beach picnic area. Donations for his son, Vincent, may be made in lieu of flowers.

Bring swim attire to do a summer plunge for Yo. You may bring a small natural artifact or other bit of good medicine to be placed in his ledgestone monument soon to be under the Palisade Glacier in Big Pine Canyon, his new home.