Eddie Vedolla Jr.

Eddie Vedolla, Jr., a descendent of Guidiville and a member of the Yurok Tribe, passed away in Ukiah, CA on October 25, 2024 at age 49. 

Eddie was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Vedolla, father Eddie Patrick Vedolla, grandmother Benedicta “Ruth” Elliott-Vedolla, grandmother Rachel Louise Knight, grandfather Lawrence Victor Knight, and cousins Sophia Vedolla and Justice Vedolla. He is survived by his wife Iris Padgett, children Julius Vedolla, Torreya Vedolla, Azariah Vedolla, mother Frances Vedolla, sisters Valerie (George) Frank, Annette Vedolla-Olivarez (Elliott Olivarez), Julie Vedolla-Fuentes (Effie Fuentes), and brother Victor (Misty) Knight. He is also survived by his aunt Beatrice Vedolla (Sam Wilsey), nieces and nephews Monica Vedolla, Jaime Fuentes, Elena (Erick) Guerrero, Ruby Bibancos, Emerald Bibancos, Diamond Bibancos-Knight, Jewely Bibancos-Knight, and cousins Ari-El Treppa, Ruthi McCoy, Alfredo Vedolla, Jazzie Vedolla (Jonny Meza), Julia Vedolla (Logan Onstott), and many more beloved family members.

Eddie was born in Ukiah and spent most of his life there. In his early 20s, he moved to Southern California where he spent six years immersing himself in different dance forms. Eddie comes from a legacy of dancing, and those who knew him know that dancing was his love. His childhood nickname, “Boogie,” is a testament to the passion for dancing that he had from an early age. Eddie danced competitively, as well as in commercials and movies. He was the first Country Western Junior World Champion, a West Coast Swing World Champion, and an award winner in the US Open and other swing competitions. He performed nationally and internationally, and he taught social dance forms to countless students of all ages throughout his life. Eddie believed that dancing could create connections and community that transcended the usual differences that can keep people apart. 

Eddie graduated from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications in 2012. He was an important facet of Ukiah Unified School District, where he was a classroom teacher, a substitute teacher, a Native American liaison, and a Title VI board member. Eddie also owned a DJ business, and he provided fun and celebration to countless students and at weddings throughout Northern California.

Known for his positive, uplifting attitude, he was full of boundless love for his friends and family and an optimism that was infectious to any who encountered him. 

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Saturday, November 2 at 1pm at Coyote Valley Rancheria in the gymnasium – 7701 N. State St., Redwood Valley, CA.