Gary J. Witherspoon (July 27, 1943 – June 16, 2022) was a professor of Native American studies at the University of Washington.
After one year at Yale University, Witherspoon returned to the Dine and focused on research and teaching.
In 1987 Witherspoon accepted an offer from the University of Washington, where he chaired the American Indian Studies Department.
Sheep in Navajo Culture and Social Organization was placed in the centennial version of American Anthropologist as an example of one of the best articles in the field of anthropology in the last 25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Rosette Kisitu Sims; sons, Dwight, David and Johnny; daughter, Deanna; and 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.