Duane T. Bird Bear

From long ago and far away...I am so sorry for these hard times. Courage my friend. Prayers for you and for his journey.

Dear Thelma and Family,
On behalf of Ted and Nellie Baker's Family, I wish to extend our most sincere prayers and condolences. Our parents thought very highly of Duane and his many contributions to Indian Country. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Patricia Benally-Baker, Kathleen Ferris, Cynthia and Jeanne Baker

Thelma & family - I was so sorry to hear about Duane...At Dartmouth as a fellow student he was inspiring and fun to be around, and after I graduated I was going to the U of W law school when he called me and asked me to take his job at USS so he could go to Denver Law...that move to Denver meant much to my career as 5 years later I went to Gonzaga Law and then on to work for the Kalispel Tribe who were served by the Spokane Agency, so when Duane came there he played a huge role in putting 40...

Thelma, as always I wish you the best to you and your family. Thank you for sharing the details that led up to the death. Once we get together we will do a small memorial for Duane, and then wish health and happiness to you and your sons.

Dear Thelma and All Duane's Relations,
When Duane was at Dartmouth, he came to the attention of many Native people, including myself. He inspired and delighted us with his brilliance and wit, more than I think he ever knew. I've felt good about his fixed point on the horizon for many decades and it's easy to imagine him still there. Aho. Suzan Shown Harjo

Thelma,
Sorry to learn of your loss. Working with you at SBA was one of the few good moments there. Best to you and your family. Chip Andrews

Dear Thelma & Family,

My heart is deeply saddened by your loss. My prayers are with you all. Duane will be greatly missed by all those who had the honor to have met him and those who benefited from his dedicated work within Indian Country. I am here for you my dearest friend.

Thelma & sisters of Duane,
I'm so sorry of your lost, I worked with Duane when he was at Crow Agency and since my great grandmother was a Hidasta, I always thought he resembled a brother I lost at age of 32. The closest relative I knew was Jerome Dancing Bull. He was an Indian Serivice Officer at Crow and then he was the Superintendent where I still worked. If you need to talk to someone, please call me at Crow Indian Agency.

Thelma,
I am so sorry to hear of Duane's passing. I am here, please contact me. I know the pain. Take comfort to know that Duane is okay because he is with his loved ones. You are in my prayers and thoughts.