Glenn Moore Sr.

Glenn Moore Sr.

Glenn Moore Sr., a highly distinguished and treasured Yurok tribal cultural leader crossed over to the spirit world to be with the Creator on the morning of December 9, 2008. The beloved son of Ed Moore and Nettie Johnson, Glenn was born on August 23, 1919, at Srey-Pech near the village of Sregon. Raised in an era where there were no roads and the river was not only the sole means of transportation, but also the lifeline for the Yurok People, he grew up paddling canoes and fishing along the Klamath River. Glenn’s life was shaped and defined by his highly respected family steeped in cultural knowledge and traditional values that reflected the strong character, ancient wisdom, and great dignity of the Yurok People.

Glenn attended the Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California, where he excelled athletically, particularly as a championship contender at the World Fair in wrestling. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a Staff Sgt. attached to the 83rd Mobile Air Corps unit stationed in France during World War II. A man of great courage, Glenn was a dedicated soldier, fighting bravely and later becoming an Armament Instructor for the P38 Fighter Bombers, then honorably discharged in 1945.

Upon returning home from the War, Glenn married the beautiful Helen Dorothy “Dot” Colegrove, the absolute love of his life. During their 63 wonderful years of marriage together, they raised three cherished children, Kenneth “Sonny,” Carla, and Glenna. Of great pride were Glenn and Dot’s award-winning registered Appaloosa horses shown throughout the western United States. Glenn was a hardworking man all of his life. With Dot at his side, he raised cattle and also owned and operated his own logging company, Glenn Moore Logging, for over 35 years. Glenn was recognized for his successful business ventures when he was awarded the Businessman of the Year from United Indian Development Association in 1986.

Born to a family of honored Yurok dance leaders, Glenn was a devoted cultural leader with tremendous knowledge, immense character, and unique gifts. Gracing his people with his outstanding deeply rich voice, Glenn will be well-remembered for the rich melodies that resonated during traditional ceremonies for healing and World Renewal. Glenn truly brought us all closer to the Spirit-Creator.

Glenn was a role model for Yurok People in every possible way. Equipped with his first language, Yurok, Glenn used his skill as a fluent speaker to teach and share with his people. He was instrumental in building language curricula, serving as a language mentor for many young speakers, and as Vice Chairperson of the Yurok Language Program. His understanding of tribal intellectual and cultural property rights was effectively applied when he helped shape the policy and guide programmatic development of the Yurok Tribe as a longstanding chairperson of the Yurok Tribe’s Cultural Committee. In this capacity, Glenn served as an exemplary Yurok “Ambassador” on the national repatriation organization, “Keepers of the Treasure,” where he represented the Tribe and the State of California with honor and dignity. He also served as an elder advisor for the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in Washington D.C.

Glenn leaves a great legacy for his People. Deeply committed to preserving his traditional religion through cultural practice and participation of ceremonies, Glenn felt it was his personal responsibility to maintain and pass on the knowledge he had learned from his parents and ancestors. His honored relationship with the community and his outstanding character helped revive the White Deerskin Dance in Weitchpec- a life affirming World Renewal ceremony that had not taken place for nearly 80 years. Coming from a long line of canoe builders, Glenn became a Master Craftsman and traditional redwood dugout canoe builder having learned the special skill from his brother Haynes years before. His lifetime goal was the continuance of traditional Yurok lifeways that extended beyond the building of canoes. His dream also included preserving the history and language of the Klamath River.

Glenn also prided himself on keeping in top physical condition and setting a vigorous pace for the younger men of the tribe. He had a passion for the outdoors. He loved camping and hiking in Elk Valley and taking trips to Dr. Rock. An avid local sports fan, even when he didn’t have grandchildren playing, Glenn faithfully attended all the local games.

Glenn is survived by his children Carla Dempewolf and husband Curt, and Glenna Moore and partner Terry Raymer. Grandchildren Shawn Kane and Andrew Myers, Glenn Moore II and wife, Melody, and Raven Sherman and husband Duane. Great-grandchildren Curtis Kane and fiancé Melissa Davis, Clinton and Cole Kane, Ryan Myers, Cecilia, Donald, and Trinity Moore, and Hilton Hostler III, and Great-grandchild Allen Kane, all of Hoopa.

Glenn was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen Dorothy Colegrove Moore, son Kenneth “Sonny” Moore, great grandson Cruz Myers, his beloved parents, and numerous brothers and sisters.

Pall Bearers: Curtis Dempewolf, Thomas Gates, Richard “Dickie” Myers, Duane Sherman Sr., Curtis Kane, Clinton Kane. Honorary Pall Bearers: Andrew “Andy” Myers, George Blake, Page Matilton, Ray Matilton, Charles Carpenter, Duane Carpenter Sr., Ralph Peters Sr., Albert Carpenter, Richard Carpenter, Bruz Aubrey, Larry Leonard, Mike Montgomery, Max Mazetti, Philip Vigil, Merv George Sr., Merv George Jr., Frank Starkey Sr., Homer Bennett III, Bob McConnell Sr.,Leonard Super, Sid Nix, Walt Lara Sr., Dave Severens, Everett “Tweet” Colegrove Sr., Everett “Muss” Colegrove Jr., Richard Myers Jr., Frankie Joe Myers, Charlie Myers, Nolan Colegrove Sr., Terry Raymer, Leo Canez, Reggie Grant, Loren Norton, Sherman Norton, Rick Hall Sr., Spam Ferris, Boyd Ferris, Deacon Ferris, Mike Ferris, George Moon, Jeremy Macenerny, Edward Moore, Melvin Stokes, Arnold Moore, Alfred “Riggie” Colegrove, Clarence “Buck Lou” Lewis, Gary Johnston, Troy Fletcher Jr., Ralph Migulena, Marcus Rowe, Archie Thompson, Amos Tripp, Joe James, Sonny Pratt, James Gensaw, Frank McCovey.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Eva Smith M.D., and Heather Mace.

Viewing will be on December 12, 2008, at the Chapel of the Ferns, 509 J Street in Eureka from 1:00pm-5:00pm and 7:00-8:30pm. Glenn will make his final journey up the river to his resting place on Saturday December 13, 2008. Services will be held at the Jack Norton School at 1:00pm and Burial will at the Moore family cemetery above Moore’s Rock. Reception will follow at the Yurok Tribal Office in Weitchpec, California.

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