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Duane Bird Bear Obituary
Duane Bird Bear
Duane T. Bird Bear, 59, formerly of North Dakota and Crown Point, N.M., died of natural causes March 12, 2008, at Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque, N.M. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Mandaree School.
He is survived by his sons, Duane, Sweden, Aaron, Wisconsin, Jason and Justin, both of Phoenix, and Joshua, Pine Ridge; his sisters, Theodora Bird Bear and Joletta Bird Bear, both of Mandaree; and seven grandchildren. (Fulkerson Funeral Home, Williston)
Memories and Condolences
for Duane Bird Bear
Sponsored by Thelma Stiffarm.
abby abinanti
April 9, 2008
From long ago and far away...I am so sorry for these hard times. Courage my friend. Prayers for you and for his journey.
Cynthia Baker
March 31, 2008
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
David Bonga
March 26, 2008
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 acres near the City of Spokane into trust that became the Tribe's Northern Quest Casino and only the 2nd Tribe to successfully go thru the 2719 process and thanks to Duane the casino has funded so many programs for the Tribe from the Camas Path to the Wellness Center...he will be missed...he was such a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Dave and Susanne Bonga
Patrick Weasel Head
March 25, 2008
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.
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Suzan Shown Harjo
March 24, 2008
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
March 24, 2008
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
Judy Bell Little Flower
March 22, 2008
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.
Mary Three Irons
March 21, 2008
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.
Marlene Walter
March 21, 2008
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.
Gary Kimble
March 21, 2008
Thelma and the extended Bird Bear family. I am deeply saddened by Duane's passing and I want you to know how much I admired Duane for his many accomplishments. We were all very proud that he was part of the Stiffarm family too.
Gary Kimble, Cousin to Thelma
Lorraine Edmo
March 20, 2008
Dear Thelma and family,
We are very sorry for your loss and we will keep you in our prayers. We always have fond memories of you and Duane's time spent in Washington, DC. We will miss him. May the Great Spirit comfort you at this difficult time. Please call if you need anything and take care of yourself.
Lorraine, Jerry and Lauren Cordova
Annandale, VA
M. Sharon Blackwell
March 18, 2008
Dear Ones,
You have our heartfelt sympathy. Duane's life was a tribute to his resolve and a challenge to all who have looked into a dark sky and said: "I can make things better." We miss not knowing that Duane Bird Bear is working somewhere to make things better in Indian Country. Sincerely, Sharon, Geoffrey and Jonathan Blackwell and their families.
Preston Stiffarm
March 18, 2008
Thelma; Sincere sympathy on the loss of Duane. May the Creator watch over you and strength and courage in the coming days ahead. We will be thinking of you and you will be in our prayers. Your Cousin
Arlo Dawes
March 17, 2008
Thelma and to all of Duane's relatives - I am saddened to hear of the passing of a very good brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We will surely miss him.
Juanita Sloss (jackson)
March 17, 2008
Dear Thelma and family,
You are in my prayers at this difficult time. I will always remember you and Duane from my time in Crow Agency.
Gerald Gray
March 17, 2008
Thelma-
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! Sincerely, G&G
Lynda Beaudry
March 17, 2008
Thelma and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. May you find comfort in knowing your husband is at peace with the Great Spirit. Love from your cousin in Blackfeet Country!
Joyce Laforge
March 17, 2008
My Deepest Sympathy & prayers for the family.
Cecelia Wells
March 17, 2008
I was deeply sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Gerald j. Gray, Sr.
March 17, 2008
Thelma and Family,
We are extremely sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, Duane. Please keep in mind that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May it give you comfort to know that Duane is with "The Great Spirit" and you have love and support within the love of those who care so much for you. We are all keeping you close in thought sand prayers. May beautiful memories of Duane bring you comfort and peace thoutgh the days ahead. We exthed our deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Carolyn Pease-Lopez
March 17, 2008
Thelma,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Juneau
March 17, 2008
Thelma and Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you today.
Jess Brien
March 17, 2008
Thelma,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Thelma Stanley
March 17, 2008
Thelma J. Sorry for your loss.
Lenore Stiffarm
March 17, 2008
Thelma Jean - I wish to express my condolences during this time of your extreme loss; you will be in my prayers. Your cousin, Lenore
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