John Trudell

John Trudell obituary, Los Angeles, CA

John Trudell

John Trudell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 8, 2015.
John Trudell, American Indian activist, poet and actor, has died of cancer. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Trudell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 18, 2022

Jacob Thompson posted to the memorial.

May 16, 2019

Betty Murray-Lee posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2019

Willa Ellis posted to the memorial.

Jacob Thompson

November 18, 2022

You never knew me. But every time I hear your words and listen to what you are saying and who you are I know that humanity as a whole is at a loss with your passing: but your life is celebrated, for you have inspired more people to be free than any authority can shackle. You have helped me to always remember peace in the love of Mother Earth.

Betty Murray-Lee

May 16, 2019

Your words and spirit will live forever in everyone you touched. Miss you.

Willa Ellis

March 31, 2019

There will never be another John Trudell. He was a gift.

Daniel Dillinger

March 28, 2019

Remembering John. What an inspiration he was and continues to be.

Marcia Henderson

March 9, 2019

Still miss you GG. Love Always, Me

Mary Ahern

January 23, 2019

You are remembered.

Arminda Morales

June 15, 2018

It has taken me two years to be able to express anything other than sadness at John''s passing. I lost Caden & John the same year, it broke my heart. During Caden''s illness there were many nights he listened and encouraged me to be strong for my family. He didn't have to do that, but he did. It helped to calm my breaking heart and enabled me to keep going instead of lose my mind. Thank you John. I miss you

Lynn Larson

April 17, 2018

I know you live on doing your great work in the spirit world now. So much love for you and the legacy you left us here on this plane. You taught me so much and changed my life for the better. Thank you. Toksha Ake

Eva Yeganeh

December 8, 2017

He was a great man and we needed a leader like him again in these dark times.

Tamela Jones

September 26, 2017

You are missed

Joanne Panzarella

May 9, 2017

I will always remember your kindness when I met you in Rochester NY. I shook your hand and looked into your eyes and simply said Thank You. You smiled back. A little bit of Heaven...

mark Tomlinson

April 26, 2017

Wado My Brother for everything you gave and did for me I miss you and love you so much run with the wind now brother be with your family forever until we met again Aho

kurt kaltreider

October 20, 2016

so sorry that John is gone kurt kaltreider

Aron Albert

April 4, 2016

Hiy Hiy
A Poetic Messenger
Time is Unconditional
Forever Remembering

Eva Yeganeh

December 13, 2015

He was a great, wise man and I deeply admired him. I grew up in Europe and in the humanist high school i attended in the 70s he was one of our heroes. We all loved him!

Dorothy Mac

February 5, 2016

John was a fellow comrad who I knew; I also knew his wife Tina who was taken B4 her time along w/their children and famliy. Its difficult whe one of our leaders leave for the "Spirit World" such a soft spoken man but powerful. John Trudell will be miss. My sincere condolence to his family. He lives on! AIM 4EVER

Petra Klein

December 29, 2015

There's a Light that never goes out...R.I.P,Your great spirit will never die!!!

Brien

December 17, 2015

May He Rest Until all are United together.

Dominique Goedert

January 16, 2016

Johnny, you're so close! You're in the Power all around

George Noriega

December 10, 2015

John was a real warrior. His example will live forever.

March 21, 2016

Brilliant and radiant, John glowed w
Jesse Ed Davis at OU in the late
60's. ...and the fire never went out!

Candice Copeland

February 27, 2016

My heart breaks hearing this news. We have lost another Great Warrior. Creator Bless him.

January 8, 2016

Respect, love to you john trudell, never forget, you are the truth ! Bye, thank you john, from France...

Roberto Lovato

January 6, 2016

John, you will be missed, but now you are walking amongst the stars. We heard you many times and honor your wisdom. Your memory will be ours as long as we live. The Earth is our Mother.

patricia Larrouy

January 6, 2016

Respect, love to you john trudell, never forget, you are the truth ! Bye, thank you john, from France...

Mack Reid

January 5, 2016

My mom tried to turn me on to you a few years back, I listened to some of your stuff and you are a really wise man. My mom feels sad, because she says we lost on of the good ones too soon. I really wish you the best and wish I would have listened more. Sorry to you family. Your were/are dynamite. My mom bought a tape a long time ago and she used to listen to Beauty in a Fade along with the other songs. Me too. So sorry to hear this. You were Courage.

Cindy R

January 2, 2016

Thanks for all the gifts you left us.Just sad. Good wishes to your family. It's a heartache that there are less and less people around to reveal the con of life.

Todd Sandberg

December 29, 2015

Sorry to hear of John's passing. I bought a.k.a. Graffitti man when it came out in '92. Listen to it every once and a while. Just finished watching the documentary "Trudell". Will watch it again. His spirit lives one. Peace. Todd Sandberg, Ortonville, Minnesota

Petra Klein

December 29, 2015

Your great spirit will never die!!! R.I.P

Paul Stewart

December 27, 2015

Although we have spoken few words, John Trudell has had a profound effect of my life and world view. Now he may live among them, and be one.

December 25, 2015

As we experience these traggic losses we can have faith that God will strengthen us to endure the pain. God will make sure you have the comfort you need in order for you to endure the loss. He will provide your family with the needed strength to endure the loss of your love one.

Vince Baker

December 23, 2015

You were a Great Warrior here on Earth. And I know The Great Chief in the sky was waiting on you with open arms. You wull be missed. Vince Baker. Choctaw Nation

Jenette Allen

December 22, 2015

Farewell to a true Warrior. Thank you John, for your courage, perseverance and your voice. May you rest in eternal peace in the arms of your family.

December 22, 2015

Your words and thoughts join those of many, and they will ring out Truth and Love as we all now move toward the transformation of humanity and our Planet.
Peace and Love be with you and all who strive for the Higher Good.
Mary M, Sacramento, CA

Garcia

December 22, 2015

The great Kingdom awaits for you with open arms. May your reunion with loved ones be joyous and beautiful. May your written words become an inspiration for all generations, leading with love and peace. Rest in Peace.

B. C. Pratt

December 21, 2015

Sleep peacefully, John Trudell! Paradise awaits you! We are so indebted to you for your years of commitment to your people and to their causes. My heartfelt condolences to all cherished loved ones left behind!

Whispering Eagle Woman , Tsalagi

December 15, 2015

John, your voice for the people will live on. You have served the Creator and Mother Earth well. Rest well now and one day we will meet again. Wado

R J

December 14, 2015

Miigwetch John - You have inspired millions. Well Done! RIP.

Joe Maverick

December 14, 2015

I see you through your legacy John, I will read of your words, and think on the future
Blessings.'

Bella Anderson

December 14, 2015

Pidamaya ye John.....until we meet again
Bella(Winona Tanka) Anderson, Mpls, MN

Sue Deranger

December 13, 2015

Going to miss you JT. May you fly with the Eagles. May your life serve as an inspiritation to us to carry on and to walk as true human beings as we love and protect all that we touch.

Forever in the memory of my heart.

J Tom

December 13, 2015

Jean Taylor

December 13, 2015

Thank you for being a voice of the People. You were a good Human Being .You will be missed Brother .

N Roberts

December 13, 2015

Thank you for the inspiration and wisdom. Your words and music will live on. Condolences To The Family. You've opened not only my eyes but many others along your journey here. Thank You.

Robert Hendrickson

December 13, 2015

John God Speed Brother and thank you for being a voice for so many who had none.

Welcome Home.

Sarah Johns

December 13, 2015

Brother John Hope you and Russell get up to a LOT of mischief where you both have Walked on to, You are Missed here on Turtle Island & the World. Thank You for being here while you could, and for doing all the Good that you did. Wopila

Teresa

December 12, 2015

Hi John, I just found you 2 days before you left this dimension and was so inspired and happy to be able to connect to your soul. You were speaking everything that I feel and also have taught me so much. I keep listening to your broadcasts and am really grateful that your voice is available to me and the world. I know you will always be with us and your words and spirit will never die. With deep gratitude, Teresa.

Greg PEDERSON

December 12, 2015

Wopilacicelo ( thank-you from the heart ) John Trudell for the blessing of you, for sharing your life's experience's, knowledge and divine wisdom with us all your relations.
Have a wonderful journey on the tac'anku Wang'i wakan ( sacred Ghost road ) . To the family my condolences to you my relations, we will all miss him til it is our turn to catch the same ride. Ho hec'etowelo Mitakuye Oyasin Greg Pederson Ghost Eagle Little Doks'a kike.

Albino Lucero

December 12, 2015

I did not know him but he is a great man now he is in the Great Spirit in the sky I saw him once in the movie thunderheart did not know who he was till now I will see you soon in the big gathering in the sky.my name is albino lucero tribal name white tiger

Albino Lucero

December 12, 2015

I did not know him but he is a great man the Great Spirit in the sky I saw him was in the movie thunderheart did not know who he was till now I will see you soon integrate gathering in the sky.my name is albino lucero tribal name white tiger

Demetria Simms

December 12, 2015

A true indigenous hero of his time who impacted Indian country. He left a legacy of fire that the seventh generation can now run with. Look upon us John you are forever remembered!

Brian Hundley

December 12, 2015

Forever a warrior

Lori Santulli

December 12, 2015

"Dear John, you made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my two daughters. We will always love you and will continue to carry on as real humans and lovers of life as you always did."
Lori Santulli, Portland, Oregon

Marla Striped Face-Collins

December 12, 2015

It was so hard to hear you are gone. You're an inspiration to me and all indigenous people. You will always be remembered through your words of wisdom in your poetry- thank you. Condolences to your family and loved ones.

December 12, 2015

Peace and blessings may the creator guide you as always in your walk

Dutch Mader

December 12, 2015

A Brother, a Mentor, a Friend, an Inspiration, who will be sadly missed.....Earth is quieter, but the Great Beyond is in Joy


Dutch Mader

AnnaLee Caddo

December 12, 2015

His light shined brightly for all to see a balanced way of living and a better way to be. He was a true visionary with the a gift of words who touched anyone who would listen. Threw those words he'll live on, making him immortal. My sincer condolences to his family & friends. The biggest AHO for sharing him with the world. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. RIP renagade. Shine on.

Anne Andreas Little Fox

December 11, 2015

My Heartfelt Prayers are sent for John on his journey and for his family's journey without him . Know John through my Aunty -Mourning Dawn - from Wounded Knee ( circa the 1970 s ) Great Man who will be dearly missed by many who loved him

Castle McLaughlin

December 11, 2015

Peace and strength to John's family and may we all keep his words and his passion for the earth alive in our hearts.

Suzanne Smoke

December 11, 2015

John, You were and still are such a pillar of strength and unity to the RED NATION People, you will be missed, may you be reunited with your Family in spirit!!!

May your Spirit Soar!!!!

Suzanne And Cedar Smoke
Alderville First Nation
Canada

Alar Olljum

December 11, 2015

Fare well to a wise and gentle man. Many years ago we worked together to bring attention to the importance of water as a foundation for all life. Very sad to read of your passing today. My deep condolences to your family and friends. May your soul watch over all who were touched by your inspiration to realise your vision.

December 11, 2015

May the Great Spirit guide you on your new journey.

J.Schaefer
New york

Sheila Charboneau

December 11, 2015

So sorry,

Kelley Rainwater

December 10, 2015

Few humans burn so brightly that they inspire vast numbers of people to be more loving, less fearful and more alive. John is one of those few.

Tina

December 10, 2015

So sorry .

Sending Prayers and smoke to all during this time

Jennifer Mohawk Wolf Clan

December 10, 2015

I had the pleasure of watching your documentary a few years back, and then watched additional interviews you had on you tube. Your depth and connection to others is beyond words. You will be missed by many.

Karen Oakes

December 10, 2015

My condolences, Rest in peace brother. Skennen from the Mohawk Territory.

Vickie Whitewolf

December 10, 2015

I will always remember our meeting and your wisdom. You was loved by more then you know. May the star people take care of you as you continue o your journey

Marilyn Miller

December 10, 2015

Hearts breaking as we realize our lose. A true warrior was among us, now he joins the greatest warrior of all, Crazy Horse. Our Mother (earth) is not for sale!

Juanita Helwig

December 10, 2015

May your soul fly high on the wings of the mighty eagle.. for your heart is in all souls that knew, and loved you... till we meet again.

Nicole Mcginnis

December 10, 2015

Rest in beauty may you have peace n love in your heart reunited with your loves

Daniel Tripp

December 10, 2015

Farewell brother your words changed my life and soul you will be missed all my respect may the creator keep you

James Martinez

December 10, 2015

Travel safe my brother, songs and prayers for you and you loved ones
James Martinez (Lipan Apache)

Ross Vachon

December 10, 2015

I was blessed and cursed to know John as a friend. Blessed, because he was so naturally wise and knowing and edifying and entertaining. Cursed, because he is gone way soon. He was a vibrant 69, a witty, charismatic man with an infectious laugh. What is a society without heroes? We are soon to find out, and I dread a nation without a John Trudell to save us from.doom and despair.

Billie Reiss

December 10, 2015

Sending smoke and prayers. A person who should be remembered with much respect and admiration. One of very few true heroes. Your presence will be sorely missed.

Sarina Di Maso

December 10, 2015

I'm sorry to hear of your passing, you were a great inspiration to the people of Chicago, a wonderful actor and great activist. May you be at peace with Wakan Tanka. A'HO my friend. Many blessings to your family.

December 10, 2015

To the family grieving the loss of your loved one. My the God of comfort lighten your sadness with needed comfort. May you find peace.

December 10, 2015

Prayers brother thanks for many years of a strong fight to help our people. Trickster Art Gallery and our Native Veterans of Illinois sends our prayers to the family and for your journey.

December 10, 2015

John, first saw you in Thunderheart and was amazed by your powerful performance. The scene in the trailer with Grandfather and the FBI agent was a classic. I have also listened to your music and read your poetry, and in your words discovered a fierce and determined advocate for your people, and all dispossessed people. May you soar with the eagles.
Bob Archer (Chico, CA)

Carolyn Zuback

December 10, 2015

Sending my deepest Condolences. You have been a true advocate and inspiration to all indigenous people through out the world. May you rest in peace. walk in beauty

Henrik Hansen

December 10, 2015

Mr Trudell.. Thank you for looking out for Native America. May your stardust cover the earth and enlighten all

Walks With The Animals

December 10, 2015

Thank you for your mighty voice. Rest now.

monica cisneros

December 10, 2015

John you'll be well missed now your journey home to be with your family, R.I.P Thank you for knowing you......

Orianna Kimbrell

December 10, 2015

Condolences to the family..May the Creator comfort all. Fly High, Mr. Trudell..

Charise Morgan

December 10, 2015

' He has made everything beautiful in his time."-Ecclesiastes 3:11. Soon your loved one will awaken to a world from which longed to see everyone in. peace and unity.

MARLES BLACKBIRD

December 10, 2015

Wopila for sharing your passion and your compassion.

Pamela Brown

December 9, 2015

You were a powerful influence in my younger years. I had forgotten so much until I watched your film 'Trudell' today on Indian Country. Deep grief mixed with a sense of joy and hope. You spoke the true truth. Spirit always lives on.

Lona Knight

December 9, 2015

Rest easy Brother, thank you for all the good memories and the education I received from being your student. We are missing you already. Thank you for giving your all.

Willa Kittrell-Sausman

December 9, 2015

Loved his music which will live forever!

Mary K

December 9, 2015

Condolences from Blackfeet country, Browning, MT. RIP to a inspirational man.

Sallie Woodson

December 9, 2015

John, you have been a great inspiration for us. WADO

Wyatt Thomas

December 9, 2015

The last time you came home to Santee Ne. You spoke to our youth about being proud of their identity. Those words will never be forgotten. R.I.P. relative. For now you and Tina can love and live again

A large patch of Devil's Club on Larch Mountain, OR

Lynn Kister

December 9, 2015

He touched my life deeply. Sending lots of love to all of his loved ones everywhere. His words, stories, music, activism and legacy will live on in this reality. He is an inspiration and a hero. May many hero & heroines follow in his footsteps. Xo

Dana Stewart

December 9, 2015

Thank you for the life you lived

Jerrye

December 9, 2015

You have left us your words and your example, John Trudell. Your presence will be missed here as your earthly journey ends and you are welcomed home to the great love and peace you so deserve. God hold your family in his grace as they grieve your absence.

December 9, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jonny BearCub

December 9, 2015

Tara, Mory & Lou - I have fond memories of John and the family when we all lived together on the Island. The best memories of my life were made there. John will be missed but lives forever in the hearts of all he knew and loved.

Showing 1 - 100 of 141 results

Make a Donation
in John Trudell's name

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Trudell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Trudell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 18, 2022

Jacob Thompson posted to the memorial.

May 16, 2019

Betty Murray-Lee posted to the memorial.

March 31, 2019

Willa Ellis posted to the memorial.