Letters to the Editor - Sept. 15, 2016

Dear Smoke Signals:

The families of Robert E. Rife, also known as Bobby Eagle and Butch, would like to thank the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for all of their financial assistance as well as the beautiful flowers that were sent after his untimely passing.

A special thank you to Jolanda Catabay of Grand Ronde for your guidance and help. Thank you to Culver City Hall for the tents and chairs for the celebration of life.

Thank you to the many family, friends and neighbors who helped with the celebration of life and their continued support during this time of grieving. Bobby Eagle will be greatly missed by all that he touched.

We would also like to thank Madras EMS personnel, Mayor Diaz and Isa and Katy Robinett for the immediate support, the wonderful doctors and nurses of St. Charles Hospital and Redmond Memorial Chapel.

The care and compassion that was exhibited will never be forgotten.

Thank you to the Eastern Oregon Funeral Honors Team, out of Hermiston, Spec. Hayden Tarvin and Spec. Taylor Gilland for the beautiful and touching tribute to this proud veteran.

Robert Rife will continue to be remembered for his wit and loving to make people laugh. Those memories will live on.

Amy Rife & the families of Robert E. Rife

Culver, Ore.

Dear Smoke Signals:

My utmost love and respect goes out to each and every one of you. As I sit here at Oregon State Prison, it has given me time to reflect on who I am. I don’t have the best track record in Grand Ronde with being 86’ed out of the casino and trespassed off the Reservation. We all know the saying “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”

With my out date coming up, I look forward to coming home. Although I did not grow up in Grand Ronde, it’s been my home since June 2011. I enjoyed the work out there that was presented by TERO and the Temp Pool. I helped with the Food Bank and also wrestled steer down at the rodeo.

Hopefully enough time has passed and my trespass is lifted and I can continue to help with all the upcoming projects for the community. I’m forever thankful for everything the Tribe has done for me: TERO, Temp Pool, 477, Mike Herrin, Barbara, Debbie, Pearl … the list goes on and on. Thank you all tremendously.

Together we stand strong and proud. Everyone who makes Grand Ronde what it is. Everyone at the Tribe, casino, Bunnsville, the Grand Ronde store, the clinic, the Hallers, the Holmes, the Lenos, the Butlers, the Freemans, etc.

I understand my actions not only reflect on myself, but everyone in Grand Ronde. So I am writing to say thank you to everyone who makes it possible.

As I break the chains that bind me to my insecurities, I give thanks to the Great Spirit and my prayers go out to each and every one of you. I look forward to coming home. I am Grand Ronde.

Mike Wible

Roll #1680