Letters to the Editor -- Oct. 1, 2018

Dear Smoke Signals:

I would like to thank all the individuals who have aided in the process to come to my rescue to provide a valued service in placing the marker for my beloved husband Wesley West.

I was devastated by the loss of my husband of many years and a well-known member of the Confederated Tribes. He served as a voice for the Tribe as a council member and retired Army veteran who tirelessly provided advice, care and support for all things to help this wonderful community.

After his passing, I was assured that the funeral home would take care of everything and I would be proud and not have to worry about anything. This quickly turned out not to be the case. It seemed to be the only motivation that the funeral service company was concerned with was to see how it could continue to accrue costs. As a veteran, his plaque was paid for and delivered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. I kept inquiring about this and was told by the funeral company that the VA was holding this up. After five months, I went to Salem, talked to the counselors at the VA and was informed that the funeral home had received the marker four months previously. I then contacted the funeral director again and he did confirm that they did receive it and that it would cost an additional $1,000 to install. I had already paid (as well as the VA and the Tribe contributions) all costs for the burial. Now to incur additional cost was just devastating.

I inquired if the Tribe would help and was informed that they would take care of installing the marker for this honored individual and Tribal member. With some coordination to receive the marker, this process was quickly installed and now I can finally relax and reflect on how wonderful Wesley and myself are to have been a part of the Tribe and that the spirit of taking care of its members are a family that I am grateful to be a part of.

I would like to personally thank Gregg Leno, Tyson Mercier, Anthony Henry and Brady Bruckner.

You have gone above all expectations to give me peace of mind and I am thankful. I cannot express how much this has meant to me. I am in tears reflecting back on this.

Dolores West

Grand Ronde

(Editor’s note: This letter has been edited to remain within the 400-word limitation.)