A Simple Grave
GREENWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA - With brothers, Russell and Bill, looking on Ted Means was laid to rest in a simple grave yesterday.
Means, 65, of Porcupine, died of complications from a stroke last Wednesday at a hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Ted and Bill Means were twin brothers.
Joining his natural brothers at the ceremonies yesterday were his American Indian Movement brothers and sisters, Dennis Banks, Clyde Bellecourt, Antonio Gonzales and hundreds of others.
Known as affectionately as the "Gov," Means was born on August 9, 1946 in Wagner, South Dakota. He was veteran of Wounded Knee 1973, a member of the Run for Freedom Runners, American Indian Grassroots, Survival School Family, a Porcupine Singer, Wakinyan Singers and a long-time sundancer. Prior to his retirement, he served as director of the Porcupine Health Clinic, which he helped found.
Two wakes were held for Means over the weekend, with members of the American Indian Movement leadership arriving at different times throughout the weekend to show their support.
Various speakers expressed their gratitude to his selfless dedication to the American Indian Movement.
In honor of Means long and dedicated service to the American Indian Movement, the AIM anthem was drummed and sung at all ceremonies.
A ceremony was held at Sinte Gleska University Multi-Purpose Building in Mission earlier Monday.
Besides, Russell and Bill Means, he is survived by his wife, Lynn Means, Mission; 12 children, Theodore Means Jr., Fort Hall, Idaho; Red Boy Means, Porcupine; Oyate Means, Sisseton; Shelley Means, Rosebud; LeToy Lunderman, Parmelee; Tipi Means and Faith Means, both of Winnebago, Nebraska; Casey Means, Pine Ridge; Shyla LaRoche, C.J. LaRoche, and Sammie Larson, all of Mission; and Season Means, Minneapolis, Minneapolis; two sisters, Mabel Ann Phillips and Madonna Phillips, both of Wagner; and 25 grandchildren.
No comments:
Post a Comment