Viewpoints
Big Bill
By Aan Kadax Tseen aka Don Hoff Jr.
July 13, 2007
Friday PM
On behalf of my family, Gaanax adi Clan of the Taan ta Kwaan
send our condolences to his family and Tribe. I knew Bill Thomas
Sr. as "Big Bill" and he was one of my mentors. We
will miss him.
One of my fondness memories of Bill was in my earliest years
of learning my Native heritage and getting started in Native
politics. I didn't know what subsistence meant. I was told
to talk with Bill Thomas. I invited him to Chinese lunch and
to discuss subsistence. He just smiled at me when I said, "What
is subsistence?" He knew it would take longer than a lunch
hour to teach me about subsistence. Bill was a patient man with
me and I will never forget what he taught me about Native culture.
Bill told me, "Subsistence is a way of life". Bill
continued to explain what it meant for all Tribes. If I had
problems on Native issues, I would talk with him. I have served
with Bill on the I.R.A Council and A.N.B. Camp 14 in Ketchikan.
Bill Thomas was a great man, leader and friend of my family...
he would remain calm in heated moments at meetings and seems
always to have a solution to a problem. Bill Thomas loved humor,
his people, his community and you always knew his was in the
room. Again our family condolences to his family and Tribe.
Respectfully,
Aan Kadax Tseen aka Don Hoff Jr.
Raven4eagle[at]aol.com
Hixson, TN
Received July 13, 2007 - Published
July 13, 2007
About: "Bill Thomas Sr.
was my friend and mentor."
Related Viewpoint:
 On
the passing of Bill Thomas Sr. By John M Derderian
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