David George Grant |
| Posted 2009-09-29 by Sharon |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ May 19, 2004, B7 David George Grant, "Spotted Eagle Elk," died on May 1st, after a nine-month challenge with liver cancer. A traditional Lakota funeral was held for him on May 7th and 8th; Manley LittleBrave, Lakota, was the Roadman, Beth LittleBrave was the Cedar Woman, Patrick Gordon, Navajo, was the Drummer, Michael Parsons was the Firekeeper, Colleen DeRango was the Sponsor, and Elder, Marjery Pease was the historian. Some close friends and family members were in attendance. Pall bearers were Alan Parker, Michael Parsons, Manley LittleBrave, Patrick Gordon, and Sean Darcey Clarke. Honorary Pall bearer was Ben Grant. David is survived by his companion Colleen DeRango; his son Benjamin Grant; his grandchildren Sabrina and Alecia Grant; his adopted grand-daughter Leah Harris-Deignan; his step-daughter, Darcy Falbie; his sisters: Denise Hughes, Phyllis Grant, Anna Shanks, Mary Freeman, and Josephine Renkin; and, his brother Benjamin Grant. David Grant was born in Billings Mont., on Nov. 30, 1943 to Ben and Anna Baine Grant. His maternal heritage was of the Lakota, Sioux and Oneida tribes; his paternal heritage was of the Ojibwa tribe and a little Scottish decent. David's maternal great-grandmother was one of the first Native American women to become a medical doctor. His maternal grandmother was a teacher and his maternal grandfather was a gifted professional musician who often would dress up like Santa Clause for the schools at Christmas time and "blow" his disguise by breaking into traditional Native dance. David's maternal great-great-grandfather was the honorable "Sitting Bull" of the Hunkpapa band. David's mother became a registered nurse and married his father who was a truck driver by trade. After having eight children, his parents separated and Anna Grant raised her eight children virtually alone. As an adolescent, David was raised as a Catholic; it was his mother's faith that led them through many difficulties, as she was then a single parent. David was quite rambunctious as a child and did not enjoy school; he was often seen sitting in the classroom staring out the window daydreaming. At home he was known as the prankster. David found himself in much trouble growing up and ended up spending time at "Home on the Range" a boys home for "problem children." While still young, David faced more harsh consequences, which he openly talks about. However, within prison walls, there was the blessing of discovering his cultural/spiritual heritage through sponsors like Ben Pease, and Philip Lane, Sr. plus fellow inmates who were elders from various tribes. Once free, David pursued the "Red Road" with fervor. He married his first wife Rhonda, and had his son Benjamin and stepdaughter Darcy. Appreciative about previously learning the goal-setting principles of Lou Tice, David became a dynamic speaker nationally; he then integrated Native American values and began a tour throughout the Indian Nation to help his fellow tribesmen. Unfortunately, David then battled with chemical dependency off and on which lead him into a divorce. With determination, he found himself at the doorstep of a Teepee where a Native American Church meeting was being held. Following that meeting he maintained his sobriety for the rest of his life; this combined with a "born-again" Jesus Christ experience lead him on the path of becoming ordained as a Cross-fire Native American Church Minister in 1999. It is his role as a ceremonial leader that people most remember David. In ceremony one would often hear him talk of how he wasn't different than anyone else, and the reason he received so much spiritual help was because "I was so pitiful." This often motivated people caught in the deepest of despair to forgive, make amends and step forward in a good way with their lives. David had a gentle, but powerful way of letting people know how much Creator valued and loved them regardless of their past..."look at me." David's love of traditional Indian ways lead him to teach school children, boy scouts, and even large gatherings of people about the Sacredness of Earth Mother, the Medicine Wheel, and the value and importance of prayer. In the mid-nineties David's life came a full circle, as he was employed by the Washington State Department of Corrections, where he served in six different facilities as the Native American Chaplain for incarcerated Native men. He again taught the men about their traditional heritage and values by singing, drumming, and praying with them, coordinating, leading and participating in Sacred Sweat Lodge ceremonies, Pow Wows, and Talking Circles, often bringing in Elders from various tribes. He also was a Spiritual Warrior, steadfast in insuring the Religious Freedom Act was being honored. It was here that he met his companion Colleen DeRango, who worked at the prison as a mental health therapist. They spent the last few years of his life together in Yarnell, Arizona, where he further developed his skills as an artist of feather, Ceremonial Staff, and painting works, while leading ceremonies locally, and attending others on the Navajo reservation. David lived through the struggle of a cross-cultural lifestyle, yet somehow managed this delicate balance. One thing is certain, those who knew David Grant knew of his gentle strength, love of his family, and passion for his cultural/spiritual heritage. His humble nature, ability to listen in the most difficult of situations, speak up for what needed to be said, compassionate heart, warrior determination, and of course his continuous underlying current of "Indian Humor" made him easy to love and respect. As Glori Beattie shared following David's dedication of The Mellody House: "When he looked into your eyes, you had the feeling he could see into your soul and know what was there." One only has to picture his unique broad, bright smile, solid steady eyes, and 6' 4" frame, either riding on a Harley with Colleen, jogging up the mountain-side, laughing with his family, or, holding a rattle and a staff...singing his traditional prayers and one can't help but feel a deep sense of connection, peace, and gratitude. He will be missed by many people beyond his family members, including multiple tribes, populations of all socioeconomic status, age groups, and institutions; most certainly, he is proof to all of us, that with a solid relationship with one's Creator, anything is possible. Should friends/relations desire, memorial contributions may be made to: The American Indian Relief Council, P.O. Box 6200, Rapid City, S.D., 57709. These donations will support programs that will assist the Lakota Sioux with winter fuel and other necessities. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?