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Thursday, June 27, 2019
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Nancy C Maryboy posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
All my condolences and love to my sister Evelyn and the rest of your wonderful family.
Oh Robert, you left us too early. We just wanted more of your wit, writings and presence. I can remember with such pleasure many many evenings sitting around in Tahlequah and Sylva, talking and laughing. Especially one night with you and Donny Birchfield. I have never laughed so long and so hard, in my life. Thanks for sharing so much of what it meant to be Cherokee, with your writings and your talk. Thanks for educating us. With love. Wado!
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Ed Carey posted a condolence
Sunday, March 16, 2014
My condolences to you Evelyn and to the rest of his family. He was a gifted writer/storyteller and a man of lively conversation and quick wit. His voice and personality will be missed by many.
Robert, Donadagohvi
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Maurice Daigle posted a condolence
Friday, March 14, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Conley and his wife, Evelyn. He was a great Cherokee author and historian. They were kind enough to attend my 50th birthday celebration several years ago, when they were in the Los Angeles area. I remember him raising an eyebrow, when the waiter ignited the flame for my Bananas Foster. As if it was an awful waste of alcohol. Wado for all your books and sharing of your knowledge!
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Maura posted a condolence
Friday, March 14, 2014
Never had the honor of meeting Mr. Conley personally, but I have read his books all of my life. He painted the history and stories of our people in a such a vivid way and I have memories of his books as if they were tales from my own family. I can honestly say he shaped me as a person. Thank you for sharing him with the world. He will be greatly missed.
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Renee Daigle posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
I am honored to have called you my friend. I will miss you and your laugh, your wit, and wonderful stories. A line from Sam Peckinpah's Ballad of Cable Hogue applies, with a bit of paraphrasing here. "Creator, receive Robert J. Conley to yourself, but do not take him lightly." Rest in peace, uginali-i.
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Kirk Ellis posted a condolence
Monday, March 10, 2014
Having Heard much about Robert, yet only meeting him once at his book signing, his wit and sincerity are what I remember. Since that meeting, and through reading his books about us Cherokees, he has inspired me to look honestly and people, and to study even further our history.
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Carol Larkin posted a condolence
Sunday, March 9, 2014
My condolences to Evelyn and family. I have enjoyed and learned from Robert's books over many years and am happy my grandson is now old enough to share in his teachings and stories. This is the legacy that Robert has left us all- we should be thankful. I am honored to have met him.
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Carol Smith posted a condolence
Sunday, March 9, 2014
My condolences to you Evelyn and to your family. I enjoyed the wonderful stories that Robert told and wrote. The world has lost one of its greatest writers. He was a true Cherokee Gentleman and I will miss him very much.
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Anne Miller posted a condolence
Sunday, March 9, 2014
It was an honor to meet and get to know him in the little time we had.Very few people in the world were that fortunate.
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The Jodeh Family posted a condolence
Sunday, March 9, 2014
I will always remember his laughter. He was a great storyteller and a good person. The family enjoyed his work. It was a pleasure to have known him. -Alisa, Aaron, and Jacob
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Alan Pyeatt posted a condolence
Saturday, March 8, 2014
If we are fortunate, we will meet a lot of nice people during our lives. A few of them will be truly wonderful people. But only if we are very fortunate, will we come into contact with someone who is truly great.
Robert earned the right to be called a great man. His accomplishments are well documented elsewhere, but you don't have to know about all his critical acclaim to know how important his life's work was.
One of the greatest compliments I ever received came from Robert. We were in Murv Jacob's gallery in Tahlequah, and I sang them a song I wrote about Major Ridge. When I finished, Robert got out of his chair and came over to shake my hand.
I'm proud of that song no matter what anyone else thinks, but to have his approval, especially for writing something that involves Cherokee history, has meant a lot to me. We will all miss him, but the benefit he brought to our lives will live on.
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Mark Mendez & family posted a condolence
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Robert was an amazing man and it was an honor to have him as a friend,the native community has suffered a great loss but his legacy will live on forever.per our traditions we all journey to the stars,so when we look to the night sky and see a very bright star it will be Robert looking down on us with all the ancestors that have gone before us.Safe journey to the stars my friend until we see each other again.
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Joyce Connelly posted a condolence
Saturday, March 8, 2014
I learned so much from him. One of the things that I learned is being an author was not for the faint of heart that you had to love it the way he did. He had a lot of knowledge and a great since of humor. He had an infectious smile. He will be missed.
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Jade posted a condolence
Thursday, March 6, 2014
You will be greatly missed pawpaw. I remember all of the times I would climb up onto the roof of yours and grandma's house to find kittens and I remember the look of total disgust as I asked if you wanted to hold one. A look of disgust, but in a joking manner. What I really saw was a look of love. I remember when you would sing to my grandma and she would get so embarrassed. I'll miss that goofy, loving side of you everyday. Thank you for loving us and loving my grandma with all you had. See you soon.
Much love,
Your little darlin
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Tim Huffman posted a condolence
Friday, February 28, 2014
I remember being introduced to Robert by Tommy Wildcat at the Southeastern Tribes festival years ago...I had read all of his books and always wanted to meet him. R.I.P. Robert, you were a great man and will always be remembered.
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Wanda posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
My sincere blessings to the Conley family. Mr. Conley will be missed.
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Lee Francis posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
There was a night about ten years ago when he was passing through ABQ on his way to Western Writers with Donny B. and we spent the evening chatting and sipping some Wild Turkey. Will miss you my friend!
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Zara Ellis Sadler posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
For his many years of service in promoting scholarly Cherokee publications on the history of the Cherokee Nations both East and West, he will be missed.
Sisterly,
Zara Ellis Sadler
Native American Indian Artist &
ICSC Director
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Page Lambert Gritts posted a condolence
Monday, February 24, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Robert nearly 20 years ago at Western Writers of America. He will be sorely missed.
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Luther and Judy Wilson posted a condolence
Monday, February 24, 2014
It has been a long, winding, and wonderful road, old friend. I hope we stay on the same trail wherever it leads.
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Ashley Teren posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2014
I am so honored to have been gifted with Robert's literature and wit. I wish I could have spent more time with him. I won't forget our fun dinners in Sylva. The world has lost a great Cherokee voice. Love and prayers.
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Margaret and Elgie Raymond posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2014
We will treasure the many times we've enjoyed your wit, laughter and intellect. You have enriched the lives of many. Thanks for your invaluable gift to our tribe and to others who, through your works have learned much about Cherokee people.
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Robert Rendon posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2014
I man who educated me in so many ways through his writtings. His legacy shall continue forever for our children and children's children and beyond.
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Murv Jacob and Debbie Duvall posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2014
So long to our wonderful friend - we treasure the laughter, the work and the celebrations, the times spent together.
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Deborah Hunt posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2014
What a Cherokee Treasure! I really enjoyed his Real People Series, especially after I attended Dr. Julia Coates' history course. His books were very well grounded in history. I also enjoyed his biography of Wilma Mankiller.
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Margaret Smith posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Mr. Conley was a great man. His books and words touched my life. My favorite among them was War Woman. His writing gave me a better way to understand my rich and complex Cherokee heritage
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Jim Crutchfield posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2014
We have been seated next to each other at many book signings, my friend. I will cherish those memories forever.
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Carolyn Dunn posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thank you RJC for being a good steward of ancestral knowledge, a great writer, mentor and friend. Love to Evelyn & family... we are sending prayers!
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Linda Rodriguez posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
He was a titan. His books have made a real difference in my life. My thoughts are with his family as they deal with his loss.
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Heidi Altman posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Robert was one of the funniest people I have known. I will miss his wit, his kindness and his generosity. My heart is with you in this time, Evelyn.
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Sandra Muse Isaacs posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
I lived in Birdtown for three years recently while working on my PhD on Cherokee oral tradition. Robert and I and my husband met a couple times for lunch and talked about my project. He was always so down to earth and encouraging of what I'm doing. I felt like he truly cared. It was always great to be able to talk to him about writing and whether such an education was important when you have a passion for writing. I enjoyed our meetings and wish I could be there now to wish him a safe journey. Denadagohvya Robert.
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James and Alice Goss posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Blessed to have met you in Tahlequah in 2005. Sgi ale wado for all you have done for Cherokees in your writing, speaking and presence. Walk in Peace.
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Doug Grad posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Robert, you were a true gentleman...a terrific writer, a good friend, a warm presence in a cold world. You lived with grace and intelligence and humor, you left behind a library's worth of good books, and some great memories. As we say in the publishing biz up in New York, you "got it." Glad we got to meet up one more time last summer--but sad there won't be any more. You'll be missed.
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Art T. Burton posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Robert was one of my best friends. We would talk Oklahoma and Cherokee history for hours. Robert wrote the best western fiction I have ever read. At heart I believe Robert was a Cherokee cowboy. There was no one better to ride the river with than Robert. One day we will meet again. Adios Amigo!
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Kay Cope posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
My condolences to you Evelyn and to the family that Robert cherished and loved.
Robert I will never forget and will miss you. You have left us a great legacy in your teachings and books. Thank you for all you have contributed to the world. Now I am going to have a bit of the tail feathers in your memory
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Kay Cope posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
My condolences to you Evelyn and to the family that Robert cherished and loved.
Robert I will never forget and will miss you. You have left us a great legacy in your teachings and books. Thank you for all you have contributed to the world. Now I am going to have a bit of the tail feathers in your memory
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Wade Hannon posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Conley's death. I have much enjoyed his writing and had hoped to meet him some day. I send my regards to his family.
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Andrew Denson posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Thank you, Robert, for everything you gave us here at WCU. I'll miss you and remember you.
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Sherry Monahan posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
He was a great listener, offered wonderful advice, and I was honored to know him.
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Clint posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
Very sad to hear this news. I didn't know Robert personally, but my aunt did, and she spoke very highly of him. She also speaks very highly of his wife, Evelyn. My heart goes out to her and the family. I very much enjoyed his writing and I look forward to reading much more of his work. He will be remembered well by his enormous contribution to Cherokee literature and thought. Gvyalihelitseha ale tsadaksesdesdiwu, Mr. Conley.
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Travis Bosley posted a condolence
Friday, February 21, 2014
I am so grateful for Robert and Evelyn's work,it has depended my love and appreciation for my Cherokee blood. I hope many more are able to enjoy the knowledge and culture.
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Jasmine L. posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Countless evenings on the stoop with Mr. Conley and Tom Belt laughing away the evening. Those days will be missed!
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Caleb Hickman posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
As another Okie Cherokee turned Sylva North Carolinian, I wish I'd met Mr. Conley. We also have crossed history in Muskogee OK, Southwest Missouri state (now MSU) and the University of New Mexico. Condolences to his family, close friends and all of the people he touched with his work.
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Brian K. Hudson posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
I have only read a few of Conley's books to date but have enjoyed them each immensely. His wit and humor are evident in each page. I never met him to enjoy that wit and humor firsthand. I am glad that he left so much work, the next best thing, for me to read, enjoy, and get to know him.
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Cara Forbes posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
You made massive impacts in my life, Robert . . . in more ways than you knew. From the day that I walked into your office and to the day that I walked out of your home, your life made an imprint on mine. Sgi for everything.
J
Joseph Bruchac posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
In all of the decades I was privileged to know Robert and call him a friend, I can never remember a time when he did not have a new story to tell and a sly smile on his face. He gave us all so much, with such generosity--both in his writing and in the way he lived his life, a full life as deep and flowing as the old rivers of our land. I know, too, with sadness, that there was even more he would have shared. But now he has been called home and those of us who loved him can only mourn his passing and try to honor his memory.
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Dick Van Dyke posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robert you and I are the same age. My hope is that during the resurrections I will get the chance to meet you (John 5:28,29) www.jw.org
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Isabel Hawkins posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Dear Evelyn, I never met Robert but heard so many wonderful things about him and his writings. My heart and prayers are with you at this difficult time of loss. May the memories of him guide your way. Love, Isabel
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Terrie Sue posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
My sincere condolences to Evelyn and Robert's family. Many tears have flown over the loss of a great Cherokee man who is walking on the Milky Way to the Nightland. RJC was a true friend, and a great historian and scholar and he was, in my opinion, the epitome of a Cherokee cowboy legend, living and enjoying life to his fullest potential every day. I know he has found his old friends and comrades in arms, Mr. Whitekiller and Mr. Birtchfield. They are sitting in their chairs, having a little bit (just a little bit Evelyn) of the "Tail feathers" and commiserating about the past. Here's to you my friend, RJC. Donadagohvi
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Alice M. Azure posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
I'll always remember a trip with Evelyn, and Bob and their granddaughter to Kituwah. the Cherokee mother town. I picked up what looked like a stone hoe or axe head, with no thought other than to look at it. After a few minutes, I put it down where I found it. In a visit to an outhouse on the grounds there, some big bee stung me good. I always figured the spirits didn't want any outsider messing with their tools. Robert was uncharacteristically quiet during all of this.
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Luther and Judy Wilson posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robert was a good friend, author, a fine poet, fine novelist, fine historian, and many, many other good things. One of God's very special projects. May his moccasins ever bend the grass in the eternal light.
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Deb TwoToes posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Hugs and strength to all his loved ones.
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Lisa posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
I know you are riding the range and swapping outlaw stories with mom and Zane Grey (and the Starr brothers).
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leon posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
An old drinking and story telling buddy. I'll miss you Robert. See you on the other side.
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Candy Moulton posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robert was a dear friend and great writer who could impart more wisdom in fewer words than anyone I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I cherish the quiet talks we had amid the hubbub of a WWA Convention, his Cherokee humor, and most of all his body of work. Hugs on the wind to Evelyn and the family.
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Erik Enberg and Denise Waltz posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
We will always keep and share fond memories of Dr. Conley!
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Mae Claxton posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
I met Robert when he was interviewing for the professorship at WCU and later was privileged to take a class with him. He was always kind and generous as a colleague and teacher, and I always loved his sense of humor. He will live on for me as I teach his writings in my classes.
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Arigon Starr posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robert was the best storyteller. When we would gather at someone's home, a Native gathering or anywhere, I would look forward to Robert spinning a yarn about his life, the people he knew and the influences Shakespeare had on his writing. I learned so much just listening to him, reading his books and being in his presence. All my love to his family, friends and readers. I will keep the light on in my heart for him! Bless you, RJC! Wado for all that you do!
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Corrine posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
From the first moment I met Robert, his sparkle, humor, and wit were evident. They endure with every thought of him.
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Hartwell Francis posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
We will miss you, Robert. Thank you for your kindness and your crustiness. Thank you for your scholarship and for your contributions to culture and literature.
J
Jessie Polk posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with his many loved ones.
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Michelle Seay posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Robert and Evelyn several times. They were made for one another. I enjoyed a couple of meals with them and learned so much from Robert, both in person and through his novels. His loss is devastating, both as a good person and an intellectual who wanted to preserve the Cherokee culture, history and language. You are all in our thoughts here in Oklahoma.
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June Scudeler posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Thanks for sharing stories about Cherokee history and way of knowing.
Vancouver, Canada
hiy hiy
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Kristen posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Siyo. Kristen Suwegi dagwadoa. I came to WCU because it was the only Cherokee Studies in the program--when I researched the faculty, Robert was the faculty member who was Cherokee, an author, and has done academic work in American Indian Studies--he was a perfect fit for a mentor. Luckily my enthusiasm didn't scare him off and I was able to spend some time under his tutelage--I have never learned so much from anyone, ever. I am a better person because Robert was willing to talk to me. He was one of the greatest people I have ever met--he's a role model for all us. Sgi, RJC
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Polly O Walker posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robert left us a living legacy in his writings about the history, values and beliefs of Cherokee peoples. We will miss him deeply and are grateful for his gifts.
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Janina DeHart posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
We will miss Robert at WCU and will treasure the memories and time we were able to spend together. We will continue to value the impact he made on our campus.
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Brittany posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
So sad to hear a great family friend Robert Conley had walked on. I will always remember his vast knowledge of Cherokee heritage, traditions and history he was always willing to share, and of course his glass of Wild Turkey. Until we meet again . . .
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Jane Kneller posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
All of my memories with Robert have been wonderful ones. There are those that touch hearts and minds forever and Robert was definitely one of that elite group of people. He will be dearly missed.
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Jack and Peggy Sue posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
You will be missed and remembered by many.
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Anna Fariello posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Robert was an inspiration and a friend. Always warm and willing to help. I will miss you.
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Evelyn Conley posted a condolence
Thursday, February 20, 2014
A poem to me from my loving husband, Robert, from The Rattlesnake Band & Other Poems:
Don't make me spend more time without you in my life.
The only thing I think about--I want you for my wife
throughout my days.
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Archie Wright posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
He will be missed in Tahlequah Capital of the Cherokee Nation and th UKB.
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Steven Law posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
For 15 years I have enjoyed hanging out with RJC, sharing a drink and a laugh, and I have enjoyed working with him on his last two books. He was passionate about his Cherokee heritage and his writing. To say that I'll miss him is an understatement. Pleasant journey, my friend.
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Robby Robinson posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Robert J was one of the first people with whom I shared a love of Cherokee Hmor. His gracios understanding and razor sharp wit were a lifelong inspiration. The very best blend of cowboys and indians. Ten years my senior, he made sure I respected his elderness. What a caring mind, what a spirit I will miss. He walked a good trail.
J
Johnny D. Boggs posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Great writer, great friend, always an inspiration. Old writers never die. They just go off somewhere else looking for new stories. Happy trails. I'll miss you.