"Thank you Larry for all you have done for so many of us.
Maybe the best memorial is to try to live in the way you have shown us.
The world would be a lot better if we did."
Gail Perez, San Diego
Gail PerezGail Gail
Maybe the best memorial is to try to live in the way you have shown us.
The world would be a lot better if we did."
Gail Perez, San Diego
Gail PerezGail Gail
I was employed by Shiprock Alternative High School as a science & industrial arts teacher and for two quarters poetry writing instructor in 1980, 1981. Larry Emerson was the principal. I was without degree or certification; I was hired due to onerous budget constraints; I always felt the burden of my inadequacy but Larry was always ready to counsel me & provide positive reinforcement to my efforts. Under Larry' Emerson's leaders]ship I always felt as one with the faculty & my students. Larry's office was always open to staff, faculty & students. It was a privilege to have worked under his leadership.
Lawrence .Guinchard
Lawrence .Guinchard
I just learned of his passing today. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. I first met Larry when I was working at SF Mountain Center. We became friends and he did the initiation ceremony for my son and for my brother. He was a mentor, a teacher, and spiritual guide. He is one of the most gentle souls I have ever met. He will be missed by my family, myself and many others lives that he touched.
Hyda Maria
Gloria"I knew Larry through the Whisenton Public Scholars program, which I help facilitate. The program is a collaboration between the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Joffre T Whisenton and Associates. Larry was a part of the 2007-2009 Cohort. His wisdom and knowledge added greatly to our meetings and learning together. Larry will deeply missed by his Kettering Friends and Family."
Ellen Knutson
Portland, OR
(though the Kettering Foundation is based in Dayton, OH)
"I knew Larry briefly. His teachings sent me home to Vermont- the only place I could continue to grow.
I am forever grateful."
Lizzie Fox
"I miss Larry deeply, pray for him every morning and think of him and his teachings every day. He was an amazing and truly special human being and I'm honored to have been able to have had him in my life. Praying for Jen, Marc, the family and all those who loved Larry. Thanks for putting this together. It's been really comforting to look through and will hopefully be a way to stay connected."
Marie Stoner
"How is it that I never actually met Larry, yet he had a profound impact on my family?
Our son Brian came to the first dialogue and spent more time with Larry on the reservation over time.
Jen and Brian made me feel like I not only knew him, but knew him well. Maybe because his inspiration spilled over and affected anyone who entered the circle and those close to them.
I am grateful for Larry's life and the way it has touched my son's and me."
Anita Durel
Baltimore, Maryland
"Larry prepared the land in my Illinois backyard for a ta'che. What unfolded is the story of our Indigenous Research Collective at the University of Illinois. We are working on the story of this relationship, way of being."
Jennifer McCann
Illinois
"Ya’ateeh! Thanks for keeping us all connected to share how Larry taught and supported us with his philosophy and especially the hogan ceremony. I wondered if anyone will continue the hogan ceremonies? I would love to keep that legacy going for Larry."
Mary Roessel
"As I shared with Larry when Neil and I were fortunate enough to see him, he will always be a source of wisdom and inspiration to me—always. I walked a labyrinth for him just before we drove to his home, and received comfort from this message that came to me while walking. Hugs to all who love him,"
Kathy Greenberg
"I will miss Larry immensely. We had so much yet to do."
Angela Barney Nez
"God bless you my cousin big brother Larry. May the heavenly Father take good care of you, see you through the joys of his blessings, and rest in peace. Your little sister, from Sleep Rock clan."
Gloria Ann Hale-Showalter
"Larry, We meant latter in our life here on mother earth .. We shook hands and without words we had a common purpose in life. i am proud to call you a friend and brother... may the holy people greet you with out reach hands.. take care..."
Kn Ag
"RIP Larry Emerson you will be missed."
Barry Paisner
"Good journey, my friend."
Rosemary Blanchard
"Larry, so often I think of the times we shared and the healing we did together and the songs we sang. You asked me to leave my song on your land and I hope your spirit will soar on the words and take you safely HOME. You leave behind such love, strength, teachings and many many wonderful memories for all the people whose lives you touched. I will always remember you. Sending many prayers, hugs and love to the family and to Gloria "
Tooie Casavant
"Rest in peace Mr. Emerson, you were a great teacher and administrator. Condolences to the family."
Benda Lucero-Perley
"RIP Uncle"
Jude Vicente
"I am currently living in Tucson Az, but met Larry while being friends with his sister, Gloria. Many blessings to this amazingly giving family."
Gail Bernstein
"Larry and I collaborated on educational attainment issues, beginning in 1989. Then I was based at the Colorado Department of Education and Cortez, Colorado had received a 2+2 Grant from CDE. Larry was a colleague and contact from the Four Corners Area. Over the past 27 years are paths crossed at education conferences in New Mexico and Colorado. Lary was a deep thinker and his insights and reflections guided my work for decades. I honor him, his spirit, and his heart. He was a dear friend that left this world too soon."
Maria Guajardo
"Dr. Larry Emerson was my student/teacher in the Community Based Block (CBB) Program at San Diego State University, the one-year program in multicultural counseling in which he earned his Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in cross-cultural counseling before going on to earn his doctoral degree. I say student/teacher because he was a registered student but taught the rest of his cohort and me so much. There is an entire cohort of cross-cultural counselors who learned from Dr. Emerson how to work with indigenous peoples of North America without doing harm and the importance of consulting with tribal healers as needed."
Michael Loewy
"Larry was first my teacher, then I continued to learn from him even when he became my student. A wise and gentle man, he walked the Beauty Way..."
Jacqueline Leak
"Dr. Larry Emerson was inspirational Diné leader. We will continue to carry on his legacy in the work that he believed "Decolonization" Ahxehee' for all your teachings."
Mary Whitehair-Frazier
"I have a number of very fond memories of Larry and will share them as soon as possible. He was a truly superb human being and one whom I deeply respected."
Carl Levi
Dearest Larry, Now you are gone from this physical plane and it is too late for me to tell you in person - but it is my hope that you can still hear these words from my heart. This planet has lost a great teacher. I am sure, however, that you are still teaching, yet in a new realm. I wanted to let you know how much I treasure having known you in my life, and feel blessed for the amazing experiences I have been honored to have shared in with you and others. I have remembered your words over the years. I still keep and cherish your writings to me on the contemplation of the color blue, and what blue is about for me in my personal life journey. Your poetic way of seeing and expressing that which was so profoundly significant in the ways of spiritual reflection and direction, was, and still is, a thing of beauty. You are now free from the physical limitations of this reality, but your work lives on in the hearts you have touched, mine being one of many. May you rest in peace friend. You were - are - dearly loved.
Lynne Hendrick
"Indeed Larry's passing is a great loss. I was truly heartbroken when I first learned about it last month. I like your idea of a memorial gathering. I am a contractor with the foundation, so I cannot speak for them, but will bring your idea to there attention to see if they would be willing participate in some way. Personally, if I am able I would certainly plan to attend. Sadly, I have a family memorial gathering being planned for the same time frame (July/August 2018) in Estonia, so will have to see how everything comes together. Please do keep me informed of the plans. I have attached a photo of his Whisenton Public Scholars cohort on the steps of the Kettering Foundation, as well as the program for the Alumni Conference, which was the last time we were together.
Larry's voice and spirit remain in my head and heart reminding me to walk in beauty always.
Warmest Regards,
Ellen Knutson
My name is Christine Umali Kopp. I was so sad to miss Larry’s memorial in October. He impacted my development in a way I will always be grateful. He was my teacher and my friend.
With gratitude,
Christine Umali Kopp
(CSPP in San Diego)
Hyda Maria
Gloria"I knew Larry through the Whisenton Public Scholars program, which I help facilitate. The program is a collaboration between the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Joffre T Whisenton and Associates. Larry was a part of the 2007-2009 Cohort. His wisdom and knowledge added greatly to our meetings and learning together. Larry will deeply missed by his Kettering Friends and Family."
Ellen Knutson
Portland, OR
(though the Kettering Foundation is based in Dayton, OH)
"I knew Larry briefly. His teachings sent me home to Vermont- the only place I could continue to grow.
I am forever grateful."
Lizzie Fox
"I miss Larry deeply, pray for him every morning and think of him and his teachings every day. He was an amazing and truly special human being and I'm honored to have been able to have had him in my life. Praying for Jen, Marc, the family and all those who loved Larry. Thanks for putting this together. It's been really comforting to look through and will hopefully be a way to stay connected."
Marie Stoner
"How is it that I never actually met Larry, yet he had a profound impact on my family?
Our son Brian came to the first dialogue and spent more time with Larry on the reservation over time.
Jen and Brian made me feel like I not only knew him, but knew him well. Maybe because his inspiration spilled over and affected anyone who entered the circle and those close to them.
I am grateful for Larry's life and the way it has touched my son's and me."
Anita Durel
Baltimore, Maryland
"Larry prepared the land in my Illinois backyard for a ta'che. What unfolded is the story of our Indigenous Research Collective at the University of Illinois. We are working on the story of this relationship, way of being."
Jennifer McCann
Illinois
"Ya’ateeh! Thanks for keeping us all connected to share how Larry taught and supported us with his philosophy and especially the hogan ceremony. I wondered if anyone will continue the hogan ceremonies? I would love to keep that legacy going for Larry."
Mary Roessel
"As I shared with Larry when Neil and I were fortunate enough to see him, he will always be a source of wisdom and inspiration to me—always. I walked a labyrinth for him just before we drove to his home, and received comfort from this message that came to me while walking. Hugs to all who love him,"
Kathy Greenberg
"I will miss Larry immensely. We had so much yet to do."
Angela Barney Nez
"God bless you my cousin big brother Larry. May the heavenly Father take good care of you, see you through the joys of his blessings, and rest in peace. Your little sister, from Sleep Rock clan."
Gloria Ann Hale-Showalter
"Larry, We meant latter in our life here on mother earth .. We shook hands and without words we had a common purpose in life. i am proud to call you a friend and brother... may the holy people greet you with out reach hands.. take care..."
Kn Ag
"RIP Larry Emerson you will be missed."
Barry Paisner
"Good journey, my friend."
Rosemary Blanchard
"Larry, so often I think of the times we shared and the healing we did together and the songs we sang. You asked me to leave my song on your land and I hope your spirit will soar on the words and take you safely HOME. You leave behind such love, strength, teachings and many many wonderful memories for all the people whose lives you touched. I will always remember you. Sending many prayers, hugs and love to the family and to Gloria "
Tooie Casavant
"Rest in peace Mr. Emerson, you were a great teacher and administrator. Condolences to the family."
Benda Lucero-Perley
"RIP Uncle"
Jude Vicente
"I am currently living in Tucson Az, but met Larry while being friends with his sister, Gloria. Many blessings to this amazingly giving family."
Gail Bernstein
"Larry and I collaborated on educational attainment issues, beginning in 1989. Then I was based at the Colorado Department of Education and Cortez, Colorado had received a 2+2 Grant from CDE. Larry was a colleague and contact from the Four Corners Area. Over the past 27 years are paths crossed at education conferences in New Mexico and Colorado. Lary was a deep thinker and his insights and reflections guided my work for decades. I honor him, his spirit, and his heart. He was a dear friend that left this world too soon."
Maria Guajardo
"Dr. Larry Emerson was my student/teacher in the Community Based Block (CBB) Program at San Diego State University, the one-year program in multicultural counseling in which he earned his Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in cross-cultural counseling before going on to earn his doctoral degree. I say student/teacher because he was a registered student but taught the rest of his cohort and me so much. There is an entire cohort of cross-cultural counselors who learned from Dr. Emerson how to work with indigenous peoples of North America without doing harm and the importance of consulting with tribal healers as needed."
Michael Loewy
"Larry was first my teacher, then I continued to learn from him even when he became my student. A wise and gentle man, he walked the Beauty Way..."
Jacqueline Leak
"Dr. Larry Emerson was inspirational Diné leader. We will continue to carry on his legacy in the work that he believed "Decolonization" Ahxehee' for all your teachings."
Mary Whitehair-Frazier
"I have a number of very fond memories of Larry and will share them as soon as possible. He was a truly superb human being and one whom I deeply respected."
Carl Levi
Dearest Larry, Now you are gone from this physical plane and it is too late for me to tell you in person - but it is my hope that you can still hear these words from my heart. This planet has lost a great teacher. I am sure, however, that you are still teaching, yet in a new realm. I wanted to let you know how much I treasure having known you in my life, and feel blessed for the amazing experiences I have been honored to have shared in with you and others. I have remembered your words over the years. I still keep and cherish your writings to me on the contemplation of the color blue, and what blue is about for me in my personal life journey. Your poetic way of seeing and expressing that which was so profoundly significant in the ways of spiritual reflection and direction, was, and still is, a thing of beauty. You are now free from the physical limitations of this reality, but your work lives on in the hearts you have touched, mine being one of many. May you rest in peace friend. You were - are - dearly loved.
Lynne Hendrick
"Indeed Larry's passing is a great loss. I was truly heartbroken when I first learned about it last month. I like your idea of a memorial gathering. I am a contractor with the foundation, so I cannot speak for them, but will bring your idea to there attention to see if they would be willing participate in some way. Personally, if I am able I would certainly plan to attend. Sadly, I have a family memorial gathering being planned for the same time frame (July/August 2018) in Estonia, so will have to see how everything comes together. Please do keep me informed of the plans. I have attached a photo of his Whisenton Public Scholars cohort on the steps of the Kettering Foundation, as well as the program for the Alumni Conference, which was the last time we were together.
Larry's voice and spirit remain in my head and heart reminding me to walk in beauty always.
Warmest Regards,
Ellen Knutson
My name is Christine Umali Kopp. I was so sad to miss Larry’s memorial in October. He impacted my development in a way I will always be grateful. He was my teacher and my friend.
With gratitude,
Christine Umali Kopp
(CSPP in San Diego)
I just learned that you have passed into the Spirit World, and I cannot stop the tears. The last time we spoke, we had planned to get together in the fall. I know that I should not be sad, for you have made such an important journey. But I am. I am addressing you directly because I just cannot talk about you in third person since your spirit still walks with mine.
I found the online memorial honoring you, and I have been reading through the many beautiful testimonials, struck by the photos of your kind, handsome face, and the faces of so many people whose lives you have impacted. From the child surviving the darkness of boarding school to the man who found wisdom shared with so many: How could anyone fail to be inspired by you?
There on the site as the little drawing that I made of you and your dog after my first stay on your farm in the summer of 2015. I felt shy to put it in the mail to you because I knew you were a fine artist, but I reasoned that you would understand it was born of gratitude. And you did. The list time I visited, I was touched to see you had displayed it on your refrigerator. I still have the original photo and have enjoyed it many times.
I met you for the first time in February 2015 at the American Indian Association Conference in Albuquerque, having flown in from France to give a paper at the University of New Mexico. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone peering at my name tag, and there you were. We introduced ourselves, and you later stood in line to talk to me after my paper presentation, interested in my research. We became friends from the moment, sitting together at the conference's closing ceremony, but with so much to say and little time before I flew back to France. In parting, you invited me to visit you on the farm that summer. and those days in Shiprock changed my life. I have thanked you many times, and I thank you now.
I said that I wanted to help you on the farm during my stay, so you put me to work thatching the roof of the arbor attached to the guest house behind the hogan, weaving the desert plants you cut from the fields. I see that thatched arbor in photos on the memorial site, and I remember those days clearly. You would take a break from your work on the tractor, pulling up a chair beneath the arbor to chat. You had told me tat if I would be willing to talk and talk and talk some more about my life, what I really needed to say would finally emerge. Sure enough, one afternoon at your dining table, there it was. You stopped me to say that I had just spoken mu own truth, and that ceremony was needed. And ceremony it was the next day. you helped me access the sacred space in which you left me in the days that would follow before I returned to France. I found peace in that space, and the answers to my prayers came pouring in in the most unexpected ways - just as you said they would.
We kept in touch by phone and email, and I spent several more weekends with you at th your home after I returned to the States for good. We talked about decolonization, language, life, corn pollen and planting, the disrespect that had propagated the recent assault on living rivers, and horse whispering. You taught me about that special pot of water atop your woodturning stove, inviting early morning prayer.
I remember my last visit. I was sleeping on the sofa as I always did, but I must have stirred when
you made your way down the stairs to stoke the fire. More asleep than awake, I felt you gently
pull the covers up to my chin and plant a fatherly kiss on my forehead before you headed back
to bed. It was a gesture of love. Your occasionally gruff mannerism never fooled me for even a
moment.
It is fair to say, as so many others have said in memoriam, that I am not the same person I was
before meeng you. Those precious times we shared allowed me to drink in your wisdom and
candor, your love for people of all ethnicities, your sharp intelligence and Diné humor. My e-mail
contains the photos you shared of your life there on the farm. I partcularly love the one with
snow cover, quiet and beautiful. Like you.
My god, I miss you so much already. You taught me how to connect with the Ancient Ones who
love and protect me, and I hope to connect with you in ceremony now that I can no longer
make the journey to see you in person. May you have found the answers to your prayers. You
were certainly an answer to mine, and what I will do now—more fervently than ever—is to walk
the pathway of your teachings. I will remember always what you taught me.
Tu me manques. I hope your journey is sweet.
Je t’aime, mon cher ami,
Angela Christie
Dr. Larry Emerson was inspirational Diné leader. We will continue to carry on his legacy in the work that he believed "Decolonization"
Ahxehee' for all your teachings.
Mary Whitehair-Frazier
Dr. Larry Emerson was my student/teacher in the Community Based Block (CBB) Program at San Diego State University, the one-year program in multicultural counseling in which he earned his Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in cross-cultural counseling before going on to earn his doctoral degree. I say student/teacher because he was a registered student but taught the rest of his cohort and me so much. There is an entire cohort of cross-cultural counselors who learned from Dr. Emerson how to work with indigenous peoples of North America without doing harm and the importance of consulting with tribal healers as needed.
Michael Loewy
I was employed by Shiprock Alternative High School as a science & industrial arts teacher and for two quarters poetry writing instructor in 1980, 1981. Larry Emerson was the principal. I was without degree or certification; I was hired due to onerous budget constraints; I always felt the burden of my inadequacy but Larry was always ready to counsel me & provide positive reinforcement to my efforts. Under Larry' Emerson's leaders]ship I always felt as one with the faculty & my students.
Larry's office was always open to staff, faculty & students.
It was a privilege to have worked under his leadership.
Lawrence Guinchard
I offer my belated condolences to the family and loved ones of my friend Larry Emerson. I studied with him at San Diego State University, graduating together with PhDs in 2002. He was a wonderful friend who had a great influence on me personally- changing my thinking about myself, my work, and our global community. Although we had not been in touch for several years I think of him very often, and always will. I heard a radio broadcast about Dine College today. It moved me to reach out to find him again and to catch up. I am saddened to find the news of his passing. How wonderful that he passed at home and is remembered so lovingly. I will always keep his loving ways in my heart. I wish you all well. Thank you for posting the information.
With deep respect, Crystal Green, PhD
San Diego, CA
I worked with Dr. Emerson when he served on the Board of Regents for Diné College. He offered beautiful prayers for the Diné College students, faculty, administration and employees.
Marjorie Johnson
