Charlie Thom, Sr. (1928-2013)

Obituary

(Source: Siskiyou Daily News, October 11, 2013)

Charles Robert Thom Sr. "Red Hawk" passed to walk with his creator on Oct. 8, 2013, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his family at Madrone Hospice in Yreka.

Charlie was born on April 4, 1928, to Reece and Irene Thom in Fort Jones. He was raised with traditional values and culture of the Karuk people. Charlie was instrumental in getting the Karuk Tribe recognized by the federal government.

He served in the Army from 1944-46 during World War II.

Charlie was a logger most of his life, until an injury ended his logging career. He taught native studies at Humboldt State University during the late 70s. Charlie was the founder of the Earth Circle Association that was established to preserve the Karuk Dance ceremonies for future generations.

Red Hawk enjoyed gathering with people from all over the world to share his culture, traditions and values. Charlie was a very spiritual person and a great teacher of the Karuk traditions and language. One of his greatest joys was hiking into the wilderness to Doctor Rock for meditation and renewal.

Charlie is survived by his children: Daylene, Evaleen, Michael, Ronald, Franklin, Bobby Thom Lake, Walter, Barbara, Randall, Patrick, Leslie, Beverly, Jimmy and Chaley; and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who carry a lot of love in their hearts for their grandfather.

Charlie was predeceased by his children, Charles Jr., Charlene, Daniel and Sherry.

Texts associated with Charlie Thom, Sr.

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	Year	Title	Text ID
	2013	Sentences from Now You're Speaking Karuk	CT-01
	2013	How Charlie Grew Up	CT-02