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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
I had the honor of knowing Jack through the years and was always impressed with his love for life and the betterment of Indian people. He always made me laugh. I remember the day he proudly walked me through the college he so proudy worked for and how happy he was to see that I had found pride in my blood once again.
I know his spirit will remain with us all forever!
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Sunday, January 13, 2002
What a shock to hear such sad news. Jack exemplifies those characteristics we yearn for in Indian men, wholesomeness, motivation, caring, sharing, and a quick wit. He will be missed by all of Indian Education and the world will be less without him. He will be there to show us the way.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Sunday, January 13, 2002
I miss you Dad.
I am in the second week of my student teaching and there have been so many times that I wanted to call you and tell you all about my wonderful experiences. The kids are great. It is an undescribable feeling when I child says, "I got it!" or "I did it!" Thank you for encouraging me to go back to school. Thank you for helping me to stay focused and for encouraging me to follow my dream. I wouldn't have had the courage to go back to school if it wasn't for you and Mom continuing your educations when you had children at home. It seemed very natural for me to go back to school. I know you are here guiding me, I can feel it, you are giving me strengh.
Miigwech Dad!
Missing you very much
I love You
Ang
To anyone that reads this, my Dad would tell you to "Stay Focused, Follow your dreams, and keep your eye on the big prize! You Can Do It"
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 9, 2002
I have only just heard this sad news. My heart goes out to all of you. I had only met Mr. Briggs briefly at the AIHEC meeting, along with his wife and son, but it didn't take long to understand what a great man he was and what he meant to his family. I am so deeply, deeply sorry for all of your pain and loss.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Jack was a very kind and supporitive man. He was the most kindest man, and always cracking jokes here and there. He was a great uncle that any neice could ask for, him and I were so much a like in many ways, he's very spiritual, loving, and quite the character. He had a tail just like me at one time also, I believe we both got it cut off around the same time also. Jack was so warm caring that he always greeted me at the door of his home, I can just picture it now. I love you so much uncle Jack and you will be missed so much everytime I walk through youre home, Ill remember your smiling face. You were a true angel sent from up above, youll never be forgotten, I thank you so much for just being a great man and for being you.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Saturday, January 5, 2002
It is always sad to hear of a loss. Especially when they are so dearly loved by their family. I am currently researching my herritage, which I know is Chippewa and my Grandfather is listed on the Roles at 100%. If anyone can help me, please email me at mredding@twmi.rr.com
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 2, 2002
To the Briggs family,
I share a saddness with the Briggs family with the loss of such an academic warrior. Jack believed in Indian education and just did as he thought natural. Thanks Jack for giving me laughter and pause to think what we can really do as Indian people. I will miss you and will be glad when we will meet again. I pray your family will be enriched by support and comfort and draw strength from our belief in each other.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 1, 2002
My memories of Jack are good. I had the occasion on a few times to meet him at NRCS meetings. He did so much for the Native American Community, the Nation and certainly for the agency of NRCS. thanks so much you are in my prayers.
Julie MacSwain
Stillwater MN
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 25, 2001
Dear Briggs Family: My deepest sympathies to all of you. I was very saddened to hear of your loss. I graduated from FDLTCC this past spring and was honored to know Mr. Briggs. He was a truly fine man and touched the lives of many.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 24, 2001
Thank you Jack, for opening my eyes to sobriety. Jack & Debbie took me to Rainy Lake Alano Club downtown Intl. Falls, before I was even close to changing my lifestyle.Anytime I shared my sobriety, Jack always listened and seemed to be proud of my lifestyle changes. Thank you Jack for being a caring and understanding brother in law.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Saturday, December 22, 2001
As Cloquet classmates of Makoonse's we extend our heartfelt sympathy and include the Briggs family in our prayers.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Friday, December 21, 2001
I worked with Jack at the North American Indian Fellowship Center, in the late 1970's. He was just starting in his professional career, and even then he seemed marked for creating something special for his people. I've had little contact with him for the past 12 years, and yet am deeply saddened by his passing. He had that effect on all who met him and had the privilege of knowing him at any time. My sincere condolences to his family.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Jack Briggs was an extraordinary man whose influence will continue to benefit us here and
abroad. He inspired respect and affection in Washington, D.C. as he kindly and patiently
enlightened us and encouraged international opportunities to work together
with other countries and help solve mutual problems. He fortunately fostered such good qualities in his faculty and staff at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, who have become good friends, advisors and colleagues. To the Jack Briggs family and Fond du Lac community, my deepest sympathies. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful man with the rest of the world.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, December 20, 2001
We offer our sincere sympathy to Jack's family. We have missed him greatly since he left the International Falls community, although we have heard extremely good things about him and his work at Fond du Lac Community College. Few people have made as much of an impact on inter-cultural relationships in such a short time as Jack did. We feel a great loss.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Rhoda, I hope you remember me. I'm the lady from the TRIO Conference in Duluth. You said I resembled your daughter or niece. I would like to offer my sympathy and prayers at the loss of your son. He was a good man. Sincerely-Florence
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Very saddened to hear the news. Jack was a great role-model, especially for Native males trying to get an education. He took the time to visit me here in Iowa last year and I was so glad to see him, a fellow Ojibwe. He was busy but still sat for awhile and gave me some good advice. His Indian name, 'Leading Feather' fit him perfectly. We have lost some strong Ojibwe people this winter, but their legacy will live on. My condolences to the family.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Thursday, December 20, 2001
To Debbie and Family,
I was greatly shocked and saddened to hear of Jack's passing. I am sure that you are finding great comfort in your wonderful family. Peace and strength to you.Miigwech Jack.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
To Jack's family--my sincerest sympathy is with you at this sad time. Though I never met Jack in person, I felt, because of my spouse's (Jack Barden) closeness to him, as if I did know him. He was very kind to me in a phone conversation I had with him after my Jack went to the spirit world. Good journey to him!
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Jack: Thanks for the information and suggestions you gave me. Your suggestions helped me in my current capacity of counselor and advisor as I work with Native American students. You were always willing to share Native wisdom. I hate to see you go; but, I know you'll continue to be a positive mentor in your next journey.
Thanks Mentor Jack
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Jack was more than a great Indian leader. He was a visionary. To know Jack, one knew that he was a talented communicator, educator and friend. I've learned much from Jack Briggs to include how to think, how to act proactively, and how to laugh. Thanks Jack. Your dreams will live on.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
This is to express my regrets to the wife, children, relatives and the entire Fond du Lac Tribal community in the passing of a great one, Jack Briggs. I knew and worked with Jack over the past seven and my respect for the man and his mission grew exponentially each year. Because of his vision, leadership, and wisdom we were able to establish the USDA map compilation center of excellence at his tribal college. Gone from his earthly journey but never forgotten by so many lives he touched in such a powerful, and personal manner. We are all better people as a result of having known Jack Briggs.
Bill Hunt
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
We were saddened to hear of Jacks passing. He was a kind and generous man. He will be greatly missed by many.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
The Tribal College community has suffered a great loss by the passing of Jack. I have worked with Jack for a number of years in various Tribal College and AIHEC activities and have great respect for the way he conducted himself. He is a model for every Indian to look up to. I offer my condolences to Debbie, his family and the people of Fond du Lac in their loss.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
To the family and friends of Jack Briggs,
I just want to say that Jack will be missed and remembered by many people. He has been a complete inspiration to my entire family through his support of education. He will be with us forever, as he has touched our lives in a very deep, personal, and supportive mannor. Miigwech Jack for being the person who you are.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Family and friends of Jack,
Jack will be missed by my entire family as he has been an inspiration to all of us through his dedication to people and education. Although Jack will be missed, his inspiration will go on in all of us as we continue to persue our dreams. We are all blessed to have had Jack part of our journey in life. Miigwech Jack for being the person you are.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
My deepest sympathy and support to Debbie and family and to the staff and faculty at Fond du Lac College.
I guess you can imagine the depth of my surprise and dismay at Jack's early death. How we all would have wanted his passion for his People and their education and his "Indian Humor" to be with us a lot longer than these few years. My respect for his work and for his vision is boundless, and my love for him and for Debbie, while distant is constant.. May you (we) all know peace and come to understand this mystery. Cynthia Heelan
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Jack, Leader, Mentor, Friend
Jack was one of the most influential leaders that our Ojibwe Nation has ever known. He was a true elder, following his Ojibwe heart, remembering his people, and sharing his wisdom with others.
Jack had a strong sense of family and heritage. He was the cornerstone of our family, a constant source of strength and wisdom.
Jack walked between two worlds, bridging the gap between cultures and strengthening partnerships. He was known and respected across all circles as a man dedicated to challenging the systems and changing the status quo. Through his extraordinary efforts, he created a model for change and opportunity for all people.
He mentored and nurtured his staff and faculty to become the best that they could be, to provide a foundation for quality education, and now to stand strong, remembering what he taught us, living by his word, and carrying on his vision.
This college is his vision and his song. Under Jack?s wing, our college has become a sharing of cultures, a channel for knowledge, education for all. This is the college that Jack built, with his heart, his hand, his mind. Legends never die. His dream will live on.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 19, 2001
Most of us will not live the full life of difference that Jack did. Most of us will not touch as many people or leave behind as many represenations of our commitment to our fellow humans. Jack was simply a rare man blessed with uncommon desire to do good and the incredible gift to make others also want to do good.
Farewell my modern warrior and friend. While you will no longer walk among us, your spirit will live in all of us. Your sincerity will touch those yet to be born and you have lived a live deserving of honor and celebration.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And,departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Thank you, Jack, for believing in all of us! Your footprints and your beliefs will live on in the hearts and minds of many.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
The first time I met Jack, he was walking down the hall of the college in sandals and a sweater. Not the look of a college president! Jack wasn't your average guy!
I came to know him as a champion of Indian education and someone that didn't take "no" for an answer.
He fought hard to empower the youth of today and to make this world a better place.
We're thankful that we knew him. His love for his family and students were unconditional.
Jack has taken his journey and is at peace.
Love to Debbie and Jack's family we will pray for you.
We are truly blest to have known him.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. It has been an honor and a great gift to have known Jack for as long as I have. I know there is not a person in this world who has known Jack who will not miss him sincerely.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Jack was and is a great man. He was there for those that needed him. Of the hundreds of people we have met over the last three years, Jack was one of the most sincere and genuine, he will truly be missed by all that knew him. The community will miss him but the work he started will continue, thanks to him. Your family will miss him but he was called to heaven and you will always have the memories. This Christmas, in our house, there will be two candles burning, one for Katie and one for Jack.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 18, 2001
Although we did not know Jack, we knew of him, and what a wonderful man he must have been to be so highly thought of and respected. We pray that the power that guided him continues to guide his family through the pain of his journey.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
Jack was a great leader in the tribal college movement. He will be missed by me and the other AIHEC
Presidents. Mr condolences go out
to his wife, Debbie, and his family.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
This is a something I received when my mother began her journey. It's modified only to fit this situation.
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead--he is just away!
With a cheery smile,
and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be,
since he lingers there.
So think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There
as the love of Here;
Think of him still as the same, I say:
He is not dead--he is jujst away!
James Whitcomb Riley
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
I am saddened to hear of the news of Jack's passing. Jack was a very decent man, a good friend to all. I remember his good humor and tireless work for Indian education in Minnesota and of course his leadership in the development of Fond du lac Tribal and community college. I saw him most often at the State Capitol in St. Paul pressing his case for the college or Indian education. He always had a warm greeting, something kind to offer and positive to say. And in that way he was among the most effective spokepersons we have ever had. My condolences to his wife Debbie and Family
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
I have known Jack for many years through our joint membership on the Northeastern Minnesota Work Investment Board and through our sons' interlocking hockey activities. Jack was always the best possible advocate for his school and programs. His concern for all people was obvious in every word he spoke and in all his activities. My condolences to his family and friends. He will most definitely be missed by all of Northeastern Minnesota and by my son and me in particular.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
Please accept our deepest sympathy at Jack's passing. He was a truly remarkable man. For those of us in higher education leadership, he was the model for the balance between passion and pragmatism. His contibutions to higher education for students of all kinds and from all backgrounds will serve as a lasting monument to his dedication and intelligence.
We will miss Jack for all that he gave and for the caring individual he was. His spirit will live on in all of those that he touched and in all of those that they will touch.
We hope and trust you will find comfort and healing in the knowledge that he was liked, admired, and deeply respected across the country.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
Jack Briggs was an inspiration to the tribal college world. He cannot be replaced and the hole that is left by his passing is huge. He said he would take me "wild ricing" next season! I know he joins Jack Barton and is sorely missed by Tom Davis, three souls who lit up the world.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, December 17, 2001
Dear Briggs Family: We express our deepest sympathies to you for the passing of such a great and influential man. He has done so much for so many people. He will be truely missed by many. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College wouldn't be what it is today if not for Jack's influences and guidance. We are glad that he was part of our lives.
Love, Toni Johnson, Teri Stoddard, Katie Bryant, Rachel Rueben, and Devona Jackson (students from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College)