Nia:wen

The family of Richard L. (Dick) Herne would like to express their sincere thanks to all who honored our father with their presence, prayers, comforting words, and support during our time of grief. To the many who donated their time and service, and gifts of food, flowers, and cards, we are grateful. In the darkest hours, the greatest gifts are people who care and let us know we are not alone in our sorrow, to you we say thank you.

A special thank you to the following: Hospice of the North Country (Malone chapter), for your continued care, assistance, and guidance throughout our father’s illness; American Legion Post #1479 for honoring him with your prayers and graveside ceremonies; St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Outreach program, for your care and assistance during the last few weeks of his life, especially to Brandon Benedict, who was Bubba’s personal health care assistant. He enjoyed your company and always looked forward to your visits: Tarbell Management Group for the many donations of food and coffee; Sister Christine and Father Pastores, for your home visits which he appreciated so much; Velma Cook and sisters who prepared the excellent funeral meal; Snye Homemakers and the Mohawk Choir, Mike Laughing and traditional singers; Donaldson’s Funeral Home for your kindness, patience, and assistance in our time of need; and those who joined us in prayer for the 9 nights following the funeral.

Thank you to those who participated in the funeral mass: Pall bearers: grandsons Tony Square, Justin Herne, TJ Herne, Robert Trippany, William Jacobs and long-time friend Steve Green; Readers: great granddaughter Keisha Jacobs, nieces Darcie Cree and Becky Diabo; Presenters of the gifts: great granddaughters Jordan White, Shayna Jacobs, and granddaughter Ashlyn Bero; Also granddaughter Angelica Herne for writing the beautifully moving eulogy on behalf of the family.

Finally to Sonkwaiatison, our God and Creator, we give thanks for your gift to us that was the man we called our Bubba. We have been truly blessed to have had such a wonderful father, friend, teacher here with us for 95 ½ years. Although we knew he couldn’t be with us forever, we still somehow expected he would be. Niawen