Donald Edward Fisher

Donald Edward Fisher, “Three Bears” 86, of East Providence, entered Eternal Rest on Saturday, May 16 at Waterview Villa. Born in Providence, Donald was the son of the late Herbert Edward and Agnes Viola (Butler) Fisher and grandson of William Henry Fisher and Georgianna Elizabeth (Elderkin) from Seekonk, MA.

“Three Bears” will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all of those who knew and loved him. Donald leaves two daughters, Kathleen L. Light and Anogqs “Star” Waite. In addition, sons Herbert Fisher, Donald E. Fisher Jr. and his adopted son, Danny “Standing Beaver” Davis. During this pandemic, “Standing Beaver” sat with “Three Bears” as he completed his journey on earth. He was also father to the late Nachiko Agnes (Fisher) Taylor and Donald E. Fisher. Donald is survived by three grandchildren, Dawanna Nachiko “Drum Wave” Akaolisa, Sasha and Brady Waite. Donald was the brother of the late Bedford, Elmer “Wise Owl”, Carlton Fisher, Edna “Evening Star”( Fisher) Rawlings, Bernice “Autumn Fire” (Fisher) Hooks and Carolyn (Fisher) August-Reese, and several nieces and nephews: Leslie “Runningwater” (Rawlings) Costa Fortes, Bernice (Hooks) Gaston, Henry “Gussie” August, Catherine “Morning Star” (Fisher) Hilton, James “Red Hawk” Rawlings, Sandra “Silent One” (Hooks) Turner, Tyrone Elderkin Hooks and Emma “Laughing Woman” Hooks and the late Janice “Bright Light” (Rawlings) Yancy, Edward Kennedy “Badger” Hooks, and Donald Spear Hooks. Donald also leaves his devoted friends Daryl “Black Eagle” Jamieson, Raymond “Two Hawk” Watson and George “Long Wolf” Thomas.

Donald was a member of the Cathedral of St. John’s for many years and served as a Sunday school teacher. Donald attended Hope High School and served in the United States Army as a military Police Officer. His tour of duties included Okinawa, Japan and Frankfurt, Germany. Donald completed his tour of duty at Fort Devens, MA and was honorable discharged August,1963.

Later he was employed by Rayco Auto Seat Covers as a mechanic until he developed health issues and retired early. For several years, Donald was a member of the Rhode Island CB’ers Club. “Three Bears” was an avid guitar player and created Native American jewelry.

“Three Bears” was not only fluent in Japanese, but German and the Algonquin Languages. He studied under the mentorship and friendship of “Slow Turtle,” the Supreme Medicine Man of the Wampanoag Nation. Later became one of the Founders of and taught the Nipmuc dialect at the newly established Algonquin School. “Three Bears” established the Dighton Oak Council and was 1^st Chief, language teacher for the Eastern Medicine Singers, and Chief of the Healing Spiritual Clan of Providence Veterans Affairs (VA). “Three Bears” served as Advisor for the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe of the Pokanoket Nation. For ten years he was the historical advisor for the Big Drum Powwow Committee. He was instrumental in re-establishing the “The First Light” naming Ceremony for the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, at their annual powwows, also as a Tribal Elder.

He received acknowledgements by the United States Congress for Life’s American Indian Achievement Award. In addition, House of Representative, Patrick J. Kennedy, recognized Donald’s volunteerism for his work with the RI Foster Grandparents Program. During 2006, the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, at their Naming Ceremony presented him with the prestigious honor, “The Pipe of Peace.” 2010, received a citation of appreciation from the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe. 2012, received a citation of appreciation from the Strength at Home Program from the VA. 2015, The Seaconke Wampanoag Cultural Committee recognized Donald for his outstanding and significant contributions to the sustainability of the cultural heritage. “Three Bears” acknowledgements and recognitions are too numerous to list.

“Three Bears” paramount calling and mission was to preserve, and nurture Native Americans culture, thereby giving us a greater appreciation for our history, respect for Mother Earth the value of embracing our culture for generations to come. We, as his family members are proud of ‘Three Bears” and his works and contributions within the Native American communities. We, recognize Donald for his charismatic personality, engaging smile, and ability to converse with People from all walks a life.

Burial private attended by a small group of his immediate family is scheduled.

“DUE TO THE PANDEMIC A NATIVE AMERICAN CELEBRATION OF “THREE BEARS” LIFE WILL FOLLOW – DATE PENDING.”

Guestbook

33 entries.

Suzanne Blue Butterfly Baldaia from Warren wrote on July 29, 2020 at 11:12 am:

Your spirit will always be with me. Thank you.

Donna Carew from West Warwick wrote on June 16, 2020 at 7:26 pm:

Oh my Jesus I kept looking at the face All the 45 years I have been wondering where Nochiko was Anna told me but I did not remember I seen football player Fisher and I wondered if it was her son. The Lord is real in this State of Rhode Island

Dorothy Monteiro-McCollough from Providence East Side wrote on May 29, 2020 at 10:08 am:

We send our deepest condolences to there Fisher family, Many memories from the East Side. May he Rest In Peace. THE MONTEIRO FAMILY

Donna Alqassar from North Providence wrote on May 29, 2020 at 9:04 am:

I was deeply saddened to hear news of Three Bears passing. My sincere condolences go out his family and friends. As my Step-Father, he was always very kind to me. I’m grateful for being able to get to know Three Bears, and I’m comforted in the knowledge that there are many other people who felt and remember his amazing influence. May he rest in eternal peace.

Cheyenne Freeman from Central falls wrote on May 28, 2020 at 10:03 pm:

May you rest in the arms of our creator, and pow wow with the warriors who past before you, Tazan Brown, Buster " hungry bear Freeman, Joie Spears, and many others aquanee

Dr Darlene Flores from Brookline wrote on May 26, 2020 at 11:31 am:

May you be reunited with your ancestors swiftly . You will be missed my friend . Truly , Dr Darlene Flores Veteran US ARMY Higuayagua Taíno Tribe Medicine women (Behike )

Leslie Costa Fortes from East Providence, wrote on May 26, 2020 at 12:39 am:

BLESSINGS… Yesterday afternoon, I bear witness to one of our Creator’s blessings. While sitting on my deck, me along with a couple of friends…we spotted a white dove (not a gray one but a white one) encircling high in the sky around the houses and then there appeared a second dove. And, at that time, I realized that I was having a spiritual moment and within seconds there appeared a third dove. My first thoughts were of my uncle Donald “Three Bears” sending his messages of gratitude…so I extended my appreciation and “THANKS” to his spirit for the gifts he shared in abundance about our Native American culture with us while he was on earth. Aquene from yur family

JC Ortega from Springfield wrote on May 25, 2020 at 9:24 pm:

Rest in peace Uncle. 35 years of your friendship and teachings. You'll be greatly missed, but you won't be forgotten. You're featured prominently in my second book, "The Thunderbird Returns." You knew about it, I just wish you would have lived to read it. But you won't be forgotten, I promise.

Gil Cardinal Woodside from Seekonk wrote on May 23, 2020 at 6:05 pm:

Taubotne Chief...you gave me the name I cherish and brought me into the culture. You were my first mentor May the Creator greet you with love and respect. You were part of our family for 6 happy years. A'ho Cardinal

Crow(Wokiya Kangi Wakangli Winyan) from Muddletown wrote on May 23, 2020 at 11:57 am:

Bless you, Three Bears, for your kindness, your welcoming smile, your knowledge, and your loving and generous spirit. Miigwetch for all you have given of yourself, and for all that you are. You shall remain in the hearts of many, in perpetuity. Your time among us on the Earth at last completed, marks the beginning of a beautiful journey of the spirit. May we meet again. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his dear family, beloved friends, and community. Gezalma ta Gweshia li Gia (Love and respect to you.)

Joan Metwyn from Saunderstown wrote on May 23, 2020 at 9:11 am:

As a respected Elder, Mentor, Keeper of Native Traditions, and Language, Three Bears will be greatly missed. His kindness, sense of humor and generosity of Spirit touched me deeply, as it touched the hearts of all who encountered him on the powwow and ceremonial trails. Condolences sent our to his family and his many friends, students and colleagues. May the comfort of knowing that he lives in in our hearts support our grieving and release him on his Journey to rejoin Creator. 🙏🏼🔥🙏🏼

Douglas “Rolling Grass” Lincoln from Warwick wrote on May 22, 2020 at 7:52 pm:

Condolences to the Fisher Family from the Lincoln Family. Rolling Grass was the name that 3 Bears gave me many years ago at a First Light naming ceremony. I will always remember 3 Bear being so approachable , knowledgeable and engaging... Rest In Peace.

David Sukokeeam (Grey Owl) Jennings from Providence wrote on May 22, 2020 at 7:20 pm:

I wish I could have spent more time with this Great Chief and Elder but I am so thankful for having come to know him since I joined the Eastern Medicine Singers 7 years ago. May his journey to his next life and return to the Sky World open the way for me when it is my time. Kuttabotomish Aquene Aho One Love ☝🏾❤️ One Spirit ☝🏾🤲🏾 One Fire 🔥

Frank Farago/Tina Pilcher from East Hampton, CT. wrote on May 22, 2020 at 5:54 pm:

Three Bears will be greatly missed. We have many great memories of him. He will always be a special part of the powwows.

Brenda Silva from East Providence wrote on May 22, 2020 at 4:13 pm:

You Well Be Truly Be Missed

Brenda Silva from East Providence wrote on May 22, 2020 at 4:13 pm:

We Will Truly Be Missed,Prayers For The Family♡♡

Charles snowbear smith jr from North Kingston wrote on May 22, 2020 at 7:41 am:

My grandmother ora m elderkin the sister georgeaie elderkin 3 bear Don Fisher was my cousion and teacher of seaconk wampanoag of pokanoket tribe on behalf of the smith family we wish to say thank u for all he did he will be miss god bless Karen slivermoon smith 1 miss seaconk wampanoag tribe princess and Charles snowbear smith jr and John little bear smith god bless

Claire Autumn Sunrise Newell from Providence wrote on May 22, 2020 at 5:13 am:

Rest easy my friend. You always brought joy to everyone around you. I remember going to the Algonquin school as child and you captivated us with Native History and stories. Our paths met again later in life and I'm so happy about that, you always showed kindness to all, kids loved you, I loved you! May your spiritual journey bring you peace and joy, Aquene

Cheryl Morrison Brewton (Greenleaf) from Rumford wrote on May 22, 2020 at 1:33 am:

Mohtompan Wunne -My heartfelt prayers go out to family, everyone Native American and all those that were blessed as my family is to have had the privilege to meet 3 Bears at his home in Johnson RI before he had to go into nursing care. As my sister Elsie mentioned, he taught us the Native Language of which I share with my children and grandchildren as recent as yesterday. He was a very joyful funny soul. He schooled us on a lot of His Native American history and how important you could see it was for him to share with us and pass it on. My youngest daughter and I use to visit him At Waterview Nursing Home and was hoping to be able to schedule the language classes there on a regular basis with residents there, but didn’t take place. While we visited, we learned a little more during our time. Greatly greatly, he is already missed. I believe my family will treasure a special inspirational bond eternally. -Anwohsinook (rest) our friend,Kuttabotomish (I thank you ), Aqunee (peace). With love, Greenleaf.

Lori Brennan-Almeida from Riverside wrote on May 21, 2020 at 10:29 pm:

Three Bears was a great human being. Always a gentle spirit, truly a gentleman, protector of women.

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