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 1st 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.”
