Eli Zabeth Rickard

Eli (Rahsyuʔká·θneʔ) Zabeth Rickard, Skarù·ręʔ (Tuscarora Nation), Bear Clan followed the path to the creator on July 7, 2019 in the loving embrace of his family on the Tuscarora Nation territories. He was born on April 18, 1929 on the Tuscarora Nation to the late Clinton and Elizabeth (Patterson) Rickard. The late Willard and Nellie Gansworth raised him from birth. 

Over the course of 90 years, Eli was profoundly dedicated to his family as husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. As a young man he enjoyed spearing on the Niagara River and hunting.  He was an activist against the damning of the Niagara River and resisted the dispossession of the Tuscarora Nation lands in the 1950’s. As a member of the Indian Defense League of America, he marched yearly for the continued recognition of Indigenous treaty rights and for Haudenosaunee people to move freely in our ancestral homelands. Eli was an avid supporter of the Tuscarora Indian School Culture Program by sharing his expertise in gardening and history for the youth.  A graduate from Trott Vocational High School in 1950, Eli worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Niagara Falls, New York for over 39 years as an expert welder and survived the environmental assault that most of his co-workers succumbed to years ago. He was a good listener and astute observer of the human spirit. He was able to capture the essence of an individual through his welded sculptures and shared his artistry with friends and family. 

Eli was dedicated to the Akunęhsyę̀·niʔ (Haudenosaunee) way of life, followed the Kayanręhstì:yu:, and attended the Tuscarora Nation Longhouse. A man of few words, his insight into the power of nature was his steady guide and gift of wisdom. 

Survived by his loving wife, Turtle Clan Mother, Lena (Dubuc) Rickard of 64 years, daughters, Jolene (Timothy) Rickard-McKie, Joanne (R. Mark) Weinholtz, treasured granddaughters, Mia (fiancé, Waylon Wilson) McKie, Alexandra (Aaron) Printup and great-grandchildren, Rahihteʔha·wihs, Yehahi·yu·, and Runęhákwahst, two sisters, Onalee (Russell) Cooper and Karen (late Paul) Jacobson, a sister-in-law, Marlene Rickard and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Charles, William, Clark (Mary), Norton Rickard, Beverly (Harry) Hill, Lois (Gary) Henry, Enid Rickard.

The Rickard family gracefully declines floral acknowledgment and would appreciate your donation to the Tuscarora Longhouse. Join the family on Tuesday, July 9 from 5-8 PM at RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY, where the funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 10 at 9:00 AM. 

Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, on the Tuscarora Nation.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

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