It is with the heaviest of hearts that we are publishing the Museum Monday this week. If you have ever attended one of our events, you have probably met one of most beloved volunteers, Neil Moor. After a long, and happy life, Neil’s journey has come to an end.
For more than 20 years, Neal generously shared his gifts with us—a brilliant mind, delightful sense of humor, unfailing wisdom, quiet serenity, brave heart, and his unending energy. He was loved dearly by our museum family and leaves us with a void that we can only partially fill with the many, many wonderful memories of his time with us.
It is easy to picture Neal as he “protected” the back gate at our Powwows, as his eyes took on a special glimmer when he mentioned “the wife,” as he shared a special gift or helped position his squirrel box, as he sat quietly in the circle immaculately dressed—frequently offering words of wisdom. And we can see him, with his wife Pat, greeting visitors at the admission gate just; last year. He was an ambassador for the museum who represented the best of us.
It will be our honor to dedicate the First Annual Native Journeys Festival to his memory. And though he will not be here physically to guard the gate, he will be with us in our hearts and minds as we celebrate the life of a truly great man.