Established: July of 1983
FATHER OF THREE KILLED IN HORSEBACK ACCIDENT
INDIAN TIME - Vol. 24 #40 - Kentenha/October 12, 2006 Edition - Page 1 & 2
A well-known and respected father of three was killed Saturday evening while out riding his horse.
Curtis Dion Henry Karonhiio "Gulum" Thomas, 32, was out riding on his family's ranch on Conners Road, Akwesasne, when his family became worried that he hadn't returned home. His body was discovered shortly after and police were called to the ranch at 7:39 p.m. Thomas was declared dead on the scene. His family believes he was accidentally thrown from his horse, which was later found safe and sound.
New York State Police have ruled out any foul play.
Thomas was the husband of Karonienhawi Cook and the father of Siera, 13, Quentin, 9, and Marcella, 6.
He was the son of Loretta Thomas and the late Roger Binette, who died earlier this year.
Thomas was a respected member of the Akwesasne community; he was often seen helping his children with their sporting activities or doting on his family. He will be sadly missed.
Funeral arrangements were with Donaldson's Funeral Home. For full obituary, see Page 2.
Curtis (Gulum) Thomas
Akwesasne – Funeral services for Curtis Dion Henry (Gulum) Thomas, 32, of 485 State Route 37, Hogansburg, were held Monday afternoon. Burial was in the Longhouse Cemetery, Cornwall Island.
Visitation had been held at the family home on the Conners Road.
Mr. Thomas died unexpectedly Saturday evening (Oct. 7, 2006) at his ranch on the Conners Road.
He is survived by his wife, Karonienhawi; three children, Siera, 13 of Massena, Quentin, 9, at home, and Marcella, 6, at home; his mother Loretta Thomas of Hogansburg, two sisters, Tamra and Faith (Noonie) Thomas of Hogansburg; many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
Curtis (Gulum) Thomas was born July 27, 1974 in Syracuse, the son of Loretta Thomas and the late Roger Binette.
Curtis (Gulum) Thomas attended Massena and Salmon River schools where he received his GED. He also received a certificate in Carpentry from St. Lawrence College, Cornwall, Ontario. He was a self-employed artist, carpenter, and rancher.
Gulum married Karonienhawi Cook on August 18th, 1999 at home with Justice of the Peace Jerome Brockway officiating. He was a devoted Husband and Father. He delivered two of the three of his children at home.
He was a devoted member of the Native American Tipi Society and Vice-President of the Eastern Region Tipi Society. He was also a musician, playing the guitar and singing with the Standing Arrow Drum Group.
Gulum was a coach for hockey and lacrosse. He loved working with the teams in Akwesasne and loved providing young children an outlet for their energy.
Gulum loved working on his ranch, where he had as many as six horses at a time. He was self-taught on how to raise horses, ride horses, and train horses. Early this spring, he had delivered his first foal at his ranch on Conners Road.
Gulum was known by his family and friends to be an outstanding role model and mentor for many people. He helped many people learn their native and spiritual ways. He was a sundancer, roadman, and pow-wow dancer.
Curtis (Gulum) Thomas will be sadly missed by his family and the many people around the nation who have been touched by his life. His words will be remembered, his thoughts will be our thoughts, his dreams become our dreams and his sprit will live through the many he left behind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tipi Society of Akwesasne so that they may finish the ceremonial house that Mr. Thomas was building for the community.
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