Tribal attorney Bill Bacon remembered & celebrated at memorial service
Sign in memory of William "Bill" Bacon.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The late Bill Bacon, Shoshone-Bannock general counsel, had a strong connection to the Tribes and the tribal people — it was evident by the many stories and memories that were shared at an event celebrating his life April 17 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel.
Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson said Bill gave much of his life to the Tribes and today his 37 years of work was being honored, along with the presence he had as a dear friend to many in the community. “This is a time for remembrance, for stories, for gratitude, and for honoring a man who touched so many lives in many different ways. I would like to acknowledge that Bill’s family are here to celebrate with us today. His wife, his daughters, his beloved grandchildren, his mother, sister, and other relatives.”
Spring Creek Singers sang while the colors were brought in as Gifferd Osborne carried the eagle staff, Develynn Hall the U.S. flag and Lee Juan Tyler carried the Tribes flag. Tribal elder Doyle Punkin provided the prayer in the Shoshone language. Anthony Pete Broncho had cedar burning expressing his reflections on Bill and how much he’ll miss him.
Roselynn Yazzie, Public Affairs manager, read his life sketch. As many took time to share their thoughts, chokecherry pudding and frybread was served that FHBC member Devon Boyer provided. Cake was also served.
From left, Veteran Develynn Hall and FHBC Vice Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy carry
the flags and Gifferd Osborne carries the eagle staff at the memorial service.
Alonzo Coby, Tribal Planning director, said what Bill brought to the Tribes is going to be hard to replace. He noted Bill went into the Sundance because it meant a lot to him. “He cared about our tribal membership wholeheartedly.” And the things that he’d done for us is, like Monty has some big shoes to fill. But his love for the Tribe, the work that he’s done for the Tribe is going to be unmatched.” He thanked Bill’s family for sharing his life with us.
Tribal attorney Monte Gray said what a lot of people saw was a person that always gave counsel, always gave good advice, met with people and loved the people out here, “He knew so much not only about the law but the culture and loved actually being involved with the people.” Monte talked about an old letter Bill found from a BIA superintendent regarding the Ward v. Racehorse case, he also searched old records from the 1800s finding Racehorse never spent a day in jail – the factors were key that the case existing for more than 120 years was sham.
Gaylen Edmo, Tribal Fish and Wildlife policy analyst, said he was able to work considerably with Bill on the U.S. v Oregon litigation, “I’m really happy and honored that I was able to have that learning experience to be able to gain a lot of his institutional knowledge.” He viewed Bill as a quarterback, “But he was also able to put the right people in the right places to ensure that the Tribes was in the best position possibly moving into major litigation. And that, on top of his knowledge and a lot of his legal work, really protected the Tribes.” He explained how Bill assisted in getting the Union Pacific Railroad to move the box cars off the tracks in Fort Hall because they were a safety hazard blocking people’s view from seeing the train coming. He had Gaylen go out and measure the box cars and see how far they were from the railroad crossing. Bill contacted the regional safety director of the railroad and advised him they need to move their box cars. There was a lot of back and forth conversation – lip service from the railroad. They weren’t getting anywhere so Bill told them to come get their box cars or we will move them for you. Bill drafted a letter a paragraph long essentially saying they were creating safety hazards saying the railroad had two days to move the box cars or the Tribes would move them. The next day the box cars were gone. “That’s impressive,” Gaylen said and it showed he was a mighty person.
The family of Bill Bacon accept gifts from the Sho-Ban Tribes.
Chad Colter, Tribal Fish and Game director, said he enjoyed having conversations with Bill, “And he was one who gradually over my two decades plus of knowing him, taught me about things like the law. So I really enjoyed having our conversations, hearing about the law, hearing about our next steps because I was always four steps ahead.” Among the Treaty rights issues he worked on with Bill was National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, U.S. v Oregon, Hell’s Canyon Complex, Clean Water Act. “Bill’s biggest case, I believe his swan song was U.S. v Oregon.” He was also a hunter and fisherman – loved hunting in central Idaho and the Boulder White Clouds.
Dan Stone said Bill helped guide him to a place where he could be a more effective tribal advocate and walk him through complicated issues. He said Bill had a sense of place, family and legacy, “And it always came forward to something that’s a little bit higher than the moment still.”
Wesley Edmo recalled when he was on the FHBC and Bill had so much passion for the work he did for us and all the people. His brother couldn’t’ attend the memorial but said Bill was his friend and was “a damn good man.” “I just appreciate all those good memories, but I know that the main thing was that you know always remember that the value, the purpose, the passion, the joy that he brought to people,” that’s how we can celebrate the life and I think that’s what’s important.
FHBC Chairwoman Donna Thompson speaks at the Bill Bacon memorial.
Tom Wadsworth, Fish and Game manager, said Bill was a heck of a guy, had a robust laugh, “And what I really liked about Bill was that, you know, I know what was said here earlier today was that he bested himself with our people. And when he took the job on to be our attorney to represent us, he took that seriously. He fought for us. And I’ll be forever grateful for that.”
Louise Dixey worked with Bill in the Tribal Attorney’s office from 1995 to 2003 as a paralegal but continued to work with him thereafter. She did a lot of research for him on rights of way, U.S. v Oregon, among other issues. “And I think that’s the most important thing all of you need to know because he did a good job when he was committed to us. Not many attorneys make their lifetime commitment to the Tribe. And I appreciate that.”
Bobleen Nappo said he grandson Dosa Nappo was brokenhearted after he learned of Bill’s passing as he’s a University of Idaho law student. He worked with Bill, Monte and Gaylen a couple of summers ago. Dosa wanted to return home, but she told him to finish his schooling as he has one year left. She knew Bill when he became chief judge. “But anyway, I just wanted to tell you what a good man he was. I’m pretty sure you all knew that. He touched everybody’s hearts. I just wanted to thank his family, you know, for sharing him with us because, gosh, I really loved Bill from the bottom of my heart.”
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes plaque honoring William “Bill” Bacon.
Lisa Bacon, Bill’s wife, said her family is humbled to be included in the dedication in his honor. “This would make him so proud and happy. He truly considered the people he worked with and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe as his second family.” She said he was always ready and willing to share his knowledge of tribal history as well as answer any legal questions. “If he didn’t know the answer immediately, he would do the research and get back to you as soon as possible.” He was grateful for the spiritual conversations he had with several members of this tribes. “At the end of the day we would usually sit together and discuss the day, which sometimes included his thoughts about any spiritual conversations – these had great meaning to him, she said. “Thank you from all our family for taking care of Bill and the way you have honored him today and since his passing. You have touched our hearts and helped to give us peace.”
After the reflections, Thompson asked all the FHBC members to come forward as the plaque was presented in his memory that will be placed west of the Tribal Business Center on the cement where the HRDC building was located. A Pendleton blanket was given to Bill’s wife Lisa and his family members received beaded medallions from the Tribes Environmental Waste Program.
