Sisters mourns passing of 'Apache Joe'

Joe Marcea (Apache Joe) had a profound impact on students and staff on many levels; therapist, mentor, friend, co-teacher, and the entire Sisters community mourned his passing last week.

Joe was born in Chicago on March 26, 1941, and passed away on April 8, 2011. He is survived by his 91-year-old mother, Georgia, and his beloved Bernese mountain dog, Apache.

Joe had a love for the Sisters community and knew there was a need to equip students with the tools necessary to get through the hardships of life. Heather Johnson, health teacher at Sisters High School, first had Joe speak to her class six years ago. Marcea's message taught students to break the cycle of addiction, violence and victimization.

Johnson said, "I saw the need in students, and how well they connected with Joe and received his message. Joe was already doing therapy with some students when he and I recognized the value of bringing this message to all students in the realm of prevention."

Johnson's and Marcea's discussion resulted in the class "Straight Talk." Students were taught how to intervene for themselves and others, how to "break the cycles," and each student went though a Native American naming ceremony to signify their rite of passage.

Marcea brought this naming ceremony to the students because of the impact of his personal name ceremony experience by an Apache Indian years ago, where he yielded the name Deer Heart, one who walks softly with a big heart.

"The naming ceremony was an experience and gift students will never forget," said Johnson. "It empowered them and verified them as individuals."

Marcea named Johnson "Hugging Quail," to signify her petite and delicate stature, contrasted by her big heart that naturally desires to nurture and heal. At the close of the naming ceremony students received a medicine bag that contained Apache tears (obsidian rock) and a shard of thousand-year-old Native American pottery as a tangible reminder of the once-in-a-lifetime cultural event.

On Monday, April 11, the students of Apache Joe and Heather Johnson's Straight Talk class, along with Joe's friends, Sue Purcell, Harold and Louise Jacob and Barb McCabe, put together a beautiful memorial service held at Sister High School.

Students, staff, friends and co-workers came to pay tribute to Joe and his work in the Sisters community. The service had Native American ceremonial influences through the display of art, drumming, smudging and student music.

Steven Laughlin, in a single day, wrote the song "Apache Tears," which he sang at the service. One beautiful section of lyrics speaks to Marcea's influence: "Your wisdom - it changed me, made me a man. My biggest rite of passage was shaking your hand."

Laughlin said, "In the short time that I was in Joe's presence, I gained immense respect and value for his overwhelming moral fiber and his desire to teach to any ear that listened."

A student, "Kicking Bear," who knew Joe well from last year's Straight Talk said, "I'm forever in Apache Joe's debt for the insights and teachings he shared with me and the class. He was a truly amazing man. He acted as a lighthouse for lost people, and was a bright light that brought hope to a lost generation. Joe gave us the tools to keep a righteous and steady trail. He prepared us for the real world, and helped ensure we can carry on the idea of help and hope.

"He helped me gain a better connection with our earth, and because of him I will never take it for granted again. The Native American ceremonies he allowed us to partake in were a very special and unique experience which I will cherish and never forget. My name, Kicking Bear, will help me remember who I am, who I want to be, and will forever foster my connection to our Three Sisters Tribe. We were lucky to have been graced with his presence. He made me a better person."

Apache, Joe's dog, was at the memorial service and provided a powerful connection and tangible goodbye for many who attended. Apache adopted Sue Purcell, Joe's good friend, as his caregiver and Johnson's Straight Talk class has set up accounts at Sisters Feed & Supply and Sisters Veterinary Clinic for anyone who would like to contribute in assisting with Apache's food and veterinary needs.