Roy Track

[Mr Bo Jangles]

RIP Roy.......

I know 50Cal started a thread on this in another part of pws.com...just figured I'd throw this up.

[quicksilverwade]

RIP Roy.......

I know 50Cal started a thread on this in another part of pws.com...just figured I'd throw this up.

My condolences to Roy Track's family. I'll always remember how he'd announce the contest song by singing it out like he was falling down a hole.

[Hank_Shelton]

Roy's Obituary with guestbook.

just follow the link

http://www.legacy.com/azcentral/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3477761

[nativehunny]

Roy Track

He was a magnificant man. A mentor for some and support for others. He will greatly be missed in and around the circle. May the Great Spirit be with his family in their time of loss...God Bless

[Nashoba]

Cards for Family

Does anyone know an address where we can send cards or flowers?

[Mr Bo Jangles]

...here ya go.....address at the bottom of the Post.

Communications leader, pow wow voice, and friend passes away

By Loren Tapahe, Arizona Native Scene © Copyright
April 28, 2005

PHOENIX—He was a forerunner in the print and broadcast business and a pow wow icon as thousands of Native Americans throughout the country either read his words or heard his voice.
Communications pioneer Roy Track, 63, and popular master of ceremonies at pow wows passed away early Sunday morning, April 24, 2005.
His wit, his contribution to the community, his jokes and how no one was immune to his teasing, will be missed by the many people who were enriched by his presence.
The ribbon shirt, the colorful vest, and the dark sunglasses were his regalia. His jokes and teasing were his way of showing love and respect for you. If he laughed at you, he cared about you.
His work spanned many decades and his friendship to many people had no boundaries as telephone calls from Montana, Oregon, Washington, the Dakotas and neighboring states, as well as all over Arizona have been coming in from people wanting to attend the funeral services.
Roy is Assiniboine Sioux of Fort Peck, Montana. He was born in Nevada, then his family moved to Montana where he was raised by his grandmother in Wolf Point.
He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah taking classes in communications and that’s where he met Nita, his wife-to-be.
Later after college, he moved to Parker, where he worked for a few years, then moved to Phoenix in the early 1960’s.
In his late 20’s he helped develop programs for Native Americans in Phoenix with noted names as Pete Homer, Jr., Ernie Steven, Sr., Lee Cook, Gabriel Sharp, and Syd Beane.
Each, in their own way were instrumental in creating opportunities for Native Americans throughout the country and Roy was no exception.
They were known as, “the young Turks,” said Reverend Joedd Miller of the group of young men who had ambitions to improve the quality of life of Indians in Phoenix.
In the early 70’s, Arizona State Employment director Juana Lyons called the young group together to start an organization to train young Native American leaders and to develop needed programs for Indians in the valley.
One of first Indian programs in the valley in the early 70’s was a housing program that Roy worked with, commented Syd Beane.
“Roy was probably the first Indian to own a house in Phoenix,” said Syd. Syd moved to Minneapolis for a new job in 1983 but often stayed at Roy’s home when he came to Phoenix on business. He’s known Roy since 1969.
“Roy ended up working in the media,” said Syd. “It was his love.” Syd co-hosted the 21st Century Native American show with Roy for 10 years before he left the valley.
Roy, at one time was a co-owner of a radio station and sold his interest to work full-time on his projects. “He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit,” proclaimed Syd.
“Roy was a strong example of an Indian family and being part of the community as well,” commented Syd, “he set precedence [in the media] which now is opening up.”
“He was there in the beginning before anything was there,” Syd proudly declared of his friend.
One of Roy’s early projects was a radio program he produced in a church room donated by Rev. Miller. “Roy was hired to produce a 15-minute student radio program once a week that was to be aired on a radio station at Phoenix College,” said Rev. Miller.
“It was great to hear positive news about Indians—someone standing up for good things,” said Miller. “He really worked to help Indian people keep their ties with their culture.” He sometimes however, played Pink Floyd as background music, Rev. Miller remembered.
Roy constantly encouraged people to help others and was a good friend to the late Ray Bolle, founder of Canyon Records to help get the record label started. Canyon Records produces Native American music and has launched the careers of many Native music artists in Arizona including the popular group Clan/Destine, who have always given free concerts at the Mesa Pow Wow on behalf of Roy’s work in the music industry and being their friend. ...(abbreviated due to Posting constraints here at Pws.com....PM me your email addy if you want the full story emailed to you)



Please send cards and donations to:

Nita Track, P.O. Box 645, Phoenix, AZ 85001.

[Nashoba]

Cards for Track family

Thank you so much for the address.