Kavika Walked On Today
Though we may still be sad that he is not here in body, we know that his spirit lives on in our heart and minds.", Ojibwe Saying About Death
It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that our member and my friend Kavika walked on today. He passed peacefully, after taking on last trip down to Australia to see his daughter, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his great-great-grandchild. He died with a full heart. He was a loving husband to his wife, Veronica.
He was a brave veteran of the Vietnam War. He had marched as one of the many who supported Indian rights here in America.
He was also my friend and mentor. I know that he was friends with many here, and to those whom he held differing opinions, I hope that they will respect that he was a man of character and honor and that he served this country.
You will be missed, David.
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I am so heartbroken over the loss of Kavika. I am still processing. He will be missed.
my heart goes out to Red and Kavika's family. he was definitely my cyber brother and an American warrior that deserved respect. his unique Native American perspective, spirit, and sense of humor will be missed.
This morning I woke up, washed and brushed my teeth thinking this was to be just another day, checked my email, opened NT, and when I saw this article my heart dropped to the floor. David was a good friend. He and I collaborated on posting articles about Native creative artists, and remained good friends here on NT for many years. Kavika, wherever you may be, I want you to know that when I wear my favourite all-weather jacket with this emblem on the back, I will be thinking of you, and know that you will be watching over me. At my age it won't be too long before we will walk together.
The words of Shakespeare do apply well here...
"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."
We need not seek out for whom the bell tolls , it tolls for us all, and those who knew him have within us and will continue to carry a little of Kavika within us, and we will continue to do so notwithstanding John Donne's belief that when Kavika died, we all died a little, because, in a way, we all did.
Thank you Perrie for letting us know the heart breaking news..
The world has just grown a little darker as one of the lights has gone out....
Feels like we lost part of our family. He will most certainly be missed. Typing this through tears...
Because we truly did.
I have long felt that ALL the members of NT are a family, some we love, many we llke, some we tolerate and some we dislike, just as it is with our own extended blood relative families. TheNewsTalkers is my connection to the world I no longer live in and when a member leaves the site, voluntarily or not, it is a loss to this site, and thereby a loss to me. Long ago Kavika became more than a friend for me, he was a connection to a life I knew back in Canada, he became a partner in our NT collaborations, we supported each other, and notwithstanding we never met each other in person, when my heart missed a beat when I read the news of this article I realized that I loved him as a brother. I am still unable to shake the sadness, but I will try to step aside from it by posting a new Movie Quiz to somewhat detract from it.
I am just learning of this and have no words other than to say we were long time friends and had the good fortune of having spent a day or two fishing with him and sharing his company, wisdom, decency and generosity.
Some years ago, my wife & I had dinner with KAVIKA & Red in their home in Missouri. While visiting, KAVIKA, a (since deceased NT member) Mrs. D & some others toured Dogwood Canyon & visited a museum together.
Eventually I will share some of the photos I took during our visit. One precious memory among others from that time, was KAVIKA, Red, & my wife & I cracking up when I did a Rodney Dangerfield imitation. As hard as I laughed then, at this moment, that sweet memory brings tears.
I love you, David. God bless.
a touching memory, amac ...
Red and Kavika
all the shots I remember of Kavika are of him with family members ...
Arvo Vangy...was just looking at the photos Kavika put up re his trip down to my rock...
His great grand son Will and Red on the camels at Broken Hill last week..
You just never know when the bell will toll for us to depart this earth...
It just doesn't seem right...🥀🥀
... it never does, for a loved one. being born is an automatic entry into the death lotto, everybody wins once ...
Sleep well friend and eternal wonder to your fine spirit as it joins your once lost and now found ancestors soaring in the quick ether. Fly my friend, fly and I will wave to you as you wisp pass the moon tonight.
Didnt know he was doing that poorly. I never met Kavika but by all appearances he was a great man and a tireless and fearless advocate for his people. This is a staggering blow to NT.
agreed.
Mino-siijiibaan Kavika
Walk in peace, my friend.
still processing this .
my thoughts go to his family .
i shall miss his council .
I am truly shattered to read of Kavika's passing this morning..🥀
I am so glad he had one last trip to the Great Southern Land to see his rellies here...
The banter has been a highlight on here and I will miss him dearly...
Thank you Kavika it has been fun and a privilege to know you and talk to you...
There will be many heart broken Aussies awakening this morning knowing a wonderful Spirit has now walked on...
Sleep well my friend...💔🥀
Too sad for words. He is already greatly missed.
Goodbye, Kavika. May God bless the progeny you left behind.
I am sure they will do him proud...
From what I knew of him here, I have great respect for him
He will be missed
Kavika was one of the good people, level headed, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. I will miss his posts and stories, condolences to all his friends and family
Rest in peace Sir, May your hunt be successful and your loved ones be joyous for your arrival.
O what a joy it has been to know and 'serve' with you, Kavika, in a higher calling. From a first 'impression' you delivered of a young, vibrant, you in full Indian regalia (with bare chest and legs). . . some years ago I misplaced it. . .perhaps on an old computer. . . to standing up brilliantly and openly in defense of US. Just, Us.
I have often wondered about the years of good and likeable men of a multitude of seasons. What do each man, and woman, take away with them when we "walk on."
We can take the pride and joy of knowing that we did our best to be a friend to somebody who had little and kept a line of communication open to those who have everything—whenever needed and what it can be good for.
In nine of my years you kept the peace with me. I testify that you were kind-hearted to this 'outcast.' You counseled me in the quiet spaces where I could listen. It was a high time indeed. Treasured and precious and yes, pure.
With respect and with shock and also with a mixture of joy, I release you to go the way of MAN. 'The whole earth' will follow after you in their own time. Peace to a man's man. A real man who comprehended what hurts, twists, and bends us in this life. And yet you found grace in sharing with some of the best and worse of -Us- in your own unique way.
Bye for now, Kavika (David.)
Kavika
OFFLINE.
🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
I'm so sorry to read that he walked on. Condolences to Red and their family. I'm glad he made it to Australia again. I'll miss his stories here.
I'm absolutely devastated to hear this news. He was a great man and a very good and wonderful friend to me since I first became a member of NT. We had many private conversations over the years about all sorts of topics that I will always remember and treasure, including teaching me a bit of the Ojibwe language and culture, discussing friends and family and life experiences. I will miss you niijii. He will be sorely missed.
So sad to hear. What a wonderful person he was. He will definitely be missed.
Oh man. Terribly sorry to hear about this. My heart goes out to his family and may he rest in peace. I always enjoyed discussions with Kavika here, he will be missed by so many.
My wife always talks about good bad luck and the native American Indian spirits looking over her through out her life.
The bad luck came in that I had to travel to Florida for a "celebration of life" for my best friend.
The good luck was that Kavika was recovering from severe health issues and was available to visit.
We had a great time reminiscing about all of the places we had been to, sometimes at the same periods of time,
especially in Texas and Australia where Red was a famous female sailing phenom.
I am proud to have met them both before they went to Australia
and heartbroken that he has passed on to the spirit world.
Miigwech Kavika, Bamma Pii
I also shared that with him as he and Red would visit the texas tourist town on the gulf that my family had residences ...
Grandfather Creator, Mother Earth and Spirits -
We thank you for the gift of David Westurn (Kavika) and for his time with us.
He has walked in the beauty you created and shared his wisdom, knowledge and experiences with us.
As he journeys to the Great Beyond, we know he is with you.
May he find rest and peace in your embraces.
We will continue to remember him and the lessons he taught us.
We thank you for the strength and courage to face this time of parting.
Ahoo.
I have known Kavika since 2005 in the Ol' NBC Bulletin Board, Newsvine and Newstalkers Days.
I learned so much from him and still have that hunger for knowledge and wisdom that you just can't fill.
He is my WARRIOR, my LEADER, my ELDER, but most importantly, he is my BROTHER.
We will meet again my Brother and will continue our walk and talks - which I welcome with an open and willing heart.
Miigwech Niiji
1stwarrior (Silent Eagle)
Vaya con Dios hermano, y que Dios le vendiga a usted y su familia!!
Go with God my brother, and may God bless you and your family!
Tears..... As some may remember, Kavika was a volunteer at an animal rescue center. I visited the center a couple times, and met David. He was the best! I got my dog at that shelter, and he was one of the first I told when my dog passed away last month. He asked for some photos of her before she passed, and he got them.
I'm surely going to miss Kavika here on NT, too. Kavika was a dear friend.
Just saw this and though I only knew him from here and often from opposite ends of a discussion, I had great respect for him as a fellow Veteran, Tradesman and outdoorsman.
Rest in peace brother. You will be missed.
I am truly crushed... He was such a good person. May the winds be always at your back my friend.
I am likewise crushed...
Bob Dylan And The Band - Forever Young
One of his favorite groups
Thanks Thomas.
He felt personally connected to Robbie Robertson, who was also Native American (First Nation).
Truly a sad day indeed.
I have always heard that it was an old Indian saying that no man is truly dead as long as he is remembered by those that knew cared honored and loved him. It is my guess that Kavika will live for many many more years.
I know ya had some health issues too Arky, we all care about you.
Evening...I have just come in from sitting outside in the comfort of the night sky...I was waiting for my cat as she loves to creep around in the dark...
I was hoping to see a falling star so I could make a wish for Kavika for a safe journey into the after life...
But instead and probably more fitting, the sky is in complete darkness no stars, moon or satellites to be seen tonight...
Gentle rain has started to fall, we are in desperate need of it and it is pattering on the corrugated iron roof..
Crickets are quietly singing their song and there is not a breath of wind...all is calm...the trees are completely still...
Somehow the darkness tonight is more appropriate and the rain is the tears that have been shed around the world, for a soul who has now walked on....
These are the Southern Cross stars that shine over Australia every night..
Kavika would have seen these whilst here visiting his rellies just a few weeks ago..
Good night Kavika one last time from the Great Southern Land and sleep well. 🥀
A beautiful valediction.
Yes, as you did note, the sky was weeping.
My sincere condolences to Kavika's family. A sad loss and a sad day.
So sad. You go walk with your ancestors Kavika. We'll catch up later.
no doubt ...
Judging from his comments on the music seeds, this was one of Kavikas favorite songs, bands, and performances
The Weight - The Band - The Last Waltz
So was this.
Beat me to it
A good man who will be missed in every venue he contributed…that he he blessed.
One only look at these remembrances, from all ‘sides’, to appreciate the beauty of his spirit. We are poorer in his loss, but better for having had the opportunity to share this little slice of his life.
Peace.
Kavika would go deep in his reflections on issues, matters, and afflictions of the "People." There was nothing shallow about his sharing. He stood for something important for the people. And, we are better off with the education about our Native people.
May we continue to learn Native American history and life in our Kavika's honor, when and where we can discover and share it together.
I never met Kavika, in person. Actually, I am profoundly impressed that so many of us know his birth name and took bread with him on one or several occasions. I can tell you that he held sway with me whenever he wrote a comment. Yes, I noticed when he began to slow-down in coming-whether for being away on travels or 'unable.' Yes, I remember when he remarked that he was sharing with us from a wheelchair. I kept my silence out of respect.
Kavika represented Native Americans and veteran causes to the maximum here. May that 'voice' continue to be relished among us.
Well that is news I was not expecting, as I thoroughly enjoyed Kavika's take on things, and his valuable input. As he was respectful to even those who weren't as much to he, yet he could throw it down when he chose, and I found him to be one with vast knowledge for others to learn from, and he will be missed.
Kavika, i believe, unfortunatel;y for you, we shall meet again, God Bless you Brother
Another reminder of how we are all terminal as humans. Kavika will rightly be missed by every member of this site. His stories and knowledge indicated that he had a great run here. I would not worry about where he has arrived, as it too will welcome him.
RIP, My friend. One of my first friends here. We shared a love of fishing and even made each other giggle over our stories. I will miss him so very much. He was kind and compassionate and just an all round good man.
My heart is very heavy this morning
Kavika talked the talk and walked the walk, he was the most american person I ever knew ...
I can't even...
I am deeply saddened to hear of this. Kavika was a friend, fellow Veteran, and a wonderful soul. He will be missed.
Fair winds and following seas Marine.
Godspeed.
very nice.
an old friend of mine posted a picture on FB yesterday of a birch bark canoe he had just acquired for fishing, made years ago by someone in the same tribe as Kavika, and from the same area of his youth ...
... I'll take that coincidence as a sign from beyond.
You have some sentimentalist tendencies after all. But, sometimes a coincidence is just a coincidence.
my spiritual beliefs, or lack of, are as valid as anyone else in this country ...
Morning...it sure has been a long week...😔
Just wondering any chance of getting a photo? I for one would like to see the canoe..🐨
oops, I was deleting all the stinking FB ads and fat fingered the picture today, but it was pretty cool looking, although probably a pisser to keep sealed. I can't imagine he would strap it to the roof of a vehicle to get it wet somewhere. I'll try and remember to take a picture of it this summer when I get over to that side of the hill.
Arvo.. don't bust a boiler over it..just thought it would be interesting to see..so no drama..
There is a hole in my life that was filled by a man that was full of wisdom. I shall miss him.
He was truly the best of the best. He will be a long time missed.
he knew how much his friends appreciated him.
This breaks my already broken heart. I greatly admired our friend Kavika. If anyone wondered where I have been lately, my Mother passed away on Good Friday after suffering a massive stroke...
Aww. So sorry. How are you? So much is happening right now.
The stress has inflamed my chronic health conditions. Have probably only a dozen hours if sleep in ten days. My joints are locked up and am hurting all over. This Mamma's Boy is lost. She has been my best friend, confidante and sounding board. Not having my Mom in my life is terrifying...
Oh my. Do take something to get some quality rest. Your health would be of upmost importance to your mom and love ones. Sleep is so important to the body. Take a pain pill or ask a medical doctor for something to sleep; preferably non-habit forming. Welcome back, may this somehow provide a measure of familiarity to you at this truly difficult time in your life. A mother life-long love and devotion is incredibly potent.
You are a good man and a true friend...
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine...
From one Mommas boy to another.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. We've missed your posted articles and your usual excellent comments. Your contributions on here are highly valuable and greatly appreciated.
Thank You Very Much...
You are a very important voice on here. We need you back as your usual self.
Please check your messages...
Afternoon JBB..
I won't say "good" as at the moment for many of us, yourself included, it is far from it..
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dearly loved Mum..you sound like you are struggling to come to terms with it all, but be patient with yourself...
Take it slowly and in your own way and in your own time, grieve the way you wish...
Hang on to your memories, but also remember what you have in the present...and the future, let that take care of itself as it does...
The light will return in time and until then, I wish you peace....
Thank You Shona. I will send you a personal note with her obituary. She was amazing...
I'm so sorry for your loss, JBB.
Sorry to hear that JBB. My mother lived a long life too, but that somehow is not much consolation when we lose a parent (or a friend). Best wishes to you.
Condolences. Losing a parent is very difficult whatever their age was.
Aw man, so sorry to hear that JBB. Losing a parent is rough I know. My father passed this last July. My condolences to you and your family.
My condolences for your loss. 😢
My condolences. It is a sad loss, but know that eventually the sun will shine again. "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." (Anthem - Leonard Cohen)
This is truly heartbreaking news. While Kavika is no longer with us in flesh, his vast knowledge and inspiration he shared with us over many years will live on.
May the Creator hold Kavika in His loving hands as he moves on to his own eternal journey.
My condolences to Red and his family.