A couple of years back I purchased a guitar strap created by Ed. I use the word created because I feel the love and inspiration of the artist that Ed was whenever I put the strap on, and feel as if his creative energy flows through it. It is rare than an "accessory" such as a guitar strap has that kind of an impact on a performer or a songwriter such as myself but it has become every bit of my creative energy as my guitar, and microphone or effects. My search for another led me here where I regretably found about his passing. I am honored that the creative force that guides us connected me to Ed and very sad to hear that he has passed. He is a friend who I never met but who's creative energy I interact with every day. Wishing love and peace to his family.
Fred

I am very very late in writing this to you. So many things in my own life have changed, and I think I have finally found my connection to the Creator. I am so sorry that Ed's human voice has been silenced. Although I did not know him well, he and I developed a very quick friendship that still resonates close in my heart. I have two of his flute cases, a custom strap which Ed and I designed together, and a few smaller leather pieces. It was my strap that inspired his future designs. He spoke to me often after the initial piece was completed and told me how thrilled he was to have been inspired, and that he had more orders than he had ever hoped to have. A few months later, I flew to Arizona and followed his cryptic map to find him. We spent a glorious day in the mountains, playing music--Ed with his flutes, and I had brought a guitar. A raven above us would take flight each time he began to play, and would land nearby when each song was finished. I must say that I am the truly inspired one. Ed's work now rests within a beautiful glass case in my home... a reminder for me the gift that Ed was given, and of his gift of friendship to me. Ed, as you signed each and every correspondence to me in native language, I will send the message in mine... We are all brothers. I am certain we will walk together again.

Dearest family of Chief Ed Tall Bear,

I am in absolute shock as I write this!
I am actually speechless as I write this...

Chief ETB and I had many, many emails through the years. We talked about Nature, Wolves, Eagles and the Sanctity of life. When I was in my darkest period - losing both parents, my two dogs and the horror of Hurricane Katrina - I commissioned (4) unique guitar straps from the Chief. They are just stellar and beautiful. I asked him to sign them and he thought that was kind of funny, but I really wanted his signature. And as the kindest gesture of all, he made a small medicine pouch and loaded it with sage for my dogs' spirits and souls. And he sent a CD-rom of photos as well. This eased my grief tremendously and it has remained on the table at my bedside next to the ashes of Val and Bec - my dogs. I touch it every night and give thanks to Chief ETB.
My heart is heavy, but know that your father and husband has reunited with those people and animals that are awaiting us.
I am also finishing a book on the "Passion of Guitar," and know this: I will delay publication so I can put a short story and professional photos of the Guitar Straps he made for me; that's the least I can do...

To Tina and the rest of the family and the 'Pack"... Walk In Peace!

beaucoup d'amour de la Nouvelle-Orléans et Louisiane...
toujours avec toi et Chief Ed Tall Bear...
May the Wings of Eagles and the Call of the Wolves Guide You Swiftly to The Side of God
-Matt Touchard
and mes Pacte des Chiens

Dear Tina & Family, When I didn`t hear from Ed in so long I had a feeling something was terribly wrong. I just went on his web site and found a notice of Ed`s passing. I never met him in person but I have a beautiful guitar strap that he made for me that I will always cherish. The times I spoke with him on the phone he made me feel as if we were life time friends, all from a transaction on Ebay. This is very sad news and I`ll keep Ed in my prayers. My smypathy goes out to Ed`s wife Tina and his family.

Happy Father's Day tomorrow Dad. Father's Day without you is so much harder than I thought it would be. I am very sad. I shouldn't be - it is so selfish. I was doing so well until yesterday. Keeping you in my heart is so easy - I see so much of you in myself.

It is just so hard to know I can't ever hear your voice except in my memories. I am sorry, but this is so very hard. I miss you so much.

Happy Father's Day, I love you so much Dad.

Que Deus Acompanhe, Ed. Now, your creative spirit is boundless. Muito Obrigado for your friendship.dj

My condolences to all of Ed's family. As a friend and former co-worker, I was touched by his friendship and hospitality. I mourn with you his passing, though I am certain his spirit is at peace among the many spirits in the land he loved so deeply and was such an integral part of his life. Goodbye my friend.

hi Tina my thoughts are with you. I didn't knoe Ed personally but got to know of him through a friend of his & mine Bob Hughes. bob spoke of ed very highly and thought the world of him I was saddened to hear of his passing but he & Ed are together now.

dear Tina
My heart goes out to you thank you for your kind wishes also the paintings. Ed was a great man and a close friend who will be missed so much . I am sure that Bob and Ed are together now watching over us.
Love
Fran

Ed swelled with pride when he spoke of his TinaBaby, his Son, his Daughters, his Daughter-in-law, his Sons-in law and his Grandchildren. A warrior for the down-trodden and a defender of the less fortunate. A noble and loyal man gifted with many talents, strong standards and deep spiritual beliefs. I pray that what must feel like a limitless void for those he left behind will soon begin to fill with precious memories.

Ed,
Although I never got to meet you in person, I always felt we were kindred spirits. I know that we will meet one day. Rest in peace knowing that your work will live on. You were instrumental in helping us.
Kenny

We only knew you for such a short time but you left a long lasting warm place in our hearts. May your travels take you places even more incredible than you ever expect.

Dad
You were my shelter in any storm. No matter what was bothering you could always make me smile. I will miss but I will never forget you. I hope that you are having fun on Planet Mango. I love you and thank you for everything that you have done for me. I am proud to call you my father.

I miss you Daddy!!! I love you and I pray that you are soaring on wings like eagles. You were my Daddy, my mentor and my friend -- and I will miss you dearly. Time and distance were a thief of our being together face to face, but with e-mail, snail mail and telephone we did keep in touch. I know how much you loved me and I know you departed knowing how dear you were to me. Although you are no longer with us here on Earth, you are forever in my heart and there you shall remain until the end of my days. I love you DoD!!

What can I say? I am glad we had grown so close - even with so many miles between us. Always looking forward to the next time we have the time to get together... maybe we shouldn't have put that off so much.

I am glad for all the things I was able to learn from you and for the moments when I knew you were truely proud. So many people live their entire lives yearning for their father's pride, I knew your pride and it means so much.

Go with safety and honor and one day I will see you again.
I love you so much, this is the hard part... Goodbye Dad.

I had the honor to be your daughter-in-law. The wife of your son and the mother of 2 of your grandchildren. You were loved by us all and will be greatly missed by us all. Tina, you remain in our family as well as our thoughts and prayers. We are here for you whenever you need us. We love you DOD. RIP

Grandpa, you will be greatly missed. I wish I had one more chance to talk to you just so I could tell you I love you one last time. But you already know how much you are loved by all of us. Just a few days ago I had mentioned I wanted to come out to Arizona to visit you, now I don't have to visit you. You know why? Because you will always be right here with me, and the rest of us.

I love you Grandpa