The family of
Ned Edward Bear are saddened to announce his passing on December 24,
2019. Born in Fredericton, NB, he was a son of the late Albert and
Rebecca (Paul) Bear. Ned was a sculptor from the Wolistoqiyik First
Nations Community in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He was inspired by a
Native Elder carver as a young boy, received formal training at the
New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, where he became the first
aboriginal student to graduate. Bear received additional training at
the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now the First Nations
University of Canada), the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and
the University of New Brunswick, where he obtained a Bachelor of
Education. Ned has made significant contributions as an instructor of
Native art and culture, a curator, a guest speaker, and a juror. He
has served as the Director of Education for Saint Mary’s
First Nation and as a member of the New Brunswick Arts Board. In 2006,
he won first prize at the prestigious Face the Nation
competition at the UC Davis Design Museum. Bear was pursuing a Masters
degree in Native art education at the University of New Brunswick. Ned
was very proud of his Cree heritage.
He loved his
family beyond measure and enjoyed taking his grandson to
hockey.
He is survived
by his daughter Charity Bear (Nicholas Bear) of Belledune, NB; his son
Jeremy Bear (Sandra Paul) of Fredericton; grandson Xavier;
granddaughters Zoey, Jane, Latisha and Rachel Kicking Bear;
greatgrandchildren Kason and Kasley; siblings Martin Bear (Susan) of
Fredericton, Debra McKay (Wayne) of Fredericton, Edna Paul, of
Fredericton, Jonas Nash (Lisa) of Fredericton, Leanne Froese of
Calgary, AB; an aunt Emily; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, Ned was also predeceased by siblings Rosemary
Stonham, Jane Paul, Arthur, Terrance and Peter
Bear.
Although there
will be no formal funeral service, the family will receive friends at
157 Maliseet Drive St. Mary’s First Nation on Monday
December 30, 2019 from 12:00 noon until 5:00
pm
“We delve
into so many past wrongs of our lives that we forget to revel in the
present. Learn to capture what you may never have again, now! Do what
makes you content for this time, and begin to realize the true purpose
of life.” – Ned Bear
For those
wishing to make a donation in Ned’s memory, the NB Heart
& Stroke Foundation, have been requested by the family.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bishop’s Funeral
Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton (458-1885) Condolences and the
sharing of memories may be expressed
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ned Edward Bear 19542019..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick