This memorial website was created in honor and celebration of our beloved Naqual, Soke, husband, son, brother, father, and friend, Harley SwiftDeer Reagan.
SwiftDeer, also known as Gunnie to many, touched many lives, in many arenas, around the world.
We invite all who have known and loved him to contribute stories, photos, videos, and/or audio to this site. (Note that we are also developing a memory book, and would like to be able to use contributions to this site in that as well.)
On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, over 160 friends and family gathered in Phoenix from around the country (and world) to celebrate the life of Harley SwiftDeer Reagan. The stories shared were rich, and both tears and laughs were plentiful. In the end we said our heartfelt goodbyes and remembered a brilliant, courageous and tenacious man. The memorial included the US Marine Corps honor guard presentation of Military Funeral Honors with gun salute, bugler playing “Taps,” and American flag folding and presentation to his wife, Dianne, to honor SwiftDeer as a soldier, veteran, and warrior.
About Harley SwiftDeer Gunnie Reagan
Born and raised in Texas, SwiftDeer often referred to himself as a half-breed cowboy. And though true, that was only a small part of the truth.
Anyone who has been in the dojo with SwiftDeer can attest to his skill in martial arts. He brought an intensity of focus, attention to detail, and knowledge of what really matters in technique and situations.
He delighted in the competitiveness of the shooting world. The Deer Tribe Gun Club, which he founded, has been running monthly Steel Challenge matches for at least 13 years. He said this about his experience: "… The stress of being the Chief Range Master/Match Sponsor & also shoot your own match! ( I LOVE IT!)". In the world of Cowboy Action Shooting he was known as "Ol’ Swift Buck.”
He has touched the lives of many, many people around the world with the teachings he brought through the Twisted Hairs Council of Elders: the wheels, keys, and ceremonies of the Sweet Medicine SunDance Path.
He was also a beloved husband, father, son, godfather, friend.
Though we will miss you more than words can say, we are at the same time full of gratitude for the time we had with you, and we send our prayers for your transition to - whatever is next for you!