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Monday, August 4, 2003

Leonard C. Burch, the longtime leader of the Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado, died early Friday morning after suffering a heart attack. He was 69.

Burch was credited with bringing his tribe out of poverty. Through his efforts, the tribe became a major player in the energy development market with assets of $1.5 billion.

"As Utes, we're known to be short and stout, and we've lost our giant," Vice Chairwoman Pearl Casias told The Denver Post. "The Ute Mountain Utes have their mountain, the Sleeping Ute. Our giant climbed mountains for us. It's a great loss. A lot of people are in shock."

As part of the Council for Energy Resource Tribes, Burch was instrumental in improving energy development throughout Indian Country. He advocated for greater tribal control over tribal resources.

Burch was also regarded as a diplomat who worked with surrounding communities on water rights issues. The Denver Post, in an editorial, and columnist Bob Ewegen praised him for helping settle long-standing claims.

Burch had recently retired as chairman in December.

Get the Story:
'We've lost our giant' (The Denver Post 8/2)
Leonard Burch dies at age 69 (The Durango Herald 8/2)
Editorial: Burch left lasting legacy (The Denver Post 8/2)
Bob Ewegen: Colorado loses a water statesman (The Denver Post 8/2)

Relevant Links:
Southern Ute Tribe - http://www.southern-ute.nsn.us

Related Stories:
Former Southern Ute chairman dies of heart attack (8/1)
Former Ute chairman receives top award (01/27)
Longtime Ute chairman steps down (12/04)
Ute chairman jailed for drunk driving (09/23)
A crowded field runs for council (9/5)
Ute chairman tries to withdraw plea (8/28)
Ute leader pleads guilty to alcohol charge (8/07)

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