Putnam County Mourns Gil "Crying Hawk" Tarbox

From the Putnam County Executive's Office

Gil "Crying Hawk" Tarbox, 73, passed away last week.

"Gil put Putnam County on the map with the Annual Daniel Ninham Pow Wow, and he taught us all so much about our county’s history," Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said.

"We will all miss Gil. There is no replacing his enthusiasm, his spirit and his vast knowledge of the Native Americans who called our county home," County Executive Odell said. "The Pow Wow he helped create has grown into one of the biggest local events of the summer. It not only draws people from all over the country, it brings the past alive and gives the next generation a greater understanding of history."

A member of the Nimham Mountain Singers, Gil helped establish the Intertribal Pow Wow that was held one weekend every August at the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park. With singing, dancing, drumming and storytelling, the Pow Wow helps educate young people about the 8,000 Wappinger Indians who lived in this area and their last chief, Daniel Nimham.

Gil Tarbox, who lived in Kent, was a Vietnam Veteran.

"I will always be grateful to Gil not only for his valuable contributions to Putnam County, but also for his honorable service to his Country," said Putnam County Legislator Toni Addonizio, who represents Kent.

"He enlisted in the United States Army on October 29, 1965," said Art Hanley, Deputy Director of Putnam County Veterans Service Agency. "He trained as a construction machine operator at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He served three years total, with nearly two years overseas on a tour of duty in Germany and a tour of duty in Vietnam."

Gil was active with Veterans causes. He was a member of the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park Advisory Board, where he served for many years.

"He was instrumental in expanding and refurbishing the Daniel Nimham Memorial at the entrance to the county park," said Christopher Ruthven, Deputy Commissioner of Putnam County Parks. "Every year he personally decorated the Memorial for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. And, of course, his group the Nimham Mountain Singers performed at many functions throughout the county including the Pow Wow and the 4-H fair."

His fundraising efforts at the Pow Wow went to support several veterans’ organizations, including Honor Our Military Heroes Fund (HOMH), Semper Fi Odyssey, Tower of Hope Foundation, Wounded Warriors, the Service Dog Project, and Final Salute.

"Gil gave so much of himself to the county. We are grateful for his service," County Executive Odell said. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Penny, his family and friends. May he rest in peace."