Dwight Allen Gourneau left this earth on a cold January day in Rochester, MN, where he had lived for 56 of his 78 years. Two months earlier, he entered Mayo Clinic’s hospice care facility after being told that he had limited time and did not want to be a burden to Shirley, his late-in-life companion. In typical fashion, he quietly “slipped the surly bonds of earth” without drawing attention to himself. He was a man of honor, character, vision, integrity, achievement and service. Generations to come will stand on his shoulders.
Dwight was one of 11 children born to Patrick and Mary Gourneau on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota on March 29, 1944. He said his first and most influential role models were his parents who had entrepreneurial skills and resilient natures. They had a 200-acre farm near the Canadian border and lived off the land. Dwight’s father, Patrick, was a 5-term tribal chairman who was skilled at solving problems and generous in devoting his time to the community. The character of “The Night Watchman” in Louise Erdrich’s novel was thought to be based on Patrick Gourneau.
Dwight’s brother, Howard, remembered that Dwight was an avid reader who “read everything he could get his hands on and spent as much time reading as parents allowed.” He literally “had his nose in a book” before it was determined that he was near-sighted and needed glasses.
A young Dwight loved sports and the outdoors. He liked to fish, was a boy scout and lettered on his high school basketball, football, baseball and track teams. He liked distance running and carried that into his adult life where he ran 5 marathons and won age group awards in numerous 5k and 10k races.
Howard remembered that Dwight wanted to practice shooting hoops at home and convinced his father to attach a backboard and hoop to the outhouse. It was used frequently until a strong wind hit the backboard, overturned the outhouse, and marked the end of the farmyard basketball court.
Dwight was very bright, excelled in math, earned top grades and graduated Valedictorian at Turtle Mountain Community School. He told his parents he wanted to become an Electrical Engineer. They told him that whatever his vocation, he should first and foremost strive to be a good human being. This was internalized.
At the tender age of 19, Dwight married Darlene Lafronaise in 1963 and convinced her to leave the reservation and move to California to further his education. In 1967, Dwight’s job with IBM required a move to Rochester, MN where they resided for the rest of their days. Darlene died in 2017 of multiple health issues.
Dwight used the BIA Relocation Program to pursue a degree in electronics technology from San Jose City College in California. As one of very few American Indians employed by IBM, he obtained undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering and physics. In 1990, he obtained a master’s degree in manufacturing systems engineering from the U of WI-Madison. In 2001, The U of Michigan awarded Dwight an honorary doctor of laws degree that recognized his lifetime achievement and service to native people.
Dwight worked for IBM as an engineer and a manager for 30 years. During this stint, he was involved in higher education, Native American programs, and other civic activities. He obtained 2 patents and received multiple distinctions for innovation.
When he left IBM, Dwight created a consultation Firm, NAMTech. This allowed Dwight to write proposals and negotiate contracts for the Turtle Mountain Chippewa, as well as other tribes and native communities.
In 1986, Dwight served AISES as a loaned executive from IBM. He worked with AISES staff and Board of Directors to strengthen the Teacher Training programs and expand outreach to students from kindergarten to college. He strongly believed that students needed to be properly prepared in order to succeed in STEM vocations. Dwight also helped develop the National Native American Science and Engineering Fair and was the first Science Fair judge.
After his tenure as loaned executive, Dwight was elected to the AISES Board of Directors and served as chairman of the Board. Another past Board Chairman, Dr. Robert Whitman, said “It was an honor and privilege to have known and worked with Dwight Gourneau.” As the AISES Board Chairman, Dwight often worked with the former managing directors of the AISES sponsored “Winds of Change” magazine, Jim Weidlein and Barbra Wakshul. Barbra remembered “what an honor and absolute joy it was to work with Dwight Gourneau. We will always remember his gentle presence, his ability to dive right in and get things done, and his always looking out for the highest good of his associates. His legacy will live on in a multitude of ways.”
Dwight was the Board Chairman for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, during the hectic years of museum building. A previous NMAI Board Chairman, Norbert Hill, Jr., advised Museum Director, Richard West, “If you want to get this museum built, you want Gourneau as your chairman.” The National Museum of the American Indian opened to great pride and fanfare on September 21, 2004.
We will always remember his gentle presence, his ability to dive right in and get things done, and his always looking out for the highest good of his associates. His legacy will live on in a multitude of ways.” — Jim Weidlein and Barbra Wakshul
Former Minnesota Governor Pawlenty appointed Dwight to the Rochester Higher Ed. Development Committee which resulted in the establishment of the U of Minnesota-Rochester. He was a Bush Leadership Fellow and later a board member of the Bush Foundation. He received numerous awards, honors and recognition for technical achievements, service and leadership.
He was a personable individual, had a gentle demeanor and an infectious smile. He made friends easily. He was kind and humble with a ready sense of humor. He could fix anything. He spent the last ten years of his wife, Darlene’s, life as her constant caretaker, which exacted an indelible toll on his own health.
He was a caring father to his three daughters, Dawn, Donna, and Debra and many grandchildren. His granddaughter, Gabby, described him as a “generous and loving grandpa” who provided her with everything she needed to succeed in college. “He made sure I was organized, had plane and bus tickets and a new laptop. He invested in my educational success and his support helped me to graduate from Dartmouth College.”
Dwight spent his life on endeavors that would outlast him. Dwight’s friend and colleague, Norbert Hill, Jr., said, “He never sought any reward or recognition for his work. He was a selfless leader and gracious in every situation. If there was an AISES Leadership Hall of Fame, Dwight would be at the top.” His lifelong friend, Dr. Carol Davis, former VP at Turtle Mountain Community College, said, “Indian Country lost a great leader. Dwight dedicated his life to creating a pathway in sciences for native students. His legacy will live on.”
Dwight, my Old Friend
How often I heard these words While walking with My Old Friend.
There was one time
At an AISES Conference
A Native Man came up to us And said Dwight my old friend
This brought a smile to Dwight’s face And a short discussion ensued.
After the discussion the Man Left us to continue on his way.
Dwight turned to me and said, Who was that,
We didn’t know And we laughed.
But to him Dwight was My Old Friend.
Another time, another conference Again, a Native Man approached us And said, Dwight My Old Friend.
Dwight smiled
A short discussion ensued And the Man went on his way. Dwight’s comment was,
I don’t feel that Old. I told him that
He must be considered an Elder To which Dwight replied
But I don’t feel that Old.
To many People Dwight was
My Old Friend For many years And even though
He didn’t feel that old Dwight was an Elder For he was wise Even as a young man And became wiser Through the years Someone to count on Dwight My Old Friend
— Michael Avritt 2023 (San Felipe Pueblo)