Tom Heidlebaugh; Author and Poet

Tom Heidlebaugh, 55, author and poet who worked to revive and preserve Native American traditions. Heidlebaugh coordinated programs for American Indian youngsters. With his friend Phil H. Red-Eagle, he founded an arts center in Tacoma, Wash., with plans to teach classes in writing, carving, weaving and native languages. His poems and projects were aimed at fostering pride in Indian heritage as what Red-Eagle called “glue to hold our people together.” Heidlebaugh also published Oceanedge magazine, which often showcased items written by teenage Native Americans. On March 26 in Tacoma of cancer.