Daniel Duane Garfield, Jr. (Charging Buffalo), went to heaven at St. Vincent hospital on December 11, 2017 in Billings, Montana at the age of 79.
Dan is survived by his wife Dixie of Shepherd, Montana, his children, Tracie Garfield of Billings, Montana, Faith (Daniel) Yanez of Phoenix, Arizona, Joy (Ted) Toavs and Mervin Garfield of Wolf Point, Montana, step-children Landon Means, Anya, and QJ of Missoula, Montana, Joel Means and Andrea Means of Lame Deer, Montana, his adopted children Albert Foote and Clifford Berger of Poplar, Montana, Shawn Brown of Vancouver, British Columbia and Jaimé Rosaroio of Illinois, his brothers Larry (Sheena) Garfield, Chuck (Janice) Garfield, Vance (Clairanne) Garfield of Wolf Point, Montana, Leon (Ruth) Garfield of Fort Peck, Montana, sisters, Joan Small, Celia (Hyram) Peters, Desiree Garfield of Wolf Point, Montana, Cleo Shumway of Bristol, Connecticut, Marshalle Lambert of Billings, Montana, and Nancy Nordwick of Trenton, North Dakota. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, sons Ronnie and Duane Garfield, parents Daniel Sr. and Agnes Garfield, brother Douglas Garfield, and adopted sons Keifer Foote and Willie Blue Earth. He has 33 grandkids and 23 great grandkids.
Dan, also known to some as “Cowboy”, was born November 28, 1938 in Wolf Point, Montana to Daniel Sr and Agnes (Moran) Garfield. He attended Wolf Point High School, graduating in 1956. He then went into the Navy and was stationed in Aleutian Islands in Adak, Alaska. He was honorably discharged before returning to Wolf Point. Dan was a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Tribe. He was a skilled carpenter, and also worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Irrigation department in Wolf Point for over 30 years.
Dan united in marriage to Barbara Bear on October 4, 1958. The two were married for 44 years, until her passing in 2002. Dan and Barbara settled in Wolf Point after jobs in Milwaukee and Browning, Montana. From this union, they had six children. Dan and Barb opened their hearts and their home to many foster children, their children’s friends, and many others throughout the years.
In 2004, Dan married Dixie Means of Lame Deer, Montana. She was handpicked from heaven to bring him years of love, joy, laughter and adventure. Together they demonstrated unconditional love to each other and to their families. They moved from Wolf Point to Shepherd, Montana, where they made their home until his passing.
There are not enough words to describe a man that has touched so many lives, but here are just a few; Respect, integrity, honorable, humble, honest, loving, kind-hearted, handsome, unconditionally loving, mentor, leader, humorous, witty, charming, dashing, good provider, non-judgmental, perseverance, outdoorsman, adventurous, and most importantly, he showed by example how to walk on this earth with hope, strength, and faith in our Creator.
He was active in both his Christian Catholic faith and the traditional ways, sun dancing with his wife Barbara and son Duane in Chelsea, Montana. His belief in God our Creator and heavenly father was the essence of who he was to all that knew him.
Dan was an outdoorsman extraordinaire, exceling in fishing, hunting and trapping. He was Wolf Point/Poplar Walleyes Unlimited Angler of the year in 2000. He shared his love of the outdoors with all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other children, teaching them patience and respect for Mother Earth. He often took them on camping trips, telling them stories to teach them about life’s lessons. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Dan wanted us to know “That I love God, my wife, my family, and my adopted relatives.”
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 pm
Thursday December 14, 2017
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Friday December 15, 2017
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 pm
Thursday December 14, 2017
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Friday December 15, 2017
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
I am sorry to hear of Cowboy’s passing but now he can be with his parents, wife and children and siblings who preceded him in death and other beloved relatives. God bless and be with all of you.
Keeta Clemens says
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Dan was a pillar of the community and will be missed and remembered by many.
Donna Archdale says
Andi and I are so sorry about Dan’s passing. He was our neighbor for years and would say “hi neighbor” every time we ran into him in Billings. He was a good man and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family.
Julius Poitra says
Our deepest sympathy goes to the Garfield family for the loss of Cowboy. May each day without him get a little easier.
Bob Parsley says
My most sincere condolences to Cowboy’s family! He was a good man that I always had tremendous respect for! He will be missed by many!
Cadillac says
He was a genuine soul—a very rare quality–spanning many age groups !!!!
Fred McGeshick says
My condolences, sympathy and prayers to the family of Mr. Daniel Duane (Cowboy) Garfield, Jr. Cowboy was a God fearing man, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. I have great memories of him and his family with God’s eternal love and I am very close to the family and he is in God’s hands now. His son Duane were good friends with Jerry Moran, Frank Gorneau and Tim (Bushman) Redwood living in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Rest in peace cowboy and I enjoyed your fishing and hunting stories. AMEN.
Dale Stensland says
Cya “over there” Brother. Peace to your family’s . May the spirit of peace Be upon others as was upon you.
Sharon Azure says
Sincere condolences and prayers from the John and Emily Azure family to the Garfield family and relatives. May God comfort you.
Edward Winchell says
Sorry for your loss, prayers to all of the family. From Havre,Mt. Eddie, Bryanna, Bradyn, Jaryn Winchell and Eric and Kevin Turner.
Dave Weeks says
I grew up with Cowboy’s younger brothers and he was my supervisor during my employment at Ft Peck Irrigation. He was very knowledgeable and respectful to his employees. He was a good person and will be missed by many that knew him.
Lawna Burland says
Dan ( cowboy) was a true gentlemen , he always treated me like a daughter as I could always call him for advice end guidance , I will miss our talks and his silly sense of humor , my condolences to Dixie, Tracy ,Faith , Joy , and my Marvin and all who loved him , pain-free now may you rest in peace love always Lawna
TRINA WHITE says
My heartfelt sympathy for Dixie and family as well as community. Although I didn’t know Dan for very long, he was a sweet and good soul, kindhearted, gentle and seemingly at peace. I thought we was much younger than his 79, so active and involved. May your memories help to sustain and comfort you through the days and weeks ahead.
Greg Stevenson says
I knew Cowboy who had a pleasant and friendly personality. I grew up in WP, Leon and Doug were my best buddies. All the best to Dan Jr’s family.
debra mason says
This is so sad to hear, he was such a nice person. prayers and condolences to the family.
Shari Knuudson Ekwortzel says
Prayers to the Garfield family, there is nothing but truth in this writing. What a great way to live ones life making there no doubt he has earned his way in to heaven. Stay strong knowing he will still be watching over you all.
Wacy Weeks says
Im thankful to have known this man. Dan was by far one of the most well respected men of our Tribe. God bless the Garfield family.
Alice Christensen says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Garfield Family.Rip
Nancy Sietsema says
My thoughts and prayers to the Garfield family. Cowboy was a wonderful man and I respected him so much for the kind man that he was. He raised his children and grandchildren just the same. RIP Cowboy as you are reunited with Barbara, your parents and your sons. Your family will have many wonderful memories to cherish ❤️
Sheri alvarez finch says
Resting in peace…condolances for those left behind to mourn your passing..please give grandma and grandpa a kiss from me..
Azurene Real Bird (Azure) says
Rest in Peace Cowboy. I have lots of good memories at the Garfield house growing up. God bless his beautiful and amazing family…may they find peace and comfort.