Leland Emerson Spotted Bird, Thunder Horse, passed into the Spirit World on April 22, 2018 in Billings, MT. He was born on June 25, 1947 in Brockton, MT to John and Virginia Spotted Bird.
Leland attended Brockton schools, but later received his G.E.D. He also attended and graduated from the Police Academy in Bozeman, MT.
On June 20, 1969 he married Doris Good Bird and took her daughter, Kori, as his own. Together they had 4 children, Myron, Gina, Kae, and Larissa.
Leland worked for Pat O’Brien, riding and breaking horses. He worked for the Fort Peck Tribes in various departments as H.I.P. Supervisor in 1975, Police Officer in 1978, Fish & Game Warden in 1981, Tribal Prosecutor in Wolf Point and later in Poplar, and Tribal Judge from 1995 until 1997. He served on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board for 3 terms, 1997-2003; as Land Chairman, Education Chairman, Negotiating Team Member for Northern Border, Delegate-Docket #74, Delegate to secure funds for the court system, Tribal Leaders Large Land Base, Roosevelt County Planning Board, and Fort Peck Tribes Summit Planning Committee. He has been on the Badlands Celebration Committee from 1973 until his passing. Leland was a Powwow announcer for honorings and memorials and was an original member of the Badlands Drum Group. He also was a member of the Tantaka Oyate’ Drump Group. Leland participated in the Dakota 38+ Ride for 5 years, the Ft. Belknap ride for 2 years, and 4 years in the Fort Peck Awareness Ride; founding the Fort Peck Chapter. Leland participated in the ceremony to welcome the Buffalo back after 130 years of being gone from the Fort Peck Reservation. He also was recognized as a Spiritual Leader to sign Eagle Feather permits. Leland was a member of the Black Hills Steering Committee, Sioux Council, and was a National Park Service advisor for the Future Indian Memorial at Little Bighorn Battlefield. He also was a tribal representative at the Minnesota Historical Society.
Leland loved to hold and sing to his great-grandchildren, sing and dance at powwows, attend rodeos or watching them on tv, going for rides on his horse, and visiting family and friends. He loved helping, whatever needed to be done he was there. He loved his Sioux traditions. He was involved in Sundances, and was one of the of the founders of the 3 Buffalo Sundance; participating for 12 years. He always prayed for those who came to him to seek advice and guidance.
We will miss his laugh, his advice, his guidance, and his unconditional love for everyone. We will miss seeing him at powwows, on rides, and at Traditional doings. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Doris; son, Myron Spotted Bird; daughters, Kori Good Bird, Gina, Kae (Bear) and Larissa Spotted Bird all of Brockton; 12 grandchildren, grandsons, Emerson (Talissa) Boyd, Trent and Leroy Boyd Jr all of Brockton, Anthony (Ashley) Spotted Bird of Poplar; Chance Wakinyan Roberts of Brockton, Wyatt Spotted Bird of Brockton, granddaughters, Leigh Spotted Bird, Kim Spotted Bird, Marquel, Kyla and Ziktgana Roberts, Lariah Bull Head all of Brockton; 16 great grandchildren, MyRee and Liam Talks Different, Tiar’e Garcia, Brayan and Emerson Boyd Jr., Tresten and Trenton Boyd, Suta Mani and Mali Iskitini Spotted Bird, Quade DelRay Boyd, Colton and Aaliyah Roberts, Layla and Lemiyah Roberts, Kaston and Leland Boyd; Special nephew, Tuffy First; adopted daughters, Marylou Ducharme and Claudia Scott; adopted brothers, Arrow Weinberger, Sean Brown, Clinton Birdhat, Tom Escarcega Sr., Lanny Campbell Sr., and Calvin Campbell; adopted sister, Hazel Longee; brothers-in-law, Arnie Good Bird of Poplar and Leonard Good Bird of Rapid City; sisters-in-law, Ina Mae Driver, and Darlene Finley both of New Town, ND; and many nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, too numerous to mention.
Leland is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Virginia Spotted Bird; sisters, Elaine Spotted Bird, Josephine Black Dog, Viola Spotted Bird, Carole Spotted Bird, Catherine Spotted Bird, and Melvine White Bear; and brother, Gerald Calvin Spotted Bird; and grandson, Armon “Poohz” Boyd.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Friday, April 27 at the Brockton Cultural Center. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at the Brockton Cultural Center. Interment will follow at the Spotted Bird Family Cemetery, East of Brockton. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 28, 2018
Brockton Cultural Center
Brockton, Montana 59213
Interment
Saturday April 28, 2018
Spotted Bird Family Cemetery
East of Brockton, Montana 59213
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 28, 2018
Brockton Cultural Center
Brockton, Montana 59213
Interment
Saturday April 28, 2018
Spotted Bird Family Cemetery
East of Brockton, Montana 59213
Monty Mason says
To the Spotted Bird families sending the deepest condolences and prayers
Ryan Marottek says
Thoughts and prayers to the Spotted Bird family Leland was a very nice man who could light up the room with his laughter!! I’m glad I got to know him!! Prayers to all!
Nina Fox says
It was a privilege and honor to have met him. My condolences to his family and friends. .
Karla Ricker says
Fly High Grandpa Leland, I am honored to have known you in your journey. My deepest condolences to The Spotted Bird Family. <3
Carlos J Buck Elk | Dallas TX says
My condolences to the Spotted Bull families from across the many miles. ❤️
LeRoy Boyd Sr says
to Gina and my four children I’m sorry for the loss of your dad he was truly a leader and a dad and grandpa sorry for not being there for you all when you got home yesterday but they flew chuck down here to billings to so thats where i’m at hope you all stay strong toghter has a family cause thats what he taught you all it’s all about family so my prayers are with you and your mom has you all left here yesterday with a sad heart but remember Chuck in all you all’s prayers has he to is having a tough time in life right now so everyone please remember these to well respected fellows in time of prayers see you soon and my kids I know you all loved your grandpa with everything in the world and i love all you all but Chuck needs prayers and someone to talk to has i took Chuck has a father many years ago so that’s why i’m here in billings with him and crew here so hope you all made it home safely and hope to see you all has soon has we fiind out whats going on here and hope to see you all soom love Turbo
Helen Bighorn says
Doris, family and Relatives,
May creator grant you all strength, hope, unity & peace now and forever more while he holds you in the palm of his hand.
Gerald Jackson says
Prayers and Condolences to the family may he rest in peace. I worked as a Police Officer and Fish and Warden Officer and it he will be Missed. Have a good journey my brother.
Nikki Crawford says
Rest In Peace Great Grandpa Leland ? it broke my heart to hear the news… even though we might not have seen each other on the daily basis but you and great grandma Doris were always in my prayers and thoughts. Your going to be missed by lots of family near and far. Im sad your gone but happy your not suffering anymore in pain ? I love you and will deeply miss you great grandpa. My condolences go out to my Spotted Bird family and all my aunties, uncles, and cousins you are all in my prayers. until we meet again great grandpa Leland Spotted Bird ❤️ your great granddaughter from sisseton sd Nikki Crawford and your great great grandchildren Jorell and Deanna!
Jewell L. Youpee says
It’s so unbelievable, how you were here then the next sundown you were gone. Miss your voice, when you used to announce at Badlands. And your unforgettable laugh. ?
Thunder Horse
Rest easy grandpa Le Leland.. sending prayers and lots of love, fly high you’ll truly be missed?
Patt Iron Cloud says
A’te Wakan Rankan gave us a wonderful Man on Mother Earth to help guide us with his wisdom, his name is Leland Spotted Bird. He was a Most Honorable Councilman for the Mighty Fort Peck Tribes. He spoke our Dakota language fluently. Prayed always for better days to come. He was gifted a beautiful bride Doris and she gifted him his wonderful children and now his Takojapi and greats. May Our Creator receive him gently into his eternal bliss in Mahpiya Wakan. I pray for blessings for him as Brother Leland travels across Unci Maka to visit all his Tiwahe and Tiospaye. He is a powerful leader on Mother Earth and he will even be more powerful in the Heavens. Tunkashina Wakan, please bless and comfort his beloved wife and his beautiful children and Takojapi. Bless their hearts which are broken into a million pieces, bless their broken wings, so one day they will fly once again. I love you all, Grandma Patt
Joel Stuber says
I am so sorry to hear about Leland passing. He was truly a warrior and Brockton Warrior fan through and through. Doris and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
BLOSSOM LONGEE says
Dear Doris and Family I’m so sorry to hear of Leland’s passing. Sending prayers of comfort at this time for all Leland’s family and friends. May he now rest peacefully and fly high with the rest of the Angels.
Carolyn Adams says
Mine and my husband Buddy’s condolences to the family. Leland will greatly missed by family and the community. He was a great leader for his people here on the Ft. Peck Reservation.
Gina Bearfighter says
Deepest condolences to the family of Leland Spotted Bird. Uncle Leland was one of a kind. He was a strong man who knew his roots, and acted with integrity. Prayers that you find peace in the Creator’s love and the love of family and friends. I looked up to him and he was my mother Abigail Yvonne Reddoor whom just also passed into the spirit world 3 a.m. April 23, 2018. Uncle Leland was a confidante in times of mourning. I will miss you Uncle Leland.
Gina Bearfighter
Georgia Dupuis says
My condolence and prayers for Leland’s entire family. I met him and got to know him when we were both Tribal Judges. He was smart, funny and honorable and will truly be missed….
Georgia Cantrell Dupuis & Family
Laureen Combs Yellow Hammer says
prayers and condolences to my family. Gpa was a great man and so thankful i got to know him and always took me on trips and thought of me and my siblings. Gma stay strong and love you all very much.
Gpa will be greatly missed, but remember all the good times. he will be with you all. Prayers for the days ahead. love grandaughter Laureen & Jimmy Combs Yellow Hammer <3<3<3
Great Grnadchildren Alleen, Princess, Malcom, Allen III, Maryah & Preslie Russell &
Kyra Stormy & Sebastian Combs Yellow Hammer
Grey bear Family says
Prayers & Condolences to the Spottedbird Family Our prayers are with at this time God Bless
Evetta Two Bulls says
Our heartfelt condolences to the Spotted Bird family. Prayers for comfort and strength during this most difficult time.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Donald Lee Boyd says
Larissa And Doris Family
You’re In Our Prayers..
Mike Little Bear says
Koda…Hena ak’e wanwicunkdakapi kte…
Bobby Ironmaker Sr. says
Rest In Peace my friend. Had some good visits during powwows and other times we crossed paths. To the family we send our condolences and our prayers.
From the Ironmaker family at Fort Belknap, Bobby Sr., Robert Jr., Shawn and Lisa Ironmaker.
Rhonda Mason says
Rest In Peace Leland??????
Prayers for your family and friends that the Creator lifts their hearts. You truly loved your family, koda’s, the Oyate’s, and your culture.
Donna Black Dog says
My prayers and condolences to the Spotted Bird family. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers for comfort and blessings to Doris and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. ??❤️❤️??
Gary Standing Crow says
PRAYERS going out to Doris and the SpottedBird family. Like to say it was a great honor to meet Uncle Leland a few years back & his family. It was always great to see Leland or talk with him on the phone he always ended the talks with a joke or a laugh. He always took the time to help others. So much to say about this Man. I will always remember the advice, teachings, knowledge, songs and Prayers at the Dakota Oyate Sundance (most of all for him being here) his presence here gave the people hope, understanding, strength and why we must go back to our ancestors ways of prayer & healing. We Will miss Leland
WOPIDA TANKA
Bob &Terry McAnally says
Our prayers and condolences to Leland’s family. He had a quiet strength and will be very missed by his family and friends.
Laura Christoffersen says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Leland was a straight up guy, wonderful judge and super great example to all of us. I will miss his smile.
NdiaBCalf says
Condolences to Spotted Bird Family. Lee was awesome friendly always smiling. Well deserved rest was granted. RIParadise. Nona Buffalocalf
Carlos J Buck Elk | Dallas TX says
My condolences to the Spotted Bird families from across the many miles. ❤
(correction to my typo)
Prairiedawn says
I’ll Always Miss You O’l Papa
Forever In My Prayers..
Love You Papa…
Doksha Ake”
Loren Boadle and family says
Sorry to hear about your loss, Leland was a true leader for all of us to look up to.
Eliza Terbasket says
Condolences from our families to yours. Love hugs n prayers. I always remember our years at Chelsea.