Our beloved Victor Makazi “Yellow Earth”, husband, father, brother, and grandfather left us to make his journey home on January 2, 2018 at the Poplar Hospital. He was 72 years old.
Vic was born on October 5, 1945 to Frank and LaVina Perry at home in Fort Kipp. He was raised by his grandparents Carl and Nettie Walking Eagle in Riverside where he spoke his traditional language and knew his culture ways. He attended school in Poplar. In his younger years he would be seen riding his beloved horse, Buck, all over the country side. He would enter races with his horse and would win most of the time. He had a lot of fond memories of those times. He still had a picture of his horse after all this time.
When he was in his early 20’s he move to Chicago to attend butcher school, while there he met Faye Shegonee. They were united in marriage on July 20, 1968 and had three daughters together LeeAnn, Lisa, and Vicki. They later moved back to Poplar. He and Faye were later divorced but remained friends until Faye passed away.
Victor met his wife Barbara (Shawl) Renz in 1982. They were married on August 4, 1984 in Coeurdalene, Idaho. He and Barb moved to Kalispell that same year, where he attended college. They later moved back to Poplar and settled there. In 1989 a home was built for them out in the country that he and Barb called their mansion on the hill.
He was very supportive when Barb decided to go back to college. Sometimes he would stay with her in the dorm, but he got easily bored and wanted to come home. He worked for the B.I.A in 1998, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It got so bad that he was forced to retire. After he got better, he was the archives director for the Poplar schools. Later he became a Bilingual teacher for the Brockton schools he was a fluent Sioux speaker. He was also chairman for the Treaty Council. Later he became an Elder representative for the HPDP until he got too ill. He was home bound until his passing. He like to play pool with his friends, and to go hunting with them. Later in life he was introduced to bingo. He and Barbara like to go to bingo and play machines at the Silver Wolf Casino. He was also a traditional dancer and would dance with his grandchildren who also danced. He loved all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had 21 great grandchildren. He was the only grandpa they knew and loved him dearly. He was “Old Poppa” and “Grandpa Old” to all of them. He was so proud of them all.
Victor leaves his beloved family and friends to mourn his passing. His wife Barb; three daughters LeeAnn, Lisa, and Vicki Perry of Poplar; grandchildren Kaylyn Perry, Schon Youngman, Troylyn Brown, Alisa Perry, Shelby Renz, Eric, Evan, Sean Black Dog, Mary Black Dog, Addison and Ryan Renz all of Poplar, Patrick, Adam and Damon Baker of McLaughlin, South Dakota, Rod Scheaffer of Fort Belknap, Jestin Dupree, Ralph Renz, and Larissa Red Eagle; step children Robyn (Pat) Baker of McLaughlin, South Dakota, Sinbad (Colleen) Renz, Danny (Glenna) Renz, Jennine (Dennis) Renz of Poplar; Sisters Madelyn Moran of Fort Kipp, Vernita Buckles, Irene Wilkens, Leta Alkinson of Poplar; brothers Clyde Perry and Adrian Perry of Fort Kipp; adopted sister Ethlene White Hawk of Brockton; adopted brothers Mitchell Headdress, Maynard Hawk of Poplar, Ivan Wing of Fort Belknap, Roy Good Will of Canada, Adrian Ireland of Williston, North Dakota; he had special cousins – Clinchers (Marion, Carol, and Steve), Spotted Bulls (Ron and Sheila), Janice White Eagle, Trivian Grainger of Poplar, and Stanley Hollow Horn of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He had many special nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Extended families include Clinchers, White Eagles, Fourbears, Black Dogs, Half Reds, Firsts, and McDonalds.
Preceding Vic in death are his parents Frank and Lavina Perry; grandparents Carl and Nettie Walking Eagle; sister Shirley Perry; Brother Kermit Perry; adopted sister Annette Boxer. Other loved ones Mercy McDonald, Silas Clincher, Bonnie Red Elk, Nancy Eagle; grandchildren Courtney Black Dog and Daniel Renz Jr. as well as all his in-laws from Fort Belknap.
Rest in peace, beloved Victor (Dad). It’s so hard to let you go. It was your time to go join your many loved ones who are waiting for you. You will always be in our hearts. We love you so very much.
We apologize if we forgot to mention any relatives. Victor had a large family.
A wake will be held at 7:00 pm on January 5, 2018 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, Montana. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on January 6, 2018 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, Montana. Interment will be held at Poplar City Cemetery.
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.
Cissy Eagleman, Cookie & Granddaughters says
No more pain, no more sickness Victor. You’re at peace and healed now.
Prayers of comfort and strength for the families today and the days to come.
Lori Canyon Tom Scott says
Our condolences to you Barb, thoughts and prayers are with you…Lori and Tom
Patricia Bushman says
Barb n family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayer has gone up for you all.
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you
Monty Mason says
To all the family of Victor Perry my deepest condolences and prayers are with you, Victor was a very caring guy and was my pleasure on knowing him
Georgette Shawl-Cole says
Rest in peace Uncle Vic, you will forever be in my heart. I felt very blessed having you as an uncle and I thank God for bringing you into our lives. I miss you and love you very much..Good Journey..All my Love, G
Tara Douglas says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Barb and family. I’m going to miss Vic. We are going to miss seeing him at bingo. Vic was very supportive when he heard of my uncle Leroy Douglas getting sick and passing. And told me stories of when they worked together. Love and prayers to you all barb and family. ❤️
William Turcotte says
Vic was my old and dear friend. We spent many hours working together for Fort Peck Housing Authority. I also have many memories of traditional dancing with Vic and Maynard Hawk. Vic could always make us smile and laugh, I also had the honor of dancing along side Vic when he made his last turn around that sacred circle. I will miss my friend but know he is going to a better place. RIP buddy I’ll see you on the other side!!
William Turcotte says
312 N. Illinois Street
William Turcotte says
RIP my old Friend .
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to all of you.
Berta Red Tomahawk says
Condolences to my relatives Lisa, LeeAnn & Vicki and families ? from our family, Berta Red Tomahawk, Porcupine, ND.
Louella Douglas-Contreras says
My sincere condolences to Barbara & Victor’s families. My prayers for you and for Victor’s journey.
Barbara Beach Salinda says
My prayers and thoughts with family and friends as they celebrate the life and memories they shared with Victor. He will be remembered with fondness and missed. Rest in Peace as you make your journey.
Will McClammy says
Lee Ann, Lisa, and Vickie praying for all of you in your time of loss. Tami and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Kara Guilez says
Barb, thinking of you! Love, Kara and kids
Gay & Brian Pennington says
Victor family you have my deepest Condolences for the loss. I enjoy watching him dancing. He always had a smile on his face when I waited on him at Bobs Market. And we would visit before he left. Lisa, Lee Ann and Vickie thick of the good times you had. Barbara and rest of the family @ relatives. Victor is heaven and is not suffering and you all will meet him again. God Bless you all. From Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Blossom Longee says
Dear Barbara and Family I’m so sorry to hear of Victor’s passing.He was such a sweet,kind, happy man .I’ll miss seeing him at IHS and Silver Wolf. Sending my prayers for comfort and strength at this time to you and the rest of the family. R.I.P. Victor. May you fly high with the rest of the Angels.