Adrian “Chuck” Spotted Bird Sr. (Black Hills Boy) Dakota Sioux/Hidasta of Brockton, Montana entered into eternal peace to be with the Lord on October 22nd, 2018, he was 67.
Chuck was born April 8th, 1951 to his parents, Viola Spotted Bird (Brockton-Ft. Kipp Community), and Austin Lone Bear (New Town-Mandaree Community). He has many cousins, nephews, and nieces of the New Town-Mandaree area that are too numerous to mention. He comes from the Chicken Society. He attended the local schools in Brockton and Busby, Montana. He married Bernice Russell in 1970 and worked various positions for the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Chuck enjoyed spending time with his son Adrian Jr. and was a proud grandfather to both Austin and Ryan Spotted Bird with a great grandson Kancq Big Horn-Spotted Bird.
His favorite past time was attending powwows and he was well known as the lead singer of the original Badland Singers in the 1970’s and 80’s. The drum group consisted of Rusty and Lyle Denny, Gary Drum, Ben Gray Hawk Sr., Buzzy Red Eagle, Matt Big Talk, Leland Spotted Bird, Shaw Grey Bull, Geish Lambert and Ray Azure. Along the route of his singing days, he had the pleasure to sit at the drum with Seymour Eagle Speaker, late Kenny Merrick Sr and Jr., Bill Runs Above, late Butch Brown, Eldon Weasel Child, Merle Tendoy, late Brad Buffalo Calf, late Delray Smith, Earl Jones Sr., Harry Three Stars Jr, Dana and Sam Buckles.
Over the past 18 years, Chuck continued to be involved with the Badlands Powwow Committee as a main stay to ensure the celebration would continue for its visitors, singing, dancing and enjoyment of life. He was always kind and accommodating to his powwow family and friends. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada and enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives throughout Indian Country.
He and other Badland Singers were invited to perform at various prestigious events and locations including Moscow, Russia-Gorky Park in the 1990’s, (1993) Bill Clinton and Al Gore’s Presidential Inauguration Parade and Carnegie Hall in New York City in the 1990’s. Chuck’s dedication to his community included serving on several committees for the Fort Peck Tribes of Tribal Enrollment along with the Fish and Game Commission.
He was a strong supporter of education and was dedicated as a Brockton School Board Member. As a long time resident of his community he also served as the Mayor of Brockton. Chuck was recognized by many as an adopted family member to numerous individuals near and far. Chuck never turned people away from his home when passing through Brockton on Highway #2. It was the prominent house that always embodied a warm and welcoming gesture to all people. He particularly formed special friendships and close ties with his powwow brothers and those that helped him through the difficult moments and supported him in joyous times were: Benny and Judy Johnson, Bill and Dana Runs Above, late Dawson and Paula Fire Moon, Jim and Marty Dillon and family, late Kenny Merrick Sr. and Family, Tony Isaacs (Taos, New Mexico), Al Bighorn and Jim Clairmont.
Chuck is survived by his son Adrian Jr.(Marjorie) Grandsons Ryan, Austin (Paula) his sisters, Lorna Drum (Brockton), Charlene Drum (Brockton), Brother Silas Drum (Brockton), sister Verdis Grey Bull-Russell, brothers Joel (Sweepy) Grey Bull, Richard Grey Bull, (Enterprise, Alabama), and Perry Lee Grey Bull. He is preceded in death by his mother, Viola Spotted Bird, Father Austin Lone Bear, wife Bernice Russell Spotted Bird, his uncle Leland Spotted Bird, sisters Carol, Catherine, and Melvine Spotted Bird and Josephine Black Dog.
Chuck had many friends and relatives near and far and the family would like to thank you for all of your support, prayers and condolences.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to all of your family Chuck.
Cissy Eagleman & Family says
Chuck, you’re in the arms of the Lord now. You will be missed and you will not ever be forgotten.
Prayers of comfort for your families now and the days to come.
Rhoda Glenmore says
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Chuck Spottedbird. My prayers are with you all.
Rhoda Glenmore says
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Chuck. My prayers are with you all.
Paula Bear says
Condolences to Chucks family. I knew him many years , I first met Chuck when he drove the bus. I always enjoyed his stories and sense of humor . God bless all his family in this time. He will be missed.
Ken Heathman says
Chuck will be missed but we shall see him again when it’s our time to be Heaven with all our loved ones that have moved on before us!
Veronica and Art says
God bless Chucks family sincere condolences
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Adrian Jr. Deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. May you find healing in the love of the Creator, friends and family. We have lost another great elder. You are upheld with prayers.
Pr. Christine Holler-Dinsmore
Robert Ironmaker Sr. says
Condolences to Chucks family. He is my friend as I have Known him for a long time. My prayers are with you Chuck and your family and friends.I am honored to have been able to sit at the drum and sing with you several times, times I will always cherish.
Robert “Bobby” Ironmaker, Sr.
Fort Belknap Agency
Tyson Wayne says
condolences to family & friends 🙂 I was around the guy only a handful of times but he was great guy to be around & was funny & always had a story 🙂
truly will be missed
Darlene Buck Elk says
Condolences to the family of Adrain (Chuck) as I knew him, he drove tha bus for us Ft. Kipp people that worked at A & S Industry in Poplar, Mt. Always in a happy and good mood, always had jokes to share with us, he done his job very well. God bless the family members and I pray that God puts his lovin hands on all of you to confront you Thur this saddening time.
Old Horn Sarge says
Chuck Journey well into the spiritual world of the native belief ways. You have accomplished well in the respect ways in this world God probably has a special place of honor in the next world a role model for generations of of young Indians to learn from. Job well done.
Your Koda Sarge Old Horn
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolences to the family of Chuck Spotted Bird . Prayers of comfort and blessings at this sad 😞 time.
Joycelyn Azure says
My dearest condolences to the family, he will be greatly missed & he’s on his journey now to the spirit world joining his ancestors, where there is no pain~ he was very considerate of visitors like us & great memories left behind, he will always have a special place in many hearts🙏☝ may he rest in peace 🙏☝❤
Carlos J Buck Elk | Dallas TX says
My condolences to the entire family of Chuck 🙏🏽💙
Roxy smith says
Chuckie will be missed by our family. He was a great part of my boys lives when they were young and was always fun to have at the house. They used to play golf out at the farm, and their laughter was contagious. I pray that his spirit will live on through the family. He was a blessing to all of us. Your dad-papa-Uncle will be missed.
Jean Azure Tendoy says
RIP brother! Condolences to all go loved him from Merle n Jean Tendoy family.
INGRID FIREMOON says
Our Condolences to the family. Chuck was a good friend to my family. He will be missed. R.I.P., Until we meet again.
Andrea George says
Our condolences to Jr., The family, extended family and friends…. We will have the memories that are left from back in the days, traveling to Poplar, Brockton and Frazier…. Always open arms. Prayers for the families for your tremendous loss. Our heartfelt thoughts are with you in spirit. Love hugs and strength to you❤ We continue the friendships through the children💕 Love you all: Francis & Janet George Family
Earlene Jones Ackerman says
Sincere heart felt condolences to Chuck’s family & friends, far & wide. Chuck was a gentle kind hearted soul, he will be greatly missed. Prayers for comfort and strength to his family, friends and Brockton community.
Shawn Kenelty says
Adrian, Austin, Ryan and family ~ I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for strength and peace for you all. ❤️
Susie and Gary Hanson says
Adrian and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. He always had a smile and warm greeting. Our thoughts and prayers are for you all at this difficult time.
Willy Strong says
To all of Chuck’s family n friends. Very sad to get message of him passing on. We, Red Lake Nation, powwow friends n singers send our sincere sympathy n condolences. Rest In Peace Powwow Brother n Legend. Willy Strong n Joe “Tiiny” Belanger. Red Lake Singers.
Gay Pennington says
Sorry to see that Chuck past away. You have my deepest sympathy. He was a very nice person I got too no. He always had a smile on his face and we always had a good visit. Adrian you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you all. From Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Willis medicine horse lll says
My condolences to your family. Thomas medicine horse, Julia HighHawk medicine horse
Crow Agency Montana. I’m a great grandson of Thomas. Willis medicine horse lll