Bernard John Lambert, Jr. “Big B”, “Juny” and “Coach”. Completed his journey and smiled upon seeing the face of the Lord. He was given the name of “Hokshina Waste”, which means “Good Boy.” Bernard was a very modest, humble man who departed from his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, family and friends on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Northeastern Montana Health Services in Poplar, MT.
Bernard was born June 10, 1948, the eldest son of Bernard “Barney” Lambert, Sr. and Sybil (Bighorn) Lambert. He spent his life growing up in Blair, Box Elder and Brockton areas and summers in other locations, wherever Barney was working construction.
He graduated high school from Brockton High School in 1966 where he excelled in sports mainly basketball. He was a member of the 1966 Boys’ Basketball team along with his cousins. “Juny” and his cousin Fred “Buster” Bighorn were named “All-Conference, All-District, Divisional and All-State” teams. This amazing team was the District and Divisional Champions and then was Consolation Champions at State.
After high school graduation, he attended Bacone Junior College in Oklahoma and then later going on to Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT. He worked for the Fort Peck Tribes a short time and in 1976, he went back to college to complete his education. He completed his Bachelors’ of Science in Education with a minor in Physical Education/Coaching at Northern Montana College. He was awarded 2 scholarships to pursue his education at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. In 1985, he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Education in General School Administration.
Bernard began his teaching career in Wanblee, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, doing what he loved doing, teaching kids and coaching basketball. He taught at other schools over the years at Busby on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Frazer on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Rocky Boy on the Rocky Boy Reservation, Lodge Grass on the Crow Reservation, Hays-Lodgepole on the Fort Belknap Reservation, where he started his administrative duties. In 1996, he became the Superintendent of the Brockton Schools. He not only taught at the schools, but he also coached Girls’ and/or Boys’ basketball. He always said he had some amazingly talented athletes. He was especially so proud of his daughter, Kayla.
Bernard coached the Lodge Grass Girls’ Basketball team in the 1991/1992 season, which was the first time they had made it to the State Class B tournament, taking 4th place. He also coached Hays-Lodgepole Boys’ Basketball team in the 1993/1994 season, taking 4th place at the State Class C tournament, which was the first time they had made it to state. He always called them “his boys”. He coached the Brockton Warriors Girls’ Basketball team during the years 1999-2002, making it to the State Class C tournament, taking 4th place.
During his years of coaching at the Hays-Lodgepole schools, he was nominated for “Coach of the Year”. He was also selected by the Montana Indian Education Association “Educator of the Year”. He used to say “Geez, I can never get passed that 4th place.”
In his younger days, he enjoyed going hunting with his dad, brothers, and cousins and always looked forward to the annual elk hunting trip. Playing softball was another big sporting event he enjoyed, traveling to different tournaments around the state, North Dakota and South Dakota.
In recent years, he enjoyed watching Sports Center and CNN keeping updated on all the current events and always doing crossword puzzles. He absolutely loved watching his grandchildren play sports and participating in pow-wows. He would sit and record them dancing. They always danced their hearts out for their papa.
His numerous nieces and nephews would love to sit with him and ask questions and it always resulted in a lengthy historical explanation or family stories. He was a knowledgeable man with lots of wisdom. His stories and memories will live on with his family and friends.
Bernard is survived by his wife, Desiree (Kirn) Lambert of Brockton, MT. His children; Janet Lambert-Bisignani and Melissa Lambert of Syracuse, NY; Durann, Raynee, Kaycee Lambert of Brockton, MT; Kayla (Caitlyn) and Jayce (Tory) Lambert of Poplar, MT. He also cared for Casey Weston and Tyson Bauer as his own. He also had a special place in his heart for his Bighorn cousins and Lambert family and making special memories with them all.
He is blessed with many grandchildren; “Little” Janet Vixtha of Syracuse, NY; Carter, Weston, Toby, Trysten, Ivey, Gracie, Jasalyn of Brockton, MT and Laniaya of Bishop, CA and our baby Jessa Lambert of Poplar, MT. Great-Grandchildren; Domick and Amelia Simmons of Syracuse, NY.
His sisters Bernadine Pease of Billings, MT; Sue (Val) Parker of Wolf Point, MT; brother Ernest (Tammy) Lambert of Belcourt, ND; his sister-in-law Marshelle Lambert of Billings, MT, brother-in-law Tony Enemy Hunter of Billings, MT and brother-in-law Sammy Nygard of Brockton, MT.
He was especially close to his nieces and nephews; Toni Lee Enemy Hunter of Billings, MT; Tina (Frank) Headswift of Lame Deer, MT; Lana (Lars) Lambert-Mikkelsen of Brockton, MT; Danelle (Melvin) Wetsit of Sturgis, SD; Maurie (AJ) Lambert of Billings, MT; John (Star) Nygard and Jana Nygard of Brockton, MT; Kelly Lambert of Poplar, MT, Erin, Jared and Brandon Lambert of Belcourt, ND and Jenny Lambert of Wolf Point, MT.
Bernard is preceded in death by his parents; Sybil and Barney Lambert, his father and mother-in-law; Betty and Albert Kirn, Sr.; his brother, Maurice “Moose” Lambert and his sisters; Tammy (Lambert) Nygard and Annette “Ann” Lambert and his niece, Jessica (Parker) Renville.
A Prayer service will be held on Friday, June 7th, 2019 at the Brockton School Gymnasium at 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, June 8th, 2019 also at the Brockton School Gymnasium at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Brockton, MT.
Rhonda Mason says
Rest In Peace Bernard. Thanks for your friendship starting at Northern Montana College and the Sweetgrass Society and the “buffalo hunt” and an awesome Superintendent at Brockton High School. Prayers for Dezi and the family.
James Murphy says
Sorry to hear about your loss. Bernie was a good man. We became good friends when when we’re in Duluth. Your family will be in my prays. Respectfully James Murphy
chris bauer says
Was an honor to have played for you coach. May you RIP sir
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences to all of your families.
Darlyn Grainger says
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the families. My thoughts and prayers with you all. God Bless You All.
IVA GRAINGER says
My condolences to the family! Sorry for your loss.
Carol Gilham says
I’m saddened to hear of Bernard’s death. I worked with Bernard at Frazer High School–we were the only Native American teachers there at that time and we were tasked with creating the Native American Day Celebration that year 1988–and it was a huge hit. My condolensces to his family.
Sandy Zander says
So sorry for your loss !! Your dad was a awesome person.Prayers to the families.
Percetta Red Willow says
Condolences to the family on your loss. I was one of Mr. Lambert’s students at Crazy Horse School in Wanblee – Class of 1985 – he was a great teacher and person.
Walter C. Fleming says
Desi and family, our condolences on your loss! We always enjoyed visiting and watching our kids grow up together in Bozeman. I will always remember Bernard’s kindness and generosity.
Twilia Bear Cub says
Prayers and sincere condolences. Hugs my relatives.
Joel Stuber says
My heart is saddened by your loss of this great man. Bernard wasn’t just the superintendent I worked for. He was a dear friend whose family welcomed me into his and his family’s lives. He was a great mentor as I began my journey into administration. There are so many memories I cherish about my relationships with all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
Rosie Tall Bear says
So sorry to hear about our coach Mr Lambert. I will keep you and your family in my prayers Desi! It was an awesome year when he coached us in Lodge Grass!! RIP “Coach”!
Suzette says
Rest in peace Bernard. You were an awesome Superintendent at BHS. I enjoyed your guidance and leadership. My condolences to Desi and your children, especially two of my favorite students, Kayla and Jayce. May you enjoy eternal life with those who have gone before you.
Daniel Laforge says
You will be missed
By many who loved and knew you in the LodgeGrass area.
We still remember the lessons you taught about being a good respectable person.
You have a special place in the hearts of those of us who were fortunate enough to know you.
Rest in eternal peace “COACH”
Wayne & Nanette StrangeOwl says
Our condolences to “coach” much love and prayers for the family. He was a good man and friend of the family. Haho.
James D Jr & Ann King& family says
We are so sorry to hear of Bernard’s passing. He and the family were our neighbors here in Busby during the late 80s & early 90s when Bernard served as principal at Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools. It was a pleasure to work under his administration. Sending love and deepest condolences to the family……
Gilda Stanley says
Sending our Condolences to you and many blessings 🙏 from our family to yours.
Annie and Gilda Stanley
Rick & Mona Sunchild says
Our condolences to you Desi and your family. We are sorry to hear about Bernard’s passing. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have many fond memories of all of your family during your time at Rocky Boy. Was always a pleasure to meet up with Bernard at tournaments in Glasgow. Many blessings to you and your family. Rick & Mona Sunchild & Family
Patt Iron Cloud says
Dear Desi and Tiwahe, May God bless your dear Husband Bernard as he journeys forward into the Heavens. He will be busy making a beautiful mansion for you and your wonderful wakanjapi and Takojapi. Bernard is young again and will help many people in the Heavens learn about Jesus Christ. I am sending you prayers and my love to all of you. My deepest condolences sent. Hugs. FAMILIES ARE FOREVER. I love you all, Grandma Patt.
Kenny Shields says
Bernard was a close friend, he will always be remembered for his kindness, love for his family and contributions to education for the Indian people. He cared for his family deeply, I will always remember him and continue to hold him in high esteem. My condolences to Desi and family, especially to Jaslyn who love her ‘Poppa’ with all her heart.
Loren Boadle says
To a great man who taught me many things about the education system and also in the coaching profession. I really enjoyed coaching with you and everything else we did. Condolences to the whole Lambert family.
Loren Boadle and kids
Bede Baldry FSC says
Desiree and family. Was sad to read the news. You are all in my prayers. Brother Bede Baldry FSC. Chicago.
Weston says
My papa was a good papa I love my papa the day before he walk with me to the powwow ground and eat and he fix the trampoline for us. 6/10/48-5/29/19
MorningStar Foote says
sending condolences to the Lambert family. sorry about your husband, dad, brother, uncle & grandpa. sent with love from, star & kids. kayjay, quannah & colter john….. sorry about your uncle john. i love you always, star.