Howard James Bemer passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, MT of cancer. He was born on December 7, 1949 to Neville Bemer and Freda Bauer Christian Burshia Bemer. He was raised on the family farm and ranch north of Fort Kipp. He attended school in Brockton, MT, graduating in 1967. Dad briefly attended Dartmouth and Montana State University before returning to run the farm and ranch due to Grandpa Neville’s illness. He married Carol White Bear Bemer in 1967 and to this union, Paul, Leslie (who was born on his birthday), and William were born. Howard and Carol later divorced but remained lifelong friends. He married Vicky Hopkins in 1988 and they later divorced. On June 30, 1999 he married Roberta (Billy Gayle) Murray Bemer. They were devoted to each other and spent the rest of his life on adventures, traveling around the country for his work, and locally to support Billy Gayle and the Blue Ribbon Band. Howard and Billy raised her granddaughter Ronni Pritchard.
Howard had many important and fulfilling jobs during his lifetime. During his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), he served as a police officer, criminal investigator and Captain of Law Enforcement. These positions eventually led him to BIA and the Office of Special Trustee Executive leadership positions in Nashville, TN, Washington, D.C., Rapid City, SD, Fort Belknap, MT, Fort Yates, ND and New Town, ND before completing his federal career as the Superintendent of the Fort Peck Agency in Poplar.
Howard also faithfully served the Fort Peck Tribes as a game warden, police officer, Tribal Executive Board member and Tribal Judge. In addition to his service with the BIA and Fort Peck Tribes, Howard found the time to operate a farming/cattle operation north of Fort Kipp, and he also co-founded United Professional Permitting – a seismic permitting firm – during the early 1980s “oil boom” in Northeastern Montana.
Howard enjoyed the ranching lifestyle, and was very fond of his horses. During his younger years, he was an avid team roper, and found great success on the regional rodeo circuit. Howard was also responsible for helping to revive the Fort Peck Indian Rodeo. He was always happiest when riding and probably forgot more than a lot of people knew about horses.
Howard was a people person and made friends everywhere he went. A born leader, he enjoyed developing talent and empowering people to realize their full potential. He always had a moment to visit, advice to share, or an anecdote that helped. Howard could tell a mean story and boy did he have stories to tell, from his time mining coal at the old Bemer coal mine, to crazy exploits with his many friends. One time he was hunting with Linnie Smith and Buck Smith and the truck hit a bump and Buck got knocked out and they simply kept chasing that coyote. Or the time he and Larry Garfield went camping and fishing and decided to take the boat out and wash up in the lake, but then couldn’t pull themselves out of the water.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Neville, and Freda, his brothers, Ossie, Al Jr., and Ronnie Burshia, and sisters Brenda Burshia, who died in infancy, and Gladys Bemer, and Joyce Bemer Waldhausen, and grand daughter Paulette Bemer.
Howard is survived by his wife, Billy Gayle, children, Paul Bemer, Leslie (Terrance) Gourneau, and William Bemer, stepson Bill Pritchard, as well as his younger sister, Julie (Merle) Bemer, grandchildren PJ Bemer and her son Masen, Amber Hopkins, T., Megan, Callyn, and Emma Gourneau, and William, Ronni, and Aiden Pritchard, and his nieces Ellie Burshia, Carolyn (Buddy) Adams, Roxann (Robert) Smith, Brenda (George) Eder, Dr. Lisa Sun Rhodes, and nephews Nick (Mickey) Bemer, Dr. Neil (Michelle), Ryon, and Tristan Sun Rhodes, and brothers and sisters-in-law Boy (Theresa) Murray, and Kate, Barbara, and Patty Murray.
Howard had a lot of relatives and friends and we apologize if we inadvertently left anyone out; this was not our intention.
We all cherish our memories with you and will forever miss you, we will see you again someday.
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to the family.
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
Our Sincere Condolences to Family of Mr. Howard Bemer. Our Prayers are with all at this time.
Vicki and Loren Bisbee says
So very sorry for your loss! Howard had such a full life and touched so many! God bless his family! 💕
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the family. Howard was a good man and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless You All. Darlyn Grainger, Doug and Lori Rakstad and girls
Jd anderson says
Howard was good friend known him my whole life remember when he came up home and roped we had lots of good visits gonna miss him
John E. White, Albuquerque, NM says
Howard was an awesome man and it was an honor to know him. He will be missed. Rest in peace Howard. MayGod bless Howard and his family.
Donald Boyd says
R.I.P. My Elder Howard Bemer It Was Nice Knowing You Prayers Going Out To Your Family…
Gay Pennington says
Sorry for the lost of Howard. I enjoy knowing him. He always had a smile on his face. He will be miss by everyone. My prayers to you all. May he rest in peace. A big hug to Billy Gayle. I thank you for being there for me and listening too my problems. And another hug too Leslie and William. I miss all of you. Keep your memories of your dad in your heart. God Bless you all. Love from Gay (Stephanie) Pennington
Russell & Francine Boxer says
Condolences to Howard’s family. My God be with you through this tough time ….You’ll are in our prayers🙏🏼
Respectful,
Russell & Francine Boxer
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Our sincere condolences to Howard’s loving family. Howard–my favorite “Indian Agent”–was the absolute best. We could have not known a better man than Howard. Rest in peace and we’ll see you on the “Other Side Camp” someday. God Bless you Howard. Aho.
Joey Surface says
Very, very, sorry for your loss Billy Gayle,,,
Please never stop singing.
Love you my dear friend…
Joey
Tina Strauser says
My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. May you find comfort surrounded by your loved ones and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
Carlos J Buck Elk | Honolulu HI says
My condolences to the entire family, but especially Carol, Paul, Leslie and Bill. 💙
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences on the death of Howard. May the you be supported and cared for in your time of grief by the knowledge of the love of the Creator and family and friends and good memories of Howard. Know you are uplifted in prayer.
Twilia and Vincent Bear Cub says
Our sincere condolences for the family. Our prayers are with you.
Don Osgood says
Many good memories ,I had a lot of respect for him.
Lenny & Janice says
Sorry for your loss
MARCUS WELLS, SR. says
SORRY TO HEAR OF MY FRIEND HOWARD’S PASSING. I WORKED WITH HOWARD WHEN THE BAKKEN OIL BOOM
HIT OUR RESERVATION. HE WAS EAGER TO HELP ALL THE ENROLLED MEMBERS, GET TREATED RIGHT AND GET
THEIR RIGHTFUL INFORMATION, ON REALTY AND LAND MATTERS. IT NEVER MATTERED WHAT TIME OR DAY
HE WAS ASKED, HE WAS THERE TO HELP. HE AND I STARTED MANY EFFORTS THAT WERE CUT SHORT BY HIS
TRANSFER. HE RIGHTFULLY DESERVES MUCH CREDIT FOR LEADING THE BIA’S EARLIEST EFFORTS TO SEE THAT
OUR PEOPLE WERE PROPERLY PAID AND TREATED FAIRLY. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP HIS FAMILY! TO MY OLE
COWBOY FRIEND, REST IN PEACE INDIAN COWBOY!
Susan Anderson Clark says
Howard was a very caring, friendly kind man
.I remember when he would come to the farm and rope with Warren Buck Elk. He always had a smile on his way never had a bad word to say about anyone. He would always tease me.when I would see him . Good man
May he reat.in peace and ride to his content in hea en.
Nancy & Albert says
Condolences to Howard’s family, co-workers and friends. May he rest in peace and we pray the Creator watch over those of us left here on Earth.
Lois Black says
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with Howard and Marvin Feel. He was a very nice guy, when l had my baby he bought me a dozen of red Rose’s. Rest in peace my friend 🙏.
FrannkDahl says
I had Howard in school in the 60,s he was a good student and I knew he would do well.
Karen Kajiwara-Nelson says
Condolences to the family. I will surely miss seeing and talking with him.
Jerry and Jeannie Archdale says
So very sorry for your loss, our prayers are with all of Howard’s family
Ramona Morrison / Nashville Tennessee says
To the family and friends of Howard Bemer, deepest condolences. May Howard Rest in Peace. He has helped many native people from the east to the west. I met Howard when he was the Deputy Regional Director and Billie was the front desk person for the BIA in Nashville, Tennessee. Howard was very much appreciated for being a good positive leader. I am sorry we could not attend his funeral.
Donna Black Dog says
My sincere condolences to the family of Howard Bemer. He will be missed by all the people who knew him. My prayers for comfort and strength during this sad time.
Ralph and Christie Ferdina says
Sincere condolences to the Howard Bemer family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Frank Smith says
Sincere condolencens TO Bemer Family Howerd was a great superviser { ejoiyed working with him. Frank S.
Donna Mann says
I got to know Howard when he use to rope in the Hi-Line Roping Club and the winter ropings in Scobey. He was always so polite and fun to be around. He was a good team roper. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Howard.
Ellen Grimsrud Kant says
I worked with Howard in the early 80’s in his permitting company and we remained forever friends. I had the opportunity to work with him also in law enforcement. So many stories, laughter and memories that I will cherish forever. Howard was always so kind to me. My sincerest condolences to you.