Maurice Charles “Buggy” Bighorn Sr. was born in Poplar, Montana, on December 13, 1941 to Alpheus and Josephine Juneau Bighorn. Following a short unexpected illness, Papa Buggy passed away peacefully on July 15, 2020 in Salt Lake City Hospital.
He had a larger than life personality; known, respected, and loved by everyone who knew him. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He never strayed from a good argument, as many of us can attest to. Buggy was born third of four siblings, following the twins, Alpheus “Sonny” Bighorn Jr. and Alva Bighorn. Younger sister, Alice came along 9 years later. He was so proud of his new baby sister; he took his entire class home to show her off.
Maurice attended school in Brockton, graduating in 1959. He was a noted athlete in football, basketball, and track. He was a prolific scorer throughout his basketball career and averaged 30.5 points per game his senior year. Playing alongside cousins, Leonard Crow Belt and Ernest Bighorn Jr., Buggy and the Brockton Warriors finished with an excellent 22-5 record. Buggy’s talent gained the attention of several colleges who offered scholarships for both basketball and football.
Maurice attended Cook Christian Training School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he met Francile LaMere. They were married in 1961 in Francile’s hometown, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. They made their first home of many in Phoenix, where daughters, Joleen and Maureen, were born. When the family returned to Montana, son Barry and daughter Paula were born. They lived in San Jose, California where Maurice earned his welding certificate. While there, Buggy’s claim to fame was “starring” as an extra paid to fall off a horse in the movie, “Blood on the Arrow”. They returned to Phoenix for a short while and their daughter, Pam, was born. Daughter Janice and son Maurice Jr. were born in Poplar. Son James Burshia Bighorn became part of the family shortly after his birth on Christmas day in 1979. Maurice and Francile attended the University of Montana in Missoula from 1971-1975. After a year and a half in Wisconsin, they made their home in Brockton for their final years.
Throughout the years, Maurice and his brother, Sonny, and many cousins and friends played together in independent basketball tournaments, and they often took home championship jackets. Buggy was a member of the Brockton Chiefs who won the Fort Hall tournament several years; making his final trip to Idaho just a year before his illness. He was known for being a quick player, an excellent shooter, 3-point bank shots, and his patented left-handed hook shot.
He worked as the registrar with the Fort Peck Community College, served on the Fort Peck Election Committee and held several construction jobs. He worked for many years for Nygard Farms with Sammy Nygard, whom he considered a brother. He helped Grandma “Bee” Nygard with yardwork and any project she wanted done. He was currently a driver for the Fort Peck Transit System. His co-worker and close friend, Darryl Joe, was a teammate in his later years. They were both avid basketball fans attending many area games together.
He enjoyed going to bingo with his sister, Alva and friend, Ethelene White Hawk. But, as many who knew him, his life centered around basketball. Buggy was an inspiration to the younger generations because of his longevity in continuing to compete at his advanced age. He ran city league for several years at the Brockton Culture Center. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s games, following them with pride throughout their high school and college careers.
He enjoyed the large Bighorn family gatherings, where he would compete in rounds of Lightning against his children and grandchildren. Family and friends were always blessed with one of his countless stories, even if they’d heard it many times before.
Preceding Maurice in death are his parents, wife Francile, daughter Paula, and grandson Noah Bighorn.
He is survived by daughters, Joleen (Roy) Emerson and Pam Bighorn of Brockton, Maureen Bighorn of Lake Delton, Wisconsin, and Janice Bighorn of Minnesota; sons, Barry (Estelle) Bighorn of Fort Kipp, and Maurice (Nicolle) Bighorn Jr. and James Burshia Bighorn of Brockton; brother Alpheus; sisters, Alva and Alice (Gary) Melbourne, all of Brockton. Papa Buggy is survived by his beloved grandchildren: Sekoya Bighorn, Callan Bighorn, Vania Bighorn, Roy Emerson Jr., Nicholas Bighorn, Barry Bighorn Jr., Tyler Emerson, Tawnya Bighorn, Ethan Bighorn, Kellie Emerson, Alicia Fast Horse, Benoni Bighorn, Josy Fanning, Colette Fanning, Leda Bighorn, Isaiah Bighorn, Maurice Bighorn III, Justin Grayhawk Jr., Landyn Burshia and Jessa Bighorn; and cherished great-grandchildren Kale, Kenyon, Miley, Clint, Josiah, Jalissa, Jacoby, Kenna, Roman, Collin, Lincoln, Ezra, Franiah, Canyon, Noah, Harlow and numerous nieces and nephews.
Public viewing will take place on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at the Brockton Cultural Center. It will be conducted according to COVID prevention guidelines and restrictions. Masks will be required for all. One will be provided if you don’t have one. No children under 16 are allowed. No outside food will be allowed, so the family is providing a boxed lunch. Family graveside services will take place on Friday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Brockton. A video of the service will be provided by the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel on their facebook page.
To our Dad and Papa Buggy and Brother – We love you, we’ll miss you, but we are comforted by the knowledge that we will see you again one day.
Gerald jackson says
My condolences to Buggy’s family prayers are being sent . Hope you find some bigger jackpots for us and bigger payouts .Till we meet again my friend,
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Our prayers are with you all. I remember him being first to volunteer to referee at our Franklin D. Chopper basketball tournaments. He will be missed by both the young and old alike.
Twilia Bear Cub says
My sincere condolences for all.
J'Lanie moran says
Condolences to the family 🙏 love the Moran family
LeEtta Waldhausen says
Our prayers are with you all. God be with you all. Love and hugs!
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the families. Sorry for your loss
Lois and Linda Weeks says
Thoughts and Prayers are with Buggy’s children and buggy’s brother and sisters. He was a wonderful dear friend, who would always bring smiles and laughter. Also #1 bus driver. God Bless 🙏🙏❤️
Joe Reynen says
Buggy was one of those guys that would always come say hi and loved to visit about basketball and families. We played together and against one another and was always a friend. When I started working In Brockton he would come down drink coffee and had some real good visits. He was a very good person. Miss you buddy and that famous left handed hook shot from the 3 point line.
Carlos J Buck Elk | Okinawa Japan says
My Condolences to all the families, Buggy will be missed.
Rest In Peace. 🙏🏽
Kristie Crow Belt says
Condolences to Joleen, Pam, Maureen, Barry & Estelle, Janice, Maurice Jr. & Nicole & James. And cousins Alva, Sonny, Alice & grandchildren. Buggy, I sure miss our morning conversations and gayape @ work. Will never forget the stories you told me about growing up in Box Elder and Grandpa Maurice & Grandma Alda Bighorn. And the love for your children & grandchildren. What a joyous reunion it must of been to see all the loved ones waiting to greet you home.
Love, Kristie Crow Belt & Family
Jackie Hippe says
Condolences to you all. Buggy was one of a kind, loved to joke and tease and such a friendly guy. Miss him and prayers to you all.
Deloria Bighorn says
Prayers and condolences from all in the Jacob Bighorn Jr. family in Canada. We were gratefully surprised to see him in Rapid City in March.
Brenda Eder says
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. We will miss seeing him at our family gatherings, his teasing his laughter and always making us feel at home. Prayers for the family.
Sincerely George and Brenda Eder
Cissy Eagleman says
Condolences to the families of Buggy.
You’re healed now, smiling, giggling and laughing enjoying memories and stories with those that passed before you.
Journey well Buggy.
YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED.
I love you like a book.
Travis Hallam says
Condolences to my second family. Buggy was always welcoming. Sharing positivity, joy and laughter. I am truly saddened by his passing but my memory of him brings warmth and a smile.
Prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Alfred B. Azure, Sr says
I’m so sorry to hear about Buggy passing. He had a very deadly three point shot.
Eldon & Leah Runs Through Sr. says
Our condolences to the Bighorn family. May the Lord bless and keep you all. In Jesus name amen.
J Bearcub says
Thoughts of comfort and prayer for strength as you prepare to say farewell. May his journey to Paradise be blessed.
John & Stacey Summers says
We send our deepest Condolences and were blessed to know him. Many prayers during this difficult time. We will miss him on and off the basketball court, he was an inspiration to many. RIP Gramps.
with Love and Respect, John and Stacey
LaVonne (Bighorn) Looking Elk says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you especially cousin Buggy’s family. I truly wish I could be there with you today. But the Lord’s spirit who knows no bounds is there with you as He is here with me. I’m so thankful for all family, relatives and friends who came to honor my husband, Simon, at his services in March with their presence, especially cousin Buggy. PTL! He is with Jesus and all the relatives who have gone on before and we give thanks.
Roseann Shields says
Prayers for all family and friends. He is now with loving family and home with the Lord🙏🙏
Wes Stevenson says
Sorry to hear this. Condolences to family and friends. Life is far too short!
I enjoyed playing against Buggy in the many basketball matchups we had over the years. But I especially enjoyed playing with him. I remember he came with the Wolf Point team to one of the Wapato tournaments. Him and deceased Beanie Weeks kept us roaring with laughter, and on the court Buggy held his own and lit it up. His arm strength also made him one of the best passers I’ve ever seen. Yes, I’ll always remember those long bank shots and his patented left hand hook. Tókša akhé. 🙁
Ronnie G Harris says
Honored to have known buggy. He was a great man, happy to have played with and against him. Memories that will last forever. Please watch over all of us, love the harris clan. Ronnie,iva,baby ronnie, cami, and tailey
Shari Daniels says
My sincere condolences
Susan Anderson Clark says
Joleen, Barry, Maureen, Janice, Maurice, James: Sorry for the loss of your dad Buggy. He always had a smile on his face and meant business when it came to education and sports. He was one of the Brockton Warriors number one fans and if there was a any kind of sport going on you could bet your bottom dollar Buggy was checking out the game. May the comfort of care and the great support and memories that came from your Dad help you heal. God Bless you all.
Gina Bearfighter says
I’m going to miss seeing you at Bingo and your smile!
Rest in Peace Buggy. Prayers of comfort and blessings for your family left behind. Fly high!
Kevin Finley says
I remember him and his brother’s team playing against my dads teams when I was a young boy, his teams played hard and were classy competitors. He was always good to me through the years. Thank for the friendship sir!