Richard William McDonald was born October 7,1957 to his parents Marjorie Crowe McDonald (Christian) and Daniel Duncan McDonald in Poplar, MT. He was the 1st grandson born to his grandparents Richard “Dick” and Louella Crowe who were significant figures in his early life. After his grandfather passed, his grandmother honored him with his grandfather’s name S’aIc’iya or Paints Himself in a naming ceremony conducted by the late Jim Blackdog of the Ft Kipp community. Rich was surrounded by tiyospaye (extended family) from whom he learned traditional Dakota values. Being highly valued as a child allowed him to value other children, particularly his own throughout his lifetime.
Rich attended school in Poplar, where he graduated high school in 1975. After high school, he attended MSU Billings. He later earned a certificate in welding. His true calling in his career was in the field of law enforcement. During his law enforcement career, he taught D.A.R.E, where he helped young people to make healthy choices regarding alcohol and substance abuse. He also went on to work for the Sheriff’s Dept and the Tribal police learning several facets of law enforcement.
During his law enforcement career, he met and married Yvette Tapaha. Together, they had a home in Poplar and had two beloved children Richie and Malia.
After his retirement as a LEO his lifetime love of sports helped him to develop an athletic curriculum outside of school for leagues of various sports including baseball, softball, flag football, and soccer for children throughout the Fort Peck reservation.
One of his finest gifts he possessed, was making wapeshas (head roaches) for powwow regalia and his work resides in all parts of the United States and Canada. He was taught how to make roaches by Almyra Jackson. He talked often about how much she taught him about learning patience while making wapeshas.
Most recently he sponsored events throughout Poplar and Wolf Point that were youth oriented and provided a fun, drug and alcohol free environment. He thought it was very important that the community recognize the sacredness of the youth and fiercely advocated for the underprivileged in the community.
Rich is survived by his children Richie and Malia McDonald, his former wife Yvette Tapaha, his sisters Gloria Collins of Albuquerque, NM and Lilda Christian of Wolf Point, MT, his niece and nephews JaNae Collins of Los Angeles, CA, and Dakota (Dezirae) Christian and Cherokee (Kyra) Christian of Wolf Point, MT, grandchildren, James Vallie, Fearce Storm Christian, Brayson Dayne, Quade Delray, grandchildren C’ask’e RedFox Christian, Hailyn Raine and A’Raya Sunshine Christian all of Wolf Point.
He was preceded by mother Marjorie Christian, father Daniel Duncan McDonald, grandmother Louella Crowe, grandfather Richard “Dick” Crowe, aunt Gloria Crowe, great aunt Francis Linner, and uncle Joe “Babe” Culbertson.
A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, November 10 at the Poplar Cultural Center. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, November 11 at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Fred Mcgeshick, Jr. says
Condolences and prayers for Richie’s family.
Tina Bets His Medicine says
Rest easy Big Sarge, your work here is done. You will be missed.
Margarett Campbell says
My condolences to his family. It is very shocking.
Monty Mason says
My prayers and condolences to his family…lot a good times with Richie while we was on patrol never a full moment ,he will be missed.
Donna BlackDog says
My prayers for comfort and strength during this sad time. Prayers for the family and children. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Tristen says
He really cared about the kids. He’d buy clothes and toys for the kids who didn’t have those things and would have fundraisers.
Rita Weeks says
My condolences to Richie’s family.
Olivia Tuske says
My sincerest condolences to the friends and family. I knew Richie when he was small. Just lost track of time with some family members.:(
kent says
peace as the song goes your work here is done Sya hello to louella and alice for me
Penny Kaleva says
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed in the community and in all our hearts. God has a good man in heaven.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
Jerry and jeannie archdale says
Rest easy Richie, don’t spend to much time looking out the window with Gary and Dennis. You will be missed.
Curley Youpee says
it’s a good thing thatTunkasila only gives us the understanding to go a few steps at a time because if we knew any more in this life, I’m not sure we would take another step.
Thank you, Richie, for coaching and teaching my children sports and sportsmanship.
Prayers for a good journey.
John and Stacey Summers and family says
Big Rich will be dearly missed he was a mentor to a lot of young officers both at the County and the Tribes. Despite his handicap later in life he remained outspoken and a champion for our youth and against political corruption in our local government. His Strong voice will be greatly missed! Rest easy Big Sarge.
Vicki Hampson says
Prayers for all of Richy’s lived ones. So very sorry for your loss. Vicki Yasenosky-Hampson
Grandma Patt says
Dear Sarge, we need you here on Mother Earth but God our Wakan Tankan needs you more. All our wakanjapi love you. I love you my Koda Rich. Enjoy your next glorious adventure. I’ll see you soon. Prayers for your children and tiwahe. Doksha ake waciya kink’te. Hugs from Grandma Patt
Birdie Red Tomahawk & family says
Condolences to his kids, baby Rich & Malia ❤🙏 He was a great genuine caring & giving guy, I remember him being my D.A.R.E. teacher. I’ve always known him to be here for the youth and endless helping everyone…. He will be missed, soft hugs and prayers to his children & all the youth on Fort Peck.
Bob and Terry McAnally says
Our condolences to all the friends and family of Rich. May the Creator surround you all with gentle love during this time of loss.
Jesse Youpee says
Rip richie will miss you
Ronnie Harris says
I hadnt spoke to rich in quite sometime as life seems to take people in different directions. I remember years ago actually i dont know how old i actually was. Im guessing 5th grade or so. Rich started some basketball leagues at the cultural center for us kids. Exciting time to look forward too especially in the winter. I think it was then i got the basketball bug. But, more importantly he offered encouragement and support. Even giving us rides to and from the gym in the middle of the winter. He is and was a great person. Proid to have known him. Thanks rich. Rest in peace. The Harris family. Ronnie, iva and girls.
Rayola Eder says
Dear extended family, Gloria, JaeNae and Lil and sons and Richie’s family. I am so sorry to hear about Rich. He was always joking around with us thru the years. I wish that I was with you now but am with you in spirit. I will always remember my last visit with Rich when I seen him in Williston–he was very happy. Keep in touch my dear special ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love always, Rayola
Cherie says
Lots of memories with you my friend….. the best ones were at the YMCA when it first opened on the boulevard. We all had the same goal.. just to be healthy. Rest easy Richie
jaylen reddog says
he was my coach he was a real good coach he took me and my brother to Minot fair he was a really good friend he was really close to my family i almost thought he know are dad and family i will miss him as a friend a coach 🙁
Nat Granbois says
I’m sorry my old friend Malia