On the evening of December 17, 2012, Vincent Reed Fire Moon of Poulsbo, WA formerly of Frazer, MT went to sleep and passed away peacefully as a result of respiratory failure. He was 54 years old.
Reed was born the third child to the late Lyle and Leta (Four Star) Fire Moon on March 25, 1958, in Poplar, MT. Reed grew up in many towns throughout Montana as his parent relocated numerous times for job opportunities. Our parents finally decided on moving back to Frazer and that is where he finished up High School. Reed was very active in athletics in school. He participated in basketball, track and cross country. Cross country is where he excelled and surpassed all expectations. He was a state individual champion his senior year at Frazer High School. He also competed in National AAU cross country championships in Houston, TX.
Reed enlisted in the US Marine Corps after High School graduation in May 1976. He travelled many places while on active duty in the Philippines, Japan, California, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Washington. He received numerous awards, medals, and commendations. He was a very proud Marine, retiring in 2006 after 30 years of service.
Reed also graduated from the University of Maryland with his Bachelor’s degree. Reed was still active in exercising and running until he was too ill to run.
Reed was married to Maria Bornales on December 4, 1978 in the Philippine Islands; and to this union two daughters were born, Stacey Joanna and Mary Lucy. They had just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary.
Reed was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Leta Fire Moon; brother, Lyle Fire Moon, Jr.; paternal grandparents, Thomas and Lucy (Archambeault-Vasser) Fire Moon; maternal grandparents, Wallace and Evaline (Dawson-Archdale) Four Star.
He is survived by his wife, Maria; daughters, Stacey (Jermain) Fire Moon-Saulsberry and Mary (Terry ) Williams; brothers, Dawson (Paula) Fire Moon of Poplar, Thomas (Marva) Fire Moon of Poplar; sisters, Melda, Velda (Micheal) Stewart II of Temecula, CA, Ingrid (Bruce) Fire Moon of Wolf Point, Lyla (William) Law of Montery, CA, and Joy (Chad) Reddig of Wolf Point.
Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the prayer service at 7 p.m. Saturday, December 22 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, December 23 at the Frazer High School Gymnasium. Interment will follow at the Clark Cemetery in Frazer.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday December 22, 2012
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Prayer Service
7 p.m.
Saturday December 22, 2012
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Funeral Service
1 p.m.
Sunday December 23, 2012
Frazer High School Gymnasium
Frazer, MT 59225
Service Schedule
Visitation
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday December 22, 2012
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Prayer Service
7 p.m.
Saturday December 22, 2012
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, MT 59201
Funeral Service
1 p.m.
Sunday December 23, 2012
Frazer High School Gymnasium
Frazer, MT 59225
Lyla FireMoon-Law says
I will miss you my brother. You will always be my hero!! Fair winds and following seas….until we meet again. Your youngest sister, Lyla
Olivia Fourstar-Imlay says
To one of my oldest cousins. I was just looking forward to seeing you and your family and hoping that you would be able to meet my lil girl, I’m gonna miss ya and will always love ya. Your baby cousin. Libby and family,
CarlosJBuckElk Dallas TX says
my condolences to the entire Firemoon families.
Viktoria Knowles says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are a beautiful couple Mary & Terry & I know Penny will live on through her grandfather. xoxo to your whole family!
Ted & Debra Williams says
The best Father-in-law our son could have ever hoped for……Thank You Vincent…we will always love and miss you…….Ted & Debra…….
SCOTT VAUGHN says
Vince, it was fun working with you and I truly thank you for your advices, as well as your wit and humor. I always enjoyed wishing you a Happy and Valiant Marine Corps Day and calling you Sergeant Major. I also enjoyed your reparte’ in wishing me a Fine Navy Day and calling me Senior Chief. I missed the days we didn’t exchange salutes like this and I’m missing them more now. Be at peace my friend, the Country is better for your service but at a loss with your parting. Know that your legacy will keep it moving on though. Your Navy friend, Scott.
Virginia R Stranberg says
Maria and family,
I was Vince’s co-worker. He was a very helpful, intelligent, and encouraging man I had the privilege to work with. We became good friends in the short time we worked together. We would have many discussions on many topics., including our faith. I liked to tease him that he was a social butterfly, alwys chatting with the military, giving them advice, and information. The young marines sought him out.
My heart aches for your loss. He always showed his love for you Maria, by the way he talked respectfully of you and your beloved daughters.
In His Care, Semper Fi,
Virginia
Doug Parks says
Maria and Family,
You and the girls are in our thoughts. You guys were like family to us and will always be. Vince touch the hearts of thousands and will be missed by all. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call me, no matter what time of day it is. I love you and will be here for you.
Doug
407-590-9838
Tamara Gray says
My condolences to the entire family. To his daughters, my God place a sense of peace in your hearts. Remember to be absent from the body is to be present from the Lord. God bless. Hugs to Mary.
Tommy Judd says
My deepest condolences! Mr. Firemoon was an inspiration to us all. His conversation was uplifting to everyone he passed daily! This is definitely a sad day but I know that he is looking down on us from Heaven with a smile telling us to go on and live life fully. RIP Vince. You will deeply be missed!
JoEllen LaFrance Schumacher says
I will always remember MGySgt Firemoon. He will greatly be missed. He was a good friend, and a great Marine. At times like these you have to lean on your faith and try to accept that god has a bigger purpose for us. May all the love that surrounds you give you strength.
Maurice & Tammy Toney says
Our most sincere condolences to your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Firemoon-Williams says
My precious Daddyo… Your little B loves you and misses you every moment of every day! We are relying on God to get us through this difficult time. You have always been there and It’s surreal you are no longer here. You live eternally in heavan with God the father and Jesus the son.
Love you forever,
Mary aka Lil’ b
Carlos Ontiveros says
Stacy and Mary may God give you peace. Thoughts and prayers your way.
Lisa McNeal says
Our deepest condolences to the family during this time. MGySgt Firemoon was not only a mentor but a friend. He will truly be missed. To his Marines he was an inspiration and a voice of reason and concern, a true leader who helped us to grow and mature. As a friend he listened and encouraged us personally to be the best we could be. As a family we will miss his sense of humor as we remember the times he “sent smoke signals” followed by emails.
There are no words to describe the lose. Thoughts and prayers go up.
The McNeals
Judy Ball says
To the family, my deepest sympathy in this time of loss. To uncle Reed…the last time I saw you, I was just a kid and you were part of the reason I wanted to be and became a Marine. I’ll see you again…may you rest peacefully…love you.
Todd Caplinger says
I served with Vince in Okinawa. Our heartfelt prayers go out for the family during this time. A great Marine who will be missed!
Brandon Ousley says
My condolences to the family. I only knew you for a short amount of time but you made our bowling nights an event and I looked forward to them every week. I know you’re in a better place now and my prayers are with your family. Missed you will be indeed.
Cpl Jeff Lear says
I would lije to send my condolensces to friends and family. MgySgt Firemoon was a great mentor and a great leader. It is a shame the lord called his name so early. MgySgt made it fun to be in the Marines and i only wish i could be there to say goodbye properly but unfortunately I can’t. Thank you for everything MgySgt and God Bless the surviving family and help them in this time of grief.
Duane J. Green says
Iam very sorry for your loss. Vincent is a great person and a good marine. He will be missed
Myka Perez says
We have been praying for my dear friends, my second family, and we will continue to pray for comfort for you. Vince was a good man, a great father and unbelievable grandfather. I know he loved his girls so very much. We will truly miss him.
Love, Marty and Myka Perez
J. Scott Logan says
Ingrid I am very sorry for your loss.
Margaret Horn-Sampson says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Reed Firemoon family. Be strong and remember all the good times you shared. I was always so proud of Reed he was an awesome man and served his country proud. He is with his mom and dad now telling him all about the family and sharing many laughs. I love and miss you all and wish I could be there with you today.
Laurel West says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Vince. It was a great coworker when we worked at the MEPS in Fargo. My sympathies to all of you.
Maurice & Tammy Toney says
Our most sincere condolences. Mrs. Firemoon, Stacey, and Mary; you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Deborah Knernschield says
My condolences to the family! His was by far the most memorable MGySgt of Marines! He was a great man and will never be forgotten!
Rose Atkinson says
Love & prayers to your family.
Hector Ruano says
Maria and Family,
I did not have the pleasure of meeting MGunns but the mere fact that he was a Marine makes him my brother. Its Marines like him that pave the way for the rest of us Marines who are currently serving. My deepest condolences you (family) in your most difficult time. May god bless you all.
Semper Fi Master Gunns, may you Rest In Peace.
Gunny,
Fred says
When i was stationed in bangor from 09 to 11 i saw Mr. Firemoon on a regular basis. He was always in a good mood and in good spirits. My condolences go out to his family and may his kind spirit and personality live on… Mr Firemoon god bless u sir ….Ooorahh …
Courtney says
I’m playing Motley Crue – Home Sweet Home for you right now buddy.
Eddie Vargas says
There are so many things I could say about the impact you had while I was in the Marine Corps but I’ll leave something that cannot be forgotten. MGuns, your loyalty and support had no bounds and that is a quality few men have…thank you for having me experience it first hand. You always knew how to get a laugh out of everyone also which made for great days. You are a great leader and always knew how to guide the people that you felt would appreciate it. I know I did…Thanks for being you and being AWESOME!
The Vargas Family…Eddie, Sarah and kids.
Teresa & Doug Johnny & Family says
So sorry to hear of the recent loss of dear friend Ingrid Firemoon’s brother and for his Family.
Special Prayers held last night in Toosey (Riske Creek, British Columbia) Canada in inipi for all the family.
Continued Love and Prayers for everyone of this loss of husband, father, brother.
AL & Sally O'Rear says
Maria & Family. S
A supprise sadness has over come our house learning of Vince’s passing. But on the other-hand we know Vince is at Peace with the Lord. We remember as if yesterday, your family staying with us while you looked for a place to stay in Fargo. That holds a speal place in our hearts and we will always cherish the memories. Though separated by miles, Vince and I always kept in touch. He was a Great Marine and man. We will miss him muchly and will pray for you all.
Love ya.
Sally and Al O’Rear
706-335-0502
Miguel Ayala says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Firemoon family and friends. Vince was my Master Gunnery Sergeant at my first duty station in California from 2004-2005. Our nation owes great gratitude for his service to our country. May all of your hearts rest in peace at the thought of his passing. God Bless.
Sincerely,
Miguel Ayala
Lincoln, Nebraska
Rubin Ackerman says
I never had the pleasure of knowing my nephew, and I only met him once a few years back. I came away from that brief meeting knowing our people had a true native american hero. His passing is felt in this home, I will keep his name alive when I speak to our native youth about what it means to be a servant of the people. He presented an outstanding example for our young people to follow. We regret having only learned of his passing this evening. Our prayers go out to our family.
Senator Jonathan Windy Boy says
Rest in Peace Ta-ha-shee (brother-in-law) Reed. You’ve been admired from fellow Cross Country runners from Box Elder. Although all we remember after the starters gun went off, was the spikes and heels of your cleats. You’re now in God’s Kingdom with your folks, and other relatives gone before you. Enjoy that beautiful Cross Country course up there. Condolensces and prayers to the family. Stay strong. Reed is in a good place.
Senator Jonathan Windy Boy
Tana Walker says
I am so sorry to hear of Vincents passing. I didn’t know him well, but I’ve known him for a long time. He was always friendly and always had faith in God. I know he is having the best Christmas ever. I pray for comfort and peace for the family and friends who will miss dearly.
Sincerely,
Tana Peabody Walker
Capt Justin Sharpe says
To the family of Mr. Vince/Master Guns,
He was a pleasure to work with for all of us here at Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor. How I enjoyed visiting with him and listening to the voice of wisdom and experience from old Master Guns. I know you’re as proud of him as we were. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
Semper Fidelis
Glenn H Hawkins says
It was my pleasure to work with Mr. Vincent Firemoon during his tenure at the Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific (SWFPAC) Security department. Not only was Vincent an exceptional member of the Security team, he was a very pleasant person. Much of our work could have been addressed via phone or email, however in Vincent’s case; I would make it a point to visit with him personally. Whether it was addressing business issues or running into him in the hallway, he always had something interesting to share and always had a positive outlook on all that he saw and did. He shall be sorely missed.
John and Sharon Wilkin says
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Vince. He was a great man and wonderful friend. He will be missed by all at SWFPAC and all of those on the Stars and Strikers bowling league. Heaven is truly blessed to welcome you into their arms. Semper Fi
John and Sharon
Jeff and Marilyn Porter says
Maria: Our hearts go out to you and your family. Vince was a wonderful friend and
it has been a pleasure to have known him. God Bless you and your family also. God
took Vince too soon, but he will always be in our hearts.
Lindsay French says
I was so very sad to hear of Vince’s passing today. He helped me keep my inventories up to snuff at SWFPAC and always had time for a smile and some good words. He was, no question, one of the best. I wish to pass on my condolences to all his family – he was so proud of you all. Bless you all, and I will keep him in my heart.
MGySgt Tim Cortes USMC says
How sad a day. Today I learned of Vince’s passing. Vince was such an amazing and inspirational man.. I will miss him dearly. To the family I send my most sincere condolences for such a huge loss. Vince was much too young. May God allow you peace and the knowledge that Vince sits with the lord. God Bless you all, and to you Vince, Semper Fidelis Master Guns.
ANDY MANDJIKOV says
REST IN PEACE MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT FIREMOON! GOD BE WITH YOU!
Thomas E. Moore GySgt USMC Ret. says
I just read my issue of Semper Fidelis, and saw that Firemoon had died. Vincent and I were stationed together, I think at Marine Barracks, Bangor, Wa., I am not quite sure, but I do remember him beating me , on a PFT run. I am sorry to read that he has passed, and at a young age. We all have to do it one day, and I only want to say that I knew him , through the passing of life. Semper Fi, and my condolences , to his family.
Shawn Kopaczewski CWO3 USMC (RET) (SKI) says
To the Firemoon family, I was a Sergeant when then Gunnery Sergeant Firemoon transfered over from MEPS to be our Admin Chief. He ran like the wind and never raised his voice. He had an awesome sence of humor and smiled all the time, he will all was be my mentor, friend and brother. My prayes are with him and his Family and will remain forever. God Bless & Semper Fi.
COLONEL (RET) JOHN C. WRIGHT, USMC says
I am very saddened of the passing of a wonderful American whom I have served with in the Marine Corps. He was a devoted husband, father, son, and a great Marine. I admire him as a man who reached out to many young Marines and mentored them so that they may carry the torch of the future of the Corps. This earth will miss him. Yet it is a much better place because his spirit has touched it in a grand fashion. Semper Fi, Master Gunnery Sergeant and God Bless
Dave Lach says
Vincent Firemoon was my friend, we served a couple tours together in the Marine Corps. H e always had the top physical fitness test, no one could out run Vincent. I am shocked to stumble onto this website and find that my friend is gone. He was a great man and anyone who spent time with him would know that. I am extremely saddened that he’s gone. My heart goes out to his family. Semper Fi my brother.
Rich Kizer (MSgt USMC ret.) says
I just learned of this Marine’s passing. I did not personally know MGySgt Fire Moon well, but I did know of him when we were both stationed in Iwakuni Japan in 1984. His exploits as a runner were well known to anyone interested in running, and most Marines were. I competed against him in the Nishiki River Relay race that year. He took second place during his leg of the race – not a surprise to those of us familiar with his talents. I still have the race results listing his name. When I saw his name in the Retired Marines Newsletter, I knew right away it was the same Marine I had known in Japan. I confirmed it by looking at the race results, which listed a V. Firemoon (the Corps always combined his name). I am both shocked at saddened to learn of his passing at such a young age – just one year younger than I. I wish him fair winds and following seas, and to his family; may you have the courage and blessings to carry on in his name.
CWO JOHNSON says
Seahawks did it – won the superbowl in dominating fashion! Congrats MGunns. J.
Ingrid Fire Moon says
Today (3/25/2014) would have been my brothers 56th birthday. The family wishes to thank each and everyone of you for your kind heart felt words. My brother was a true leader not just one in the Marine Corps but amongst his siblings. He was born 3 months early and died way to early. He suffered from a disease to the lungs that claimed him in such a short time. He wasn’t a smoker and never over indulged in alcohol. He lead a good life, so loved and blessed by his daughters and granddaughters. He was my brother and on this day I am grateful to have had such an outstanding brother! We were all in the Military and he was so proud of that! But I don’t think he truly knew how proud we were of him. Love you Brother RIP until we meet again!
Joshua Guerra says
MGySgt Firemoon was my first Staff NCO in charge of me when I arrived on Okinawa. Words can not explain the positive influence he had on me as a young Lance Corporal. Take care MGySgt, I will never forget you
Josh Guerra
Torian Keys says
Mary, I am truly sorry for you and your family’s loss! Your father was an amazing protector, provider, and mentor! I’m sorry I’m just finding out, but I will keep you and your family in my prayers…God bless.
keystd0090@gmail.com
Harry Spaulding says
I am sorry to hear of his passing. We served together in the Marines and played a few softball games together. God bless. Semper Fi.
Randy Krank says
Randy Krank
I served at Marine Barracks Bangor with ( then ) College & Sgt ” Moon” as we affectionally called him. He was a leader of Marines and one of the most knowledgeable administration Marines I have ever served with. He personally helped me get my ATOP MOS change and reenactment. Although this was in 1982, I still hold his work and support very appreciative.
” Moon” and I served on the Barracks Colorguard detail and in that assignment did several Seahawk Games and March in countless parades. ” Moon” was a very skilled basketball player that gave me fits on the court. We hoisted a few trophies for Bangor and even got chewed out by our CO for running up the score on the Submariner teams (LOL).
” Moon” was a dedicated family man and always carried himself in an mature an hornable manner. He was a Man & Marine of great maturity around us Young Cats.
To the Firemoon Family, I apologize for missing this obituary and being so late with my comments. I only recently learned of your loved one’s passing and after reading all the positive comments , brought back my thoughts and memories of ” Moon”. Please except my late condolences and know that your Father, Husband and Family member MADE AN IMPACT IN MY LIFE !
Semper Fi MyGysgt Firemoon
Goodsspeed my friend!
Randy Krank, First Sergeant USMC Ret.
Marine Barracks Bangor 1981-1983