William “Sonny Bill” Whitehead was born to Willliam Whitehead and Eunice Blacktail on June 10, 1939 in Fort Totten, ND.
He had 3 siblings, Iris, Lyle and Rusty. He was blessed with 3 children, Keila, Kenny and Barb.
When he was 17 years old, he had sneakily tried to enlist in the US Army. Upon returning at age 18 he was then stationed in France and Honorably discharged in 1959. Thereafter he received his Bachelor of Arts at the University of N.E. Illinois.
Throughout his teens and early 20’s he trained and broke horses and became really good at it. He played, coached and organized Native basketball games and tournaments and once played opening game for the Chicago Bulls.
He had been a civil rights organizer and a progressive activist in Indian affairs his whole adult life which was his passion. He was a co-founder of the Little Bighorn High School as well as NAES college. He was a former Montana state legislator and served on the Fort Peck Tribal Council for 2 terms. He was Chairman of WPCO, Native American Development Corp., and ASRWSS, Vice chair of FPCC and on the board of Looking Eagle Manufacturing as well as countless other organizations. He also helped create and worked at American Indian Centers all over the country. He was a plaintiff for the Northern Coast Rivers Alliance in a suit against the U.S. State Department to stop the Keystone XL Pipeline.
William is survived by his 3 children, Keila, Kenny and Barb; his brothers Lyle and Rusty; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Eunice; and his sister, Iris.
William passed away on July 24, 2023 in Wolf Point. We lost a library of knowledge for the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Fred McGeshick, Jr. says
Rest in peace Bill. I remember our days in Denver late 70’s with your brother Lyle Denny.
Harry Mickey McAnally says
RIP Bill., my friend. Condolences to the family.
The Beauchman’s from Billings Mt says
Gone home Sonny bill on your journey fly high Rest on that Mountain our condolences to the family keelia Mcgeshichk love your family in Billings Mt, Kayla , Katie Beauchman and Aunt Tiffany
Hope Belcher says
Thank you for your friendship and loyalty you gave me.
Condolences to the family.
Marvin Fast Horse says
Condolences to the family from Santa Rosa CA.
Have a good journey Bill , been a long time . Thanks for the help you’ve given me back in the day I never forgot. I’ll see you again Koda,
Tony Charette says
I will miss the great conversations. Rest in Peace my friend.
Barbara (Bushman) Wood, Oklahoma City says
My thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family. I was a classmate from first grade on. Last visit I had with him was about those good old days. Rest in Peace.
Cheryle Cantrell says
Fly High , Journey Well Uncle.
Benny & Ruth Burshia says
Bill was a great advocate, tribal leader and friend; he never promoted himself but worked tirelessly for the people!!! RIP you will be greatly missed by all that knew you!!! We are thankful that we visited Bill, Sissy, Lyle and Rusty two summers ago!!! Our prayers are with family!!!
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Prayed for you daily cousin. Now no more suffering, no more tears, no more pain only rest enjoy it cousin you earned it.
kevin k. rasor says
Very sad to hear of Bills passing,bless the family
Debra says
Sonny bill , Rest In Peace friend , condolences to his family and children
hank Buckles says
RIP Sonny have a good journey and condolences to the family. We shared some good times from your friend
Hank Buckles
Warren L Crowe says
RIP Bill.
Great times and fond memories
Mike Watson says
Bill was a great friend and last of a generation of acquaintances across the west that made a big difference in Indian Country, locally and nationally. He was the face of the water project from Montana to DC along with Tom and Caleb at an earlier time. He thought highly of the staff that ran the project…members and non-members… and publicized their capabilities and their success at every chance. Lately, he spoke with special regard for his children. They meant a lot to him. Bill will be missed.
Patt Iron Cloud says
God our Wakan Tankan loves you dear Honorable William “Bill” Whitehead, Councilman for the Fort Peck Tribes, you have accomplished much in your short years on Mother Earth. It been my honor to work with you throughout your life on bills for the State Legislature. I am proud to know you. I will be praying for your journey to the land of our ancestors. We will all see you again, my condolences to your family. Councilwoman Patt Iron Cloud. “Doksha Ake Waciya Kink’te mitakoda Bill.”
Nadine says
Rest in peace my friend.
Rita Weeks says
Condolences to Keila, Kenny and Barb, Lyle and Rusty. Bill was a co-founder of the WPCO community activist and a good friend to many. One of the last of his kind. Peace be with you all.
Lucy Redekopp says
Condolences to the family. Rest I. Peace Bill
Sonny Lambert says
A kinder an selfless man is hard to find. See you in the next room Sonny.
Bob Beauchman says
So sorry to hear about Sonny Bill. He was always fun to joke around with. I will miss our conversations and of course all the jokes.
The Buck Elk family of Dallas TX | USA says
Our condolences go out to all the families of Mr Whitehead.
Ed Broaddus says
Rest In Peace My Friend and Fellow Community Organizer.
Karin L Johnson says
So sad to hear of the loss of Sonny! Condolences to the family and to all of humanity. So much knowledge, so much work to support, defend and uplift the indigenous.
Farewell!
Arlynn knudsen says
Lost a good man, heck of a good ball player.
Remember Bill taking a team from Denver to Indian Ball tourney in Chicago, Lonny Red Dog was his side kick. Together now going up the courts 🥰👃👃🥰