Eugene Charles Beaverheart, Ve’kesohtameohtsestse (Walkingbird) age 63 of Ashland, MT, made his journey to the Milky Way.
Eugene was born on February 7, 1954 in Crow Agency, MT, to Frank Hart and Roberta Tangledyellowhair. Eugene attended St. Labre Catholic School until he graduated from there in 1973. Eugene later earned his Associate of Arts Degree in Native American Studies and a Class Seven Certification in teaching from Chief Dull Knife College. Eugene was a hard worker who provided for his family with different occupations. He worked for the Ashland Sawmill for over 8 years, construction/landscaping, Montana Indian Firefighter, Northern Cheyenne Elderly Director, Head Start Coordinator for Cultural Studies, Cheyenne Language Instructor at Chief Dull Knife College where he received Instructor of the Year in 2005, Co-Teacher of the Year in 2006 and more recently worked he worked for the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Historic Preservation Office as a Cultural Surveyor.
Eugene was an exceptional athlete competing in football, basketball & track for the St. Labre Braves. His basketball abilities were legendary, known throughout the state for his limitless range and uncanny scoring prowess. He also excelled in track and field, where he once held the school record in the high jump. Eugene was extremely proud of the friendships he made while competing for the Braves. He was very proud to be a Brave. In his later years he raised sons that became Lame Deer Morning Stars and attended every game wearing his Morning Star gear.
Eugene was well traveled. He was stationed in Germany while he was in the Army after high school. When he made it back to the United States he lived in several big cities spending time in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, and Georgia; coming back home every so often to spend time with his family.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Hart and Roberta Tangled Yellowhair; sisters: Beatrice Beaverheart, Hilda Hart Two Moons, and Edna Hart; son, Preston Gray; brothers: Clifton Crazymule, Orville Speelman, and David Hart; aunt, Eve Small; and uncle, Raymond Hart.
Eugene is survived by his wife, Thelma Beaverheart, of Ashland; brothers: Martin Hart, James D. Fox, Gilbert Dale, James (Emma) Tangledyellowhair-Selage, and Benny Speelman; sons: Gabe Hart, Darrell (Holly) Fisher, James Fisher Sr., Arlin “Shugs” Bordeaux, and Ryan Foote; adopted daughter, Melissa Fisher; sisters: Annie (JC) Bement, Clara Harris, Theda Foote, Erlyce Littlewhirlwind, and Clementine Seminole; adopted sisters: Rita, Johanna, and Lamona Redneck; aunts: Margie Shoulderblade, Carolyn Martin, Susie Cain, and Glora Waters; mother in law, Geraldine Fisher; grandchildren: Josie, Draven, Tyren, Shantell, Shawn, Anthony, James, Bruce, Dallie Jo, Keyon, Kylen, Darrell Jr., Orianthi, Harper, Lillian & Evelyn Gray, Ivy May, Andreas Foote Milen, Velma, Katie, Shelby, and Clancy; nieces: Regina Warne, Ivene Hart, and Roberta Hart; nephews: Martin Hart Jr. of Billings, Frank Hart, Allen (Jana) Fisher, Shawn (Terra) Fisher; sisters in law: Donna Fisher of Ashland, Shelly Fisher, Sara Young, Mary Shoulderblade, Wilma “Tiny” Two Moons, and Marceline Littleoldman; brothers in law: Allen (Sharon) Fisher, Arlin Fisher, Virgil (Myra) Fisher Sr., Vernon (Paula) Fisher Sr., Steven (Martha) Fisher, Roy (Stephanie) Fisher Sr., and Don (Porkchop) Shoulderblade; and special friends, Conrad and Roman Fisher.
Extended families include: Beaverhearts, Hart, Tangledyellowhair, Martins, Two moons, Littlebird, Fox,Whitecrane, Littlewhirlwind, Morrison, Standingelk, Yellowfox.
We would like to thank Deacon Joe and Shirley Kristufek, Dr. Troy Fiddler, University of Colorado, Dr. Song, Dr. Berhane and Nurse Peggy White, IHS Pharmacy, Richard, Kori, Esther, and Lasha; public health nurses: Amber Means, Martha Garcia Fisher, Rhonda Salois, and Jolene Walkslast.
Pam Kania says
I am saddened to hear of Eugene’s death. He fought long and hard … with lots of miracles thrown into the mix.!
Please accept my condolences and my prayers for everyone in the families.
Sincerely with lots of love!
Pam
Norman Anderon says
My prayers and condolences to the family. Eugene was a friend for many years. May he rest in peace.
Raymond Hart Jr says
My prayers and condolences.
Raymond Hart Jr.
clarice walksalong says
So very hard, there are no words that I could say for the loss of my brother Eugene. Another Cheyenne Speaker, I loved to hear him speak to me, no English too. He cared so much for his relatives. He is no longer in pain. I am very Thankful to you Thelma for taking such good care of my brother. May Maheo’ watch over you and your family. My family sends our condolences and prayers.
Wanda Bixby says
May you rest in peace Eugene you fought a tough battle prayers for you and family you leave behind
marina mitchell says
So sorry to hear about my buddy. He is in Paradise now, not hurting or suffering, rejoicing with all the family and friends that have gone on before him. Condolences to Thelma and Family.
Mitchells
Roberta Bement says
Condolences to Thelma and family…..Eugene was a good friend to our family. Heaven gained another angel…??
Kathy Harris says
Good memories of this awesome man…..excellent basketball player and friend to so many. He was my classmate and St. Labre Brave of 1973. May the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hands. RIP Eugene.
JuLia (Eagle) Maldonado says
Prayers for Martin Hart, nieces, nephews, cousins. He was a very kind man, never seen him mad. Thelma and family I send my Condolences to you as well.
Audrey M Snodgrass says
I am sorry to hear about Eugene. He was a hero on the basketball court. And a good man. My thoughts and prayers go out to Thelma and his family.
Sam,Viv and Kameron Walker says
Our prayers are with the family of my friend and brother, may you find happiness and peace with God, and your friends, and loved ones that have passed to the next life.
Michael Speelman and Family says
Prayers to Eugene’s Family, He was a fighter, We continue to keep all of you in our Prayers
Kristen Pongah says
Prayers for the family on your loss.
Branden F. in AZ says
My sincere condolences to my friend’s family. Eugene has walked on, but his memory will remain with me for the remainder of my days.
Peer Halvorsen says
I only knew Eugene for a short time, but I will never forget him. He had that effect on people. Condolences to his family,
Bonnie W. Bigback says
Thelma, Melissa and all of the family: My deepest sympathies to all of you at this time. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
Terry Straus says
Thelma-
I knew Eugene long ago, when he was a star basketball player at St. Labre. With three others, we wrote a book called “Life on the Rez” which became famous when it was published in a textbook years later. He did remarkable illustrations for that publication. Early on, his wit and wisdom were clear. His talents were many; but I only learned of the wonderful things he did in his adult life by reading what you haven written above.
Eugene was special to me, and I am so very glad that he had you to share his life with. I am so not surprised by all the comments about his courage. But, know that his courage depended on your strength and your love.
Thank you!
Curley Youpee says
Eugene was a good person beyond any characterization. His talent and skills to bring about laughter was what made him a friend to all that knew him.
Although your body is now resting, I know your spirit is making them laugh in the sky.
Donna Church says
Hello, this is Donna Church many years have passed I’m so sorry about Eugene he was a lot of fun to be around and I enjoyed him in school. God bless.