“When he died the drum stopped beating” Burton Fisher Sr., Mö’ôhnâha’éváóó’ȇste “Elk Stands With Wife”, was born on July 27, 1929, near the Teepee ranch just north of Birney, MT along the Tongue River. He resided in the Birney community all his life on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. Burton was the son of John Fisher and Mary Playing Bear Fisher who raised him in the traditional Cheyenne way, one of the last traditionally elected Chiefs in the Cheyenne Way. Coming from a long line of Cheyenne singers, Burton was known throughout Indian country as a song maker and head singer for the Birney drum group, the last of the traditional Cheyenne style drum groups. Powwow people throughout Indian country often asked about him after he ended his traveling days and commented on his songs and how they became family songs to them. During his youth Burton attended Birney Day School and later went to St. Labre Mission School in Ashland and on to the Busby Boarding School. He grew up on his father’s ranch and worked for a number of non Indian ranches along the Tongue River. Later, he worked for the Factory in Ashland, Montana for many years. Then in the 1980s he started working for the Lame Deer School as a bus driver and later for the Northern Cheyenne Heard Start (27 years) until his retirement in 2011 at the age of 81. He had many friends in Indian country because of his singing and was adopted by the Kenny Scabbing Robe family (Black Lodge drum group). He had a passion for the welfare of the children at the Northern Cheyenne Head Start. Even after he retired from Head Start, young children as well as young adults knew him as “grandpa” and “bus driver” because he worked there so long.
Burton met the love of his life, Alberta American Horse, in November 1985 and they married in February 1986 at the residence of Marg Eagleman near the Lame Deer rodeo grounds. They were very active in social and community activities around the reservation because of their cultural knowledge and experience. He enjoyed hunting, riding horses, singing, and watching sporting events especially boxing. He and Alberta enjoyed being around their grandchildren. He was especially fond of the boys Roman, Cazzie, Eric, Andrew, Blair, Brent and Ramsey. His passion was his family and singing. He would say that he didn’t make songs but rather they came to him. They were old style songs with a lot of heart, soul and meaning. He always said that the songs were meant to be sung by everyone and that he was only the messenger. All he wanted was to have people sing the songs the way they were meant to be sung. He was a modest man, a kind man, a man of a few words, but had the respect of all that knew him. His spirit and legacy will never die. His songs and music will live forever through others. His spirit and influence is alive within his children, grandchildren and future generations. He always encouraged all his children including the grandchildren about the importance of education and never wanted them to do manual labor but rather become successful in leadership arenas.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Fisher and Mary Playingbear Fisher, his sister Rose Marie, his sons Dean Darrell and Emery Fisher.
He is survived by his wife Alberta Fisher, his sons Burton Jr., Conrad, Lionel, Dennis Carter, Oran Red Fox, and William Redfox, daughters Colleen (Gabriel) MedicineEagle, Mary Ann Fisher, Marilyn (John) Wilson, Jennifer Redfox Spang, Tamara Weaselbear, grandchildren Tawny, Sasha, Blair, Brent, Roman, Juliet (Eric) Plainbull, Nancy Whiteclay, Miranda (Eric), Duke (Cindy), Davin Whiskers and also Tilman Tallbull, Shantelle (Cody) Whiteclay, Stephanie, Jessica, John, Shanelle Whitegrass, Candace and Casey Carter, Jackie, Jasmine, Joe Foote, Tamara and Tamaria Littlebear, Andrew Foote, Trestan Redfox, Eric Littlebear, Brenna Roundstone, 69 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Betty, George, Dudley, Cowboy, and Floyd Fisher. Also surviving Burton is his adopted brother Kenny Scabby Robe and adopted sons Arnie Calf Boss Ribs and Francis Old Dwarf. He had many relatives including the families of the Blackhorse, Yellowfox, Lame Bears, Medicine Tops, Old Bulls, Clubfootes, Blackwolfs, Wolfblacks, and Standingelks, if we missed someone please forgive us during this time of need.
When he died, the drum stopped beating momentarily. A tribute to a great man, a man of honor who’s legacy was the gift of singing and song making – maybe one of the last of the old style song makers and singers.
Wake services will be at 7:00 PM, Sunday, December 22, 2013 in Birney at the Rusty Locher Memorial Hall. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, December 23, 2013 in Birney at the Hall. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday December 22, 2013
Rusty Locher Memorial Hall
Birney, MT 59012
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday December 23, 2013
Rusty Locher Memorial Hall
Birney, MT 59012
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Monday December 23, 2013
Rusty Locher Memorial Hall
Birney, MT 59012
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday December 22, 2013
Rusty Locher Memorial Hall
Birney, MT 59012
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday December 23, 2013
Rusty Locher Memorial Hall
Birney, MT 59012
Luncheon
Following Graveside Services
Monday December 23, 2013
Rusty Locher Memorial Hall
Birney, MT 59012
Ann & Porter Knows His Gun says
Condolences & Prayers to the family, In my thoughts to my dear sister MaryAnn (Lawrence) Neiss and entire family of our elder Burton. I know how it feels to lose your father.
Clayton & Lisa Mason Sr. says
So deeply sorry for the loss of Burton Sr. He was a great person. Had the opportunity to get to know him. He was truly a unique man. Prayers are with his family. We are praying for everyone.
Arnold Calf Boss Ribs says
My prayers are with my Brothers & Sisters, Mom and the rest of the family. I pray for strength and comfort to all that Dad leaves behind. I pray that his legacy will live on through his sons and grandsons and that the “Birney Singers” will always be a part of the Powwow/Ceremonial singing in the land of the “T’sit sistaas” and beyond. May Mah’eo welcome Dad with “open arms.”
Jon Wilson says
I had the incredible privilege of becoming Burton’s son in Law by marrying his daughter Marilyn. I had a few opportunities to visit and get to know him on a limited basis. I will never forget when he introduced me to everyone as his son in law at a pow wow in Lame Deer several years ago. I only wish I could of spent more time with him. That being said, He will live on in his daughter (my wife) and our daughters and our grandsons. Thank You Burton for excepting me as your son in law and thank you to Conrad and Sara for being my brother and sister.
Troy and Lori Killsontop says
Alberta and Family: We are sorry to hear of Burton’s passing. It was a privilege to work with Burton and he will be greatly missed. Every time we needed him and his drum group for a family honoring or memorial he never refused. May the Great Spirit bless you and watch over you during this time or sorrow.
George Birtic says
Sorry about this loss…
Robert Bragg says
All my love and care to Alberta and Burton Jr. Burton Sr was a guide for many people and gave the drum and his songs to my adopted brother Burton Jr. Being taken as a brother by Alberta’s younger sister Darlene sealed me with this traditional and ceremonial Northern Cheyenne family. I shared the prayers in the sweat lodge with Burton Jr, Darlene, and Alberta often. I will miss you Burton Sr. The world will miss you. Maheo is rejoicing to have your beautiful songs come home.
June Persons says
I’m sorry to hear of Burton’s passing. My deepest condolences to all the family he will be missed.
Germaine Brien & Spotted Wolf Family says
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers and with each and one of you!
Jeddie Rae (Spotted Wolf) Morales says
I am sorry for you loss! Burton was a good man and will forever be missed in our community, and as our bus driver!
Pastor Luther Yellowrobe Jr says
My prayers go out to this family and may the Lord of Peace, Jesus help you all through your moments of grief and I am really sorry for your loss Colleen and MaryAnn. As my former father-in-law he was always kind to me. Lord bless you all…
Mary Dillon says
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you. You must know that he is singing with Jesus this year. Your family is remembered in my prayers. God bless you
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Jean Peterson Walter says
Conrad and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Conrad I know how much your father meant to you. This is a deep pain that will heal eventually. He will live on in you until it is your time. I pray you will have stamina and the power of guidance for your family and that many blessings from your father will come your way. God Bless you. With all my heart, Jeanne.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Burton Fisher Sr. – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mr. Fisher. It was not the Creator’s arrangement that mankind suffer and die. Everything made by God was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), without defect. God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God originally intended for mankind in the Garden of Eden, will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matthew 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Alice Osceola Brady says
I was welcomed into the dancing circle many years ago at the Birney Powwow. My grandmother Sarah Yellow Fox had a modest give away and I remeber she was greatful for Burton’s beautiful songs. One of my earliest memories that I will hold dear to me. To the family of Mr. Fisher, my sincere condolences.
Alice Osceola Brady