Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lame Deer
Burial: will follow in the Lame Deer Cemetery
Daniel Pine, age 87 of Lame Deer, Montana died in the peaceful presence of Maheo and heavenly angels on March 3, 2009 after a short illness at Billings Deaconess Hospital.
He was the son of Julia Kingfisher and Rutherford Pine. He was born and raised in Kirby, MT. He married Florence Redneck of Birney, MT. He raised his for children in Lame Deer. Daniel attended the Busby Boarding School. As a young man, he was chosen to be rider who rode into the sacred Sun Dance lodge. A ceremonial horse was prepared for the entry which was fully decorated as part of the tradition. When his father passed away, he became the next heritary Chief of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The Chief Council of 44 was established by the Cheyenne Prophet, Sweet Medicine. He then began role as a Peace Chief. A Chiefs pipe ceremony was held in his honor. He helped make important decisions about our Cheyenne Way of Life. He upheld his Chief responsibility to keep it strong within our tribe. At an early age, he participated in the Native American Church ceremonies with his father. His family history includes his grandfather, Fran Pine, who was a traditional healer. He was known to have mystical power. His great grandfather, HighBackWolf, whose necklace is kept at the Smithsonian Washington D.C. It is considered as a very sacred object.As a father, he was a hard worker who always held a job. He worked as a ranch hand, Foley Bros in Colstrip when stripmining took place for 10 years, Ashland Guild Arts & Crafts, Truck Driver for the tribe, he transported coal between Colstrip, Lame Deer and throughout the reservation, Northern Cheyenne Headstart as a bus driver, HIS Ambulance driver, BOH (Board Of Health) Transfer Driver, Birney Garden Project, AARP program as a driver for the elderly, IGA store as security. He also enjoyed playing hand games with his friends and family.
He was very proud of his children when they participated in pow-wows as pow-wow singers and dancers. He was especially proud of his two sons when they completed their Sun Dance vows. As a grandfather, he was very proud of his grandchildren when they completed their Sun Dance vows. He attended every Sun Dance ceremony and gave support to the fasting and prayers of all the participants. He was very proud of his grandson when he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He especially enjoyed the pow-wow trail throughout the northwest. He traveled with his two sons who were known as the famous Little Brown Beavers. H
is sons started singing when they were children. As adults they became known as Teton Ramblers, Champion singers at Pow-Wows.Daniel Pine was one of the originators of the 1st Annual Chief Pow-Wow which started in 1967. His tireless efforts kept the tradition alive for many years. Today, the Northern Cheyenne Chiefs Pow-Wow held on 4th of July is known as one of best Pow-Wows in Indian Country. When he retired as treasurer, he made sure that he didn't miss the grand entry. He danced and was recognized a chief of the tribe. His special lifelong friend, James Ant, went to the right people for support, such as late Senator Melcher, late Pres. John Woodenlegs, Fr. Emmett and Don Bailey. He supported many candidates who ran for Tribal Council.
Daniel is preceded in death by is parents, Julia Kingfisher & Rutherford Pine, sister Cecelia Walksnice, his son Raymond Pine and his granddaughter Caroly Roundstone.
Survivors include his two daughters, Anna Ryan (Vann Ryan) and Holda Roundstone (Frank Roundstone), one son, Perry Pine (Dawn Boyd) and nephew, Leroy Pine Sr. Numerous grandchildren, greatchildren and relatives including Rednecks, Bellymules, Strangeowls, Standing Elks, Fightingbears, Walksnice, KingFishers, Morrisons, Spotted Elks, Braidedhair, Taylors, ClubFoot, Killsnight, NightWalkers, Bigbacks, and Biglefthands.
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