On September 1, 2020, Dino Valentine Spotted Elk Wilson was called by Mahe’o to begin his next journey, joining many of his beloved family and friends. He was born on September 23, 1972, in Crow Agency, MT, to Peter John Wilson and Irene Mae Spotted Elk Wilson. Dino was raised in Lame Deer, where he attended school. He was a proud member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and, as an adult, he attended Salish Kootenai College where he received his heavy equipment operator’s certificate.
He was a very active person, constantly on the move and always busy. He found peace when attending peyote meetings and sweatlodge and sundance ceremonies, offering prayers for all in need. Dino traveled extensively and had friends all across the United States, meeting people from all different cultures and backgrounds.
He was very proud of his Cheyenne heritage, being descended from Chief William Spotted Elk, Chief Powderface, and Chief Littlewolf, and was greatly admired for his craftsmanship of traditional Northern Cheyenne flutes, beadwork, and crafts. He was knowledgeable about the traditional ways of his people. He was a gifted artist and musician and had won various awards from places such as the Santa Fe Art Show, where he won first place for his jewelry making, and the Jackson Hole Art Show in Wyoming where he won an award for best of show.
Dino was especially close to his daughter, Irene. He became a single parent when she was only a few months old. Then, he had been rather irresponsible and didn’t worry too much about things. However, when he realized this little girl was completely dependent on him, he settled down and devoted his life to being her father.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Alex & Fern Spotted Elk and James & Martha Wilson, and his nephew, Ozzy Wilson. He is survived by his children, Sonya, Tyrel, Noah, Irene, and Journey; his brothers, Floyd Hiwalker, Johnny (Michelle) and Kipp of Lame Deer, and Troy (Teresa) of Ashland; his sisters, Diane (Neil), Barbara (Ryne), Clementine, Cheryl (Merlin), and Ida (Robbie) of Lame Deer and Lisa (John) of Ashland and Sharon; nieces, Heather (Dutch), Krisann, Sarah, and Jersey of Lame Deer; nephews, Zack (Marcia) of Hardin, Ty (Caitlyn) and Tate of Fairbanks, AK, and Josiah of Lame Deer; cousin, William “Smiley” Wilson of Lame Deer; cousins Jackie & Teri Burns of Lame Deer who were a great source of support and encouragement to Dino; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the many members of the Wilson, Westika, Rowland, Spotted Elk, Beardontwalk, and Tallbull families. If we have forgotten anyone, we apologize for the oversight and assure you it is not intentional. We would also like to give a special thank you to all the people who helped Dino to get prepared for and participate in the sundances, especially his painter, Max Highwalker and his family.
Dino’s spark and energy will be missed greatly. Without him, the world is a little less bright.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday September 4, 2020
Spotted Elk Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday September 4, 2020
Spotted Elk Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF DINO WILSON AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Allison says
My condolences to the Wilson family……Sorry for your loss!!
Diane White says
Sending my most sincere condolences for my nephew Dino. You will be missed by many for you had a good heart and always helped wherever and whoever needed help. Oh my nephew I’m still in shock that you are gone and taking your next journey. Rest in peace nephew and fly high. I send you off with love. Auntie Diane, Oklahoma
Dolores Shoulderblade says
Condolences for the Spotted Elk and Wilson families, many prayers sent for a good journey.
Mary Castro says
My prayers to the family Dino was a part of our family he would always come check on us always give you a hug & tell us love you guys we will miss him I know your sis L
Mary Castro says
Laveta has welcomed you home RIP
Denise Swank says
Dino was a good friend. He did a lot while he was in Oklahoma with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. He will be missed. Journey well Dino.
Lydia Hamilton says
Dino you may be gone but you’ll always be with us in spirit, we’ll miss you very much and I will always hold our memories in my heart forever love you your auntie Lydia my deepest sympathy to my family
Julie J Maldonado says
SEE U ON THE OTHER SIDE HOMIE, U WILL BE MISSED…🖤💯♥️
Jane Nightwalker says
While Dino was in Okla. I got to visit with a lot. We had some very interesting talks. I saw him once again in Ethete, Wyo. At Sundance, it was good to see him in 2010! Dino was a easy person to get along with and I saw in him, his love for his daughter!
KnowsHisGun. Family. says
Sending condolences out to the family. May Mahaeo’o comfort you during this time of sorrow. Dino was always a good warrior!
Michelle Duran says
So sad to hear about your passing. You were and will be always in my heart. Who can forget a first love. Thoughts and prayers for the family especially the light of your life beautiful Irene.
Dominic Meyers says
Creator Yahweh bless you!
Terri bixby-burns says
Dino now what . I’m going to miss your love for me and my family . Thank you for being there for my family and I’m going to miss our conversation our laughs and teasing . .you had a big heart and u shared it with all . Cuz I today gave you a piece of my heart I just wished that it would be enough to have kept your heart beating . But I will continue to talk about u as if u was still here cause i know you’ll always be walking laughing and supporting until we meet again . Leave the light on love u
Danelle Hay says
My sincere condolences to Dino’s family especially Irene… Dino was a very kind man and will be missed by many. Glad to have met him. 🙏