Don Shoulderblade “Porkchops” was called back to Maheo on Sunday September 26, 2021. His Cheyenne name was Nahko’xho oxeoo’estse “Bearstandslast”. A loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather went on his journey. He was a Sundance Priest, Buffalo Priest, Bear Butte Faster and Former Sacred Hat Keeper. His spiritual journey started when he was twenty one years old. His entire life he was a praying man. He worked on his continuous spiritual journey helping, praying and sharing his faith in Maheo with many people.
Porkchops was born on January 23, 1956 to Wendell Shoulderblade Sr. and Ruth Blackwolf at Crow Agency Montana. Porkchops was blessed with seven siblings. He was baptized as Catholic. He graduated from St. Labre and attended Surface/Mining Institute with Heavy Equipment, Mechanic and Welding. Porkchops had various jobs throughout his life, such as being a BIA Firefighter, BIA Police Officer, ARCO, Montana Power, Tribal Council, as well as the Cultural Institution for National Native American Doctors Association. He also did cultural teachings with the students within the school systems. He married Ruthie Strange Owl in May 1976 and they made their home on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Lame Deer Montana. They were blessed with forty five years of marriage and four children. His passion was “Announcing” where he started out with high school basketball games and started announcing at Pow Wows, various Celebrations, High School Games, and was the Camp Crier for the Sundance. In which he handed down these teaching of announcing to Shawn Oldmouse. He was very proud of his sons, nephews, nieces and grand children that sang with the drum. Porkchops had many friends within the prayer circle and in many states. He also made a documentary with the MSU Extention Service which featured him telling the story and role of the grass dancer and how it became. His popularity with our cultural and ways were made tribute in five newspapers in different states after his passing. He also founded the GOAL project in 2013 and saved the grizzly bear off the endangered species list.
He is survived by his wife of forty five years Ruthie, sons Keith (Jacklyn) Terry, Sossity, Kadyen, Thomas (Dawnielle) Nakoda, Jayda, Jaeliegh, Hokshila, Rebel Rose. Terry Brockie (Tanya) Titan, Truth, daughter Halona, sisters Wilma “Tiny” (Neil) Shirley, Annette, Esther, Serena (Wayne) Irene, Geri Girl, Marcelline, Laura Lonebear, Jennie Lou, Wanda, Gail, Carla Small, Thelma, Donna Fisher, Jamie Whiteman, Barbara Bement, Rita Hiwalker (Cedric) Jennie Parker. Brothers: Woodrow, Hubert (Sharon) Oran John, Calvin Brady, Larry Sioux, Clayton Sr, Horace “Betsi” Small, Deacon Joe. Nephews/Neices: Lawerence (Theresa) Jayven Clayton (Leslie) Canyon, Cameron, Cody, Mckinlei, Shawntay, Crystalynn (Gus) Keyshawn, Isaac, Isaiah. Wendell III (Anya) Thomas Spang, Sheila (Joel) Cleve, Bernadine (Valentine) Serena, Dennis JR, Jarvis, Stacey (ED) Talena, Tiffany, Toinelle, Derek, Donielle, Dyron, Detrich, Noranda, Hadley (Marie, Maria, Pius), Clint (Wendy) Payton, Dantrell, Joseph, Maisie, Renecia (Ellie) Austin/Tanya (Trustin, Jazzy, Rhianna) Reanna (Reneka, Shaneka, Janelle, Eric, Brenda, Stella, Ivy, Pascal, Eugene (Marcie) Anthony,Ben, Alan (Becky) Darrell Blackwolf, Sandy Bruised Head, Janet and Rick , Joe Weaselbear and family. As well as many members of the Strange Owl family.
Proceding him in death: Parents Wendell (Turkey) and Ruth Blackwolf, Grandparents Pius and Ethel Woodenlegs Shoulderblade, Ben and Ella Walkslast Blackwolf. Brothers: Bernadine, Wendell Jr. Francis, Vincent and Dennis Shoulderblade, Walter, Fred, James Blackwolf Jr., Crawford Sankey. Sisters: Mary Shoulderblade, Wendeline Neiss, Liilian Woodenthigh, Kathryn SB, Leona, Lavina, Wreatha, Florence Blackwolf, Nephews: Dustin Two Moon, Vaughn SB, Neices : Pamela and Berdine, and Starla. Uncles: Henry Blackwolf, Francis, Thomas SB, Bernadine Fisher, Aunts: Claudia, Fern, Mary Wolftooth, Brother in Laws Lawerence Neiss, Austin Two Moons, Grand Daughters Esevonae’ Buffalo Cow Woman, and Shetae Sandcrane.
Relatives are: Shoulderblade, Blackwolf, Seminole, Walkslast, Fisher, Woodenthigh, Weaselbear, Starr, Wolfname, Woodenlegs, Strangeowl, George Levi family.
We would like to give thanks to: Northern Tribal Council, NC Finance, Board of Health, Transportation, St. Labre, Stevensons and Sons. And to all people who donated food, monetary donations, wood. Also we would like to give thanks to the St. Vincent Specialists and Nurses who helped him. Also thank you to Jay Nance for letting us get our big medicine on your land and being a friend.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF DONALD “PORK CHOPS”, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Donna C Small says
My condolences to Donald “PorkChops” family. Remember the good times and smile. I believe he will smile from the other side with you. He will be missed by all.
George Hawkins says
Condolences to your Family,,🙏,,, thank you for everything,, especially you told me to keep speaking the truth and not give up everything will come back to me better than before.
NIGHTWALKER says
GOIN TO MISS BOYS LOOKING FOR UNCLE “CHOPS” cruising. Thank you for all you done for my girl CHEYENNE CHANEL..RIP…AND I AND MY BOYS. AHHO FOR WHITETHUNDER..HUGS RACHEL. GOD BLESS FAMILY.
Luella Brien says
Don was one of the first to welcome me when I worked at St Labre. He was such a knowledgeable man, who taught me so much about Cheyenne culture. I will miss his generous spirit.
Alan and Joleen Spang says
Going to miss seeing you around always checking up on the people. Your prayers helped so many people thank you for helping my son when he was in Iraq, he was protected because of you Pork Chops. The last time I talked to you, you said you were going to Crow Fair to buy an Indian taco, I hope you are enjoying that taco right now. Prayers to your family.
Carrie Littlebird says
My Condolences and Prayers.
Arron Arthur says
Nooo uncle please don’t go pleeeease
Juanita Brady says
Give mom and dad a bug hug with all our love Uncle🌹Sure going to a wonderful reunion for you , Love you uncle Pork.
Debbi and Tim Dove says
Don had such a kind and generous spirit. He always prayed for our Beartusk family whenever we needed him. He will be missed. Prayers for Ruthie and family.
Orie Medicinebull says
So very sorry for the loss. Sending my condolences, prayers, and love for family and many, many who knew him. He was always so encouraging, and helpful through prayers, support, and humor.
Thomas Blassingame says
Never meet a man who would do so much far those he didn’t know, aways there to offer a prayer for those in need. Will miss uou greatly brother.
Neil Beartusk & DianeSpotted Elk says
Always treated me with respect and kindness as he did everyone. I’ll treasure the books he gave me.
My sincere prayers and condolences to Ruthie his children and grandchildren. A great loss to us all but I know he earned a special place in the universe.💫
Lori says
Thank you for the kindness of your heart
Kathy H says
RIP Donald…you lived a blessed life full of love and kindness. Your cultural knowledge will be missed. Anyone that knew you were blessed to have known you.
Jim Scott says
I REMEMBER PORK CHOPS WELL. ALL AROUND GOOD MAN. ALWAYS TOOK THE TIME TO SAY HI AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOU. YOU WILL BE MISSED, NEVER FOR GOTTON. WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
Vera Durkovic says
Ruthtie and family, my tears go to earth my heart knows he is with relatives in spirit world and is happy and will continue to do good for all. So sorry for your loss. I feel blessed to have met him, his kindness was grand.
Donovan Taylor says
I am goin to miss the, “Ultimate So’taa’e”
Nancy Alice Wallick says
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. Pork chops was a gift to his family and community. He will be dearly missed and a loss to all of this earth. The grizzly in prayer is deeply touching.
Russell Brooks says
Will miss him deeply & feel his void in this life, but thankful for his guidance, generosity & prayers & the ways he honored & upheld, & demonstrated so much for us as a proud Cheyenne during his earthly journey. Truly humbling, & what a blessing he was & still is to so many. Forever loved & remembered, go in victory Pork Chops ~ keep watch over everyone. Stas a wooms
Lisa Feldmann says
Kindness, generosity, humour and a big big heart – that is what made you so important to so many people. Always ready to help and to pray for those who needed it, you will be so missed. But you will watch over your family and your people from the other side – with a wide smile.
I will miss you Papa Don!
Heartfelt prayers, my sincere condolences and much love to dear Ruthie and all the family.
Pete Peters says
We were crewed together working maintenance at he Colstrip plants for several years, I enjoyed my time knowing and working with him. He was a good hand and great to work with. Quietly humorous, and well worth listening to. Even though I hadn’t seen him for years, memories of shifts worked together would pop into my head, and I would wonder how he was doing. He took the time to give me some education of the Northern Cheyenne , expanding my knowledge of my neighbors. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Velma Teba says
Ruthie and Family, my condolences on the loss of your husband, Don. My prayers for you and your family. RIP Mr. ShoulderBlade