George Scalpcane, Neso’eoeve “Twenty Stands” 75, passed at the St. Vincent Hospital after a sudden and short fight with cancer. George was born on December 13, 1946 to Robert & Anna Jean Wolfvoice Lonebear. Traditional Cheyenne families often shared their children, so at a very young age George was given to aunt & uncle, August & Grace Lonebear Scalpcane.
As a child George grew up in the Lame Deer area learning hard work ethics for his father. He had many stories of working sun up to sun down, and most prideful of stacking hay for ranchers up Muddy Creek and ranch hand for Dobbs Sonsalla. At a young age he enjoyed traditional dancing with his brother Lee and other friends.
George attended school in Lame Deer and graduated from St. Labre in 1964. In high school he participated in basketball, football, and track. A highlight of his high school basketball career was scoring 55 points in one game. Signature moves include his famous hook shot, and his half-court shot which he continued to amaze young athletes with until his retirement.
George was married to LuJuanna Ewing for 24 years. They made their family home in Lame Deer and Muddy Creek. From this union came, LaVonne (Ron), August “Tiger” (Annette) Scalpcane, and Sherri Ewing.
In 2001 he married Carmen “Candy” Cooley and became a stepfather to Whisper (Cody) Kelly, Rowdy Alexander, Lacey Alexander.
He attended barber school after graduating, and spent countless hours cutting hair for his nephews, grandkids, and friends. While doing so, shared hours of stories and jokes with his clientele. He was an avid hunter, every year he enjoyed planning and hunting with his son and grandsons. His love for the outdoors, guided his career path to an array of professions. He was a mechanic for the Exxon gas station. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for a number of years, and later retired from Western Energy after 14 years of dedication. His perfectionist mentality drew him to becoming a land surveyor. He continued to provide surveys for individuals well over 25 years, and he often recruited family to help, and in his later years showing his grandson Kylin how to survey, until his health declined. For the winter months, he cut firewood and beefed up his truck so he could plow lanes for family members and friends. During his break from the heavy equipment profession, he became the Director for the Northern Cheyenne Utilities Commission. Later his dedication to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe enticed him to run for Council where he served one term, from 2008-2012. Other committees include the Northern Cheyenne Scholarship Committee for Western Energy, and most current was a board member for the Lame Deer School Board. George finished his professional career as a bus driver, where he became “Gramps” to many and gave most of the kids nicknames. His superpower was a bus driver, he made the kids feel important and greeted them with love with every run. He took great pride in his work ethic and continued to work until the time of his death.
He was a strong advocate for youth, and coached teams of every gender and age. His love for youth allowed him to provide guidance, and support for decades of kids. He traveled thousands of miles to show his support, for sports and more importantly academics. He attended games and graduations across the Northwest. George was a loving man not by words but by actions, often times he provided sports and school gear for those less fortunate. He never missed a graduation or game if you were a Gym Rat or family member. He taught youth determination, and the value of never giving up through personal hand-written notes, quotes, and shared stories and newspaper clippings. He taught youth to be punctual, wash your windshield, keep your vehicle clean and prepare for an emergency. If someone was not equipped, he would provide these things. He was a gruff but loving man who intensely loved his community, youth, and family, shown by his daily living.
Other survivors include; son Derek Stennerson, grandchildren; Tracey Littlewolf, Shayla Adams, & Brett Moore, Keanu (Payen), Tasia Scalpcane, Jordan Jefferson, Bucky (Kayle) Old Elk & Courtney Little Axe , Franshre & Arshanda Knows His Gun, Wesson Crazymule, Saige & Bruin Kelly, Laney Alexander, Clancy & Catalina Small. Hundreds of adopted nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His surviving siblings are Laura and Leah Lonebear, Erlyce Littlewhirlwind, Tess and Huey Wolfvoice, Donnie (Margaret) Sonsalla Joe (Shirley) Kristufek. Special uncles include Max Hiwalker and Art Alden. And his special road dawg Eli (ElliMae) Lonebear. And good friend Jerome Whitehawk.
George was preceded in death by his grandfather, Grover Wolfvoice, Grandson; Keyshawn Jesse Scalpcane, Parents; August and Grace Scalpcane, Robert and Jean Lonebear, Siblings; Gertrude, Lee, Lydia, and Louise, Richard Tallbull, and John Paul Flying and Nephew; Shane Ewing.
George had numerous family and friends, far too many to mention and none to be forgotten. Please forgive us if we have forgotten.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday June 28, 2021
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday June 29, 2021
Lonebear Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday June 28, 2021
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday June 29, 2021
Lonebear Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Nikki BarrettMelin says
George was one of a kind. I consider myself blessed to have had him in my life. I loved when I worked at Labre and he drove bus and he would teach me the Cheyenne language. I have a set of notes in my phone of words and phrases just in case I saw him and he quizzed me! Which always happened! I still have the ribbon shirt he gave me after I graduated high school 20 years ago. With the name Snowflake embroidered on it. He gave me that name and always called me it. He will be greatly missed. I doubt a student at Labre didn’t receive a piece of gum from him at least once. My prayers are with all of his loved ones. He was truly a great person.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF GEORGE SCALPCANE AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Monica Norse says
Sending my condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. May you all be comforted during this time.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Always loved to talk to and listen to George. He always had good stories and good advice. Condolences to the family.
Patricia Houseman says
To the family of George. Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers at this difficult time. George was my classmate and I will miss him and talking with him. Patsy Brey
Gaye samielson says
George was a great guy…so good with our family…hugs to all of you❤️
Gaye samuelson says
George was a great guy…so good with our family…hugs to all of you❤️
Dick Bills says
Whenever I saw George, I was always greeted with a sincere handshake and warm smile. He made everyone feel they were important to him, especially kids. We had many deep conversations and numerous bets on basketball games. I will miss George. Sorry for his families loss.
Bernice Scalpcane says
We will greatly miss Uncle George, he was a brother to my dad Darrell Scalpcane Sr. I would take the time to greet him anywhere I seen him. For a time my dad spent his childhood with George & Lee with Grace. My condolences to his children & family.
SIDNEY FITZPATRICK says
Sidney Fitzpatrick Big Horn County Commissioner
Whenever I met George, I was greeted with a sincere handshake and a smile. He made everyone feel they were important to him. I will miss
George. Prayers for his families loss.
Dee Macdonald says
Wanted to attend funeral but was unable.
He will be missed! I can’t comprehend the number of the youth whose lives he touched. So generous in all aspects of his life his time money and sharing his love of basketball . My condolences to all the family!
Jay Littlewolf says
George was A Great Man!
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Scalpcane and Lonebear Family. George will be missed by many.
Always had stories about BBall etc.
Harris Family
Barbara Jenkins says
For many years, during the 90’s my husband Justin and I lived and worked in Lame Deer and Busby. I met George during those early years and he, in turn, introduced me to Candy. Through that experience, I was blessed with a whole new family and my heart remains full with that experience. George and I had many conversations and I learned a lot about the Cheyenne. I have been ever so grateful. Go in Peace, my old friend,
Barbara Jenkins
Glenda Littlebird and children says
Sending love and prayers to George’s family. May he rest in peace. He coached me a couple times and I’m grateful for his guidance. He was a positive force among our people and always will be.
Jeremiah Gopher says
George was a good man. I went to Busby once and George was there. He good man. I went to Lamest of Deers and he went there. He a good man. I miss George. He a good man.
Norm and Julie Samuelson says
Our condolences to all of George’s family. He was a very special person.
Alan and Joleen Spang says
Tiger I am truly sorry for your loss your dad is a legacy and now we know you will carry that on prayers to you snd your family
Walter R. Egged says
George was a wonderfull person and we did many many surveys together and he will be missed by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe for all the work he did to help people get a place to live. He was always going to someone’s basketball game or graduation and in a different vehicle each time and a great person to talk to about anything. I will miss him!
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Sending prayers for comfort and strength during this most difficult time in the passing of George.
Craig Robinson (Alabama) says
George and I worked together at Lame Deer with ARCO in the1980’s. He was my friend and I learned more from him about the tribe than anyone could ever read about just read about this great loss I pray for his family and friends, Big Fish, Harry Little Bird and many others