The morning of February 2, 2016, the last of the ‘BAR NONE’ cowboys saddled up for the last time and headed for the big corral in the sky! Our best friend has joined our mom and relatives as he told his children he was ready.
Our beloved Herbert was born on November 9, 1934 in Lame Deer, MT, son of Annie Red Cherries and adopted father Frank Bearchum, Sr. He was later raised by his grandmother, Nancy Divesbackwards and Charlie and Sarah Yellowfox and gained many brothers and sisters.
Happy Herb graduated from St. Labre in 1954 where he excelled in track and basketball. Education was very important to him as he went on to school at Bacone Jr. College and learned the trade of a Civil Engineer and was a member of the track and field team. Upon returning from school, he went to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Billings, MT. To make ends meet, he worked at a local hospital as an intern. He worked on area ranches and broke horses.
At this time, he met and married Violet Yellowrobe and from this union three children were born, Debra, Byron, and Candace. All have preceded him in death and are now awaiting his arrival.
Returning to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Happy Herb made his home in Ashland, MT and went to work at the Colstrip power plant until retirement.
A beautiful woman, Marie Fightingbear, entered his life at this time and married her in 1965. To this union, four children were born, Libby, Rocky, Tyrone, and Herberta.
Happy Herb enjoyed attending church at St. Labre and had many interests and hobbies. Looking around his home site, you could see all the buildings made from scrap wood which showed he was an excellent craftsman, he was an avid bowler, enjoyed singing with a drum group and loved to gourd dance, he played the harmonica, He was a Champion Horse Shoe Player. He enjoyed traveling to basketball games, Nebraska, and powwows to gourd dance.
His great sense of humor, and awesome personality gave him many lifelong friendships from which made him ‘FAMOUS’ for his time as an Emcee at pow-wows all across Indian Country. He now joins his brother, Kenneth Beartusk, with whom he announced with at the Northern Cheyenne 4th of July Pow-wow in the early years. He was one of the original committee member s who founded the Ashland Labor Day Pow-wow
He had a strong belief in our traditional ways of prayer and our sacred covenants. He was a member of the Kit Fox Society as the ‘Camp Crier’ and ‘Doorman’ and also performed call back and naming ceremonies. He also loved traveling to Bear Butte to pray for good blessings for his family and relatives, he fasted there four times, and instructed relatives who also fasted. Tyrone and Sonja lovingly cared for him in their home in his last months. Tyrone shared with family how happy and content Herb was in his last days. Happy stated he had visitors that were ready to take him back home.
Survivors include: Brothers: Joe Jr., George, Jimmy Fox and Jamie Olson. Children: Libby (Barry) Webster; Rocky (Angela) Bearchum; Tyrone (Sonja) Bearchum Sr.; Herberta Bearchum; His many adopted sons and daughters
25 Grandchildren: Aiyanna Dunn, Nako Kunu, Kenji, Damien, Shantel (Shawn), Rick, Rex (Chris), Barry Jr., Danielle, Cheyenne, Shalene Shalee, Chantel, Noveko, Cross, Taibree, Mishayne, Valarie, Byron, Tyrone Jr., Shaelee, Shania, Tyren, Jada, Sharee, Traven, Jacelyn
10 Great Grandchildren: Mahlyka, Micah, Shilah, Shayna, Braxton, Serena, Aniyah, Vayah, Jordan, Shawnee and one Great Great Granddaughter Meilia Irie
Happy Herb considered his brothers kids as his own. They are: Anita, Cheryl, Wallace Jr., Mike, Tracy, Ronnie, Robert Jr., Christie, Nakia, Vann Ryan Jr., Quentin Ryan, Paul Ryan, Brent Ryan, Claudine Ryan, Julia Ryan, Vanessa Ryan, Vanna Ryan, and Elvis Ridgebear.
Preceded by: Wife Marie, Both Parents, Brothers Wallace Bearchum Sr., Frank Bearchum Jr., Son Byron Bearchum, Daughters Debra and Candace Bearchum, Katherine, Grandsons Amos, Konja, Atreal and Romeo Bearchum
Extended families include: Bearchums, Red Cherries, Yellow Fox, Clubfoot, Big Back, Wounded Eye, Big Hawk, Divesbackwards, Killsontop, Wallowing, Runsabove, Posey, Spotted Eagle, Chavez, Harris, King, Littlebird, Weasel Bears, Red Necks, Wolfname, Clubfoote, Fox, Shoulderblade, Olson. Our family is quite large, please forgive us if we left anyone out.
Happy Herb will be greatly missed by all his relatives and especially from his family at the Heritage Center. The family would like to express their gratitude to the residents and staff of The Heritage for all the care and support. The family would like to say a special thanks to Aunties Susie Cain, Charlene Yellow Fox, Patty and Dolly Sandcrane, Barbara Braided Hair, Our brother, Wallace Jr. and his wife, and Mary Leedom. Our sister in law Sonja and her parents. We would like to especially recognize Happy’s grandkids Shalee and TJ Bearchum for their loving care. Shalee was his own Florence Nightingale. Happy Herb never said Goodbye, he would say See You Later.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday February 8, 2016
St Labre Social Room
1000 Tongue River Rd.
Ashland, MT 59003
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday February 9, 2016
St. Labre Parish
1000 Tongue River Rd.
Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday February 8, 2016
St Labre Social Room
1000 Tongue River Rd.
Ashland, MT 59003
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday February 9, 2016
St. Labre Parish
1000 Tongue River Rd.
Ashland, MT 59003
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Michael Speelman says
There is a new MC in heaven.
Prayers to the family.
Joey Littlebird says
Travel well Uncle…
Fran & Stan Oswald says
So sad to hear. Will miss seeing your smiling face.
Troy & Lori Killsontop, Sr & Family says
To the family of Happy Herb, he was always a kind, caring man that always made us laugh and made us feel good inside. Our prayers our with you during this difficult time. May the great spirit bless and be with you always.
Julie & John Maldonado says
To Happy Herbs family, may he journey well. He will always be remembered for his smile and kind heart. Always caring for others and always sharing his good memories. Enjoyed his stories he had to share. Love you guy and we will see you again.
Glenda Littlebird and Family says
Prayers! Rest In Peace Dear Uncle.
Melissa Whitewolf Royston & Family says
RIP~HAPPY HERB. Sending Prayers and condolences to the Bearchum Family.
Bert & Helen Woods says
Ashland has lost a good man. Happy Herb will be missed.
Lynda Locher says
Prayers for the family “Happy” Herb was always Grandma Mary Underwood’s go to guy for all her giveaways we will all miss him. Lynda Locher and family
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Happy Herb has LEFT THE BUILDING! :'(
SOO Sad with the loss of our Elder, our Humorous MC. Condolences to the Bearchum Family and our Tribe who has lost a Great Man! R.I.P. HAPPY HERB!! From Ann (Strange Owl) KHG & Family
Georgia Ann Burns says
Prayers of comfort to the Bearchum family. His smile, laugh and presence will be missed!
Ivan Posey says
Was good to have you in our lives Brother! Kind, respectful and helpful….great Cheyenne man. We’ll miss you and your humor.
Ivan Posey and family
Wind River, WY
Erica and Pat Hayes says
Happy was a wonderful man. He will be missed and will not be forgotten. He was a very special friend to us and we are glad to have had the chance to meet him. Prayers to the family and friends.
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Condolences to the BearChum family in the loss of ‘Happy Herb’.
Diane spotted Elk says
A kind gentle man with a smile for everyone. Journey well Happy Herb.
My condolences to the family.
Geri Small says
Rest in Paradise my friend, he always had a smile and a good story to share. He will be missed by so many. Have a good journey “HAPPY HERB”.
Geri Small says
Rest in Paradise my friend, he always had a smile and a good story to share. He will be missed by so many. Have a good journey “HAPPY HERB”. Prayers to all his family.
Bonnie Bigback says
It is a comfort for all of us and his family that his legacy of kindness, good humor, and multitude of smiles will remain with us. Who could ask for more? Good Bye.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Herb was such a joy to visit with, he was a special man. He will be missed by many. We send our sympathy to all his family.
Jon Hauxwell says
I don’t know if the “Happy” moniker referred to Herb’s own perpetual good humor, or to the effect he had on others. Both, I guess. What a great guy! It was a privilege to know him.
Janelle Beartusk says
Happy Herb was such a sweet, kind man and always so genuinely glad to see you! I’m sure he and my dad are already laughing and joking and enjoying each other’s company in heaven. Happy trails to a great man and wonderful MC. May you rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the Bearchum family.
Thornton Chavez says
Was a great first cousin and brother you will be missed by all RIP..
Denise Swank says
Sta va sa vomes. NameShem.
Marsha F. Small says
He always had a smile for us. Prayers to all.
Damon Keith(BearChum) Miller says
Happy travels in your next life!!!! Thank you for giving me my spiritual name Yellowbear. I will never forget the ceremony. Damon Bearchum Miller (grandson Herb/Violet, son of Debra BearChum).
Steve A. Whiteshield says
I was a stranger inna strange land……..your smile n kindness will not be forgotten.
Clementine Seminole says
Happy herb always had a smile for everyone and a good hand sake he would ask if I was working yet on the roads when we would pass by each other,he will be missed .
Sam and Nancy Widdicombe says
The loss of a truly good man lives a space in all of our lives. Thank you, Herb, for watching over our grandson.
DeWanda says
See you again Happy! Prayers for you & your loved ones.
Gary Miller says
Hubert, my wife Nancy Miller, adopted son Damon Keith (Bear Chum) Miller, and myself, Gary want to thank you for allowing us to raise Damon in our home. Damon has many memories of the celebrations with Hubert and Daniel Foote.
Thank you again for the great opportunity afforded to us by ypur decision to allow Damn to stay in our home.
Eugene and Clarice Big Back Sr says
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Reida Whiteshield says
I’m so sorry for your loss, I will always remember happy herb from when I was small till now..always smiling when you met him..and a handshake.
Rachel H.Carroll says
Was so sorry to hear of his passing. He always called LeRoy his brother-in-law and wanted to give him an Indian name but Charles had already given him an Indian name. We went to see him at Foreysth nursing home before we left for Az. last fall. He would tell us stories when he worked for my neice,Morning Star Enterprises, We will miss him seeing him and LeRoy driving him up to the “Bunkhouse” Peace and Blessings, Rachel and LeRoy Pethers
Bailey, YellowRobe & WolfName Families says
Martha WolfName & Herb were close friends as she shared Debbie, Candace & Byron’s side of the family. Maheo be with all of the Bearchum family at this time.
Cindy Stanton says
I’m sorry for the loss of “Happy Herb” I enjoyed him immensely when I lived in Ashland .
Nahko Bearchum McClanahan says
See you later Grandpa, RIP.
I am Byrons first son Nahko Bearchum McClanahan from Oregon, if any of you would like to keep in contact with me I am on Facebook.
He will be missed dearly.
Harry J Winters says
Andrew Olson and his grandparents, Harry and Sue Winters, from Tucson, Arizona, thank Herbert for his kindness to Andrew on his tenth birthday when Andrew visited with Herbert and Herbert taught him how to say a few things in the Cheyenne language. We will never forget Herbert and the welcome he gave Andrew.
Evonne Foote Lierman says
My condolences to the families of happy herb. When I was little my grandpa, John fisher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said “pow wow queen “ happy herb, teddy wooden thigh,Archie weasel bear, and my uncle George fisher all called me pow wow queen. I miss those days. I miss happy herbs songs cause I would dance to them. I want to thank god for giving me the gift of happy herb and the rest of the guys. Rip happy herb til we meet again