Leonard Elkshoulder, Sr., Ve’kesehenanhkohe (Bird Bear), was called home to the other camp on September 28, 2020. Leonard Sr. was born on October 26, 1945 to George and Eva (Lame Bear) Elkshoulder, Sr. of Birney, Montana. He grew up in the Birney area in the early years, attending Birney Day school and then attending St. Labre Boarding school where he graduated in 1964. He was drafted in the United States Army in 1966, serving 4 years and served in the Vietnam era campaign and honorably discharged. Leonard held various occupations throughout his life, in his early years he worked being a Dorm Director for Busby Schools, and in later years a Dean of Students. For many years Leonard served in law enforcement services, holding the positions as Chief of Police of the Northern Cheyenne Police Department and serving under the BIA Law Enforcement Services in various agencies in Montana, Wyoming and Arizona, where worked . He also held a position as a Counselor for the Northern Cheyenne Recovery Program. Lastly, his current true passion was serving as a Legal Advocate, and working within the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Courts helping and advocating for our N Cheyenne people selflessly. All throughout his life, Leonard learned and practiced our traditional ways, he participated in our Sundance ceremony, achieving arrow man and sundance priest, a Bear Butte faster and swift hawk dancer, also participating and conducting in sweat and peyote meetings. Leonard was seated as a Principle Chief of our tribe and one of the last of the original seated Northern Cheyenne Chiefs.
Leonard met the love of his life, Julie Ann King, and were married in 1966 in Sheridan, Wyoming. From this union they had 7 children. He is survived by his wife Julie, his children, Candace of Billings, MT, Leonard Jr (Deb) Elkshoulder, Meredith (Rob) McConnell, Sr., Curtis Sr. Victoria, “Big” John of Busby, and Michael Sr., Elkshoulder of Butte, MT. He had many grand kids and great grandchildren whom he loved dearly, grandchildren; Chad, Jeff (Suntaya) Elkshoulder, Joe, Jonathan Anketell and Presley (Ian) Bracken, Hailey Elkshoulder, Jerico and and Andy Bulltail, Eva (Tianna) Little Light, Brittany, Rob Jr., Dylan, Ashley, and Kira McConnell, Curtis Jr. (Lindi), Todd Elkshoulder, Vonnda (Jericho) Ontiveros, Josie Fisher, Alyssa (Michael) Parker, Mike Jr. Elkshoulder, Drey Hogan, Sydney (Jessie) E.S.-Ramirez, Leyva (Terrell) Elkshoulder, Latrell Rainingbird, Ean Elkshoulder, Savanna, Kingston, Rianna, Micca, Sadie, Julianna Elkshoulder and Kendra Fitzpatrick. His great grandchildren are Tyra, Delonte, Layla Elkshoulder, Aaliyah, Asia, Lelani Elkshoulder, Alaina, Blaine Elkshoulder, Thomas Anketell, Jailyn Rose, Jesse James, Gracelyn Harris, Audrey ES-Ramirez, Pearl Whitewolf, Blake and Piper Fisher, Jadrain and Kolson Ontiveros, Wyatt Iron, Leo and Dane Parker, Malichi Nanto, Angel Dray, Aurora, Phoenix Hogan, and 2 more on the way. His brothers, Mark Wanderingmedicine, Andy Sr. and Eugene Elkshoulder, Clifford “Big C” Big head. Adopted mother, Bertha Freeman, adopted sisters, Connie Twins, Dewanda Littlecoyote, Lucille Yarlott and Bonnie Burns, adopted kids, Kyle Burns, Jerry Fozzard, George Pretty Weasel, Clinton Small of Rocky Boy, MT. Godchildren, Sereda Little Bird and Dale Glenmore. Very special friend Dave Bailey. Nieces and nephews, Marcia (Reed), Marquel, Bessie, Kassie, Nolan, Tara, Andria (Isaiah), Cristal, Vanessa, Vicki, Lisa, Sylvia, Shawna (Duane), Ed and Sara Ann, Lomar (Trina), Darrell (Mary), Rudy III (Mary) aka Woodsie, Andy Jr., Courage, “Little” Jon (Jessica), Mark Jr., Clifford Jr. aka “Little C,” George III (Delrae) aka Tre, Stoney, Sr., Cree, Wacey, Keith Sr. and Shaun. Extended family and friends; Wanderingmedicine, Lame Bear, BigHead, Birney Fishers, Biglefthand, Ashland Strange Owls, Standing Elk, Medicinetop, Little Mouth, Shoulderblade, Big Back, Limberhand, Little Coyote, Club Foote, Headswift, Medicine Bull, Tallwhiteman, Sandcrane, Nightwalker, Howling Buffalo, Spotted Elk, Red Hat, Speelman, Limpy, Good Bear. We also want to recognize the Chiefs Society and all traditional military societies. We also want to thank all the medical doctors, nurses and staff for taking care of our Dad.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, George and Eva Elkshoulder, Sr., his youngest brother George Elkshoulder, Jr., and sister Imogene Big Head.
We apologize if we missed you, but you know who you are, as our family, friends and relatives are big and numerous.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences & Prayers to my dear friends & Ms Julie Elkshoulder family, grandchildren & extended family.
Walker Lee & Mirasol Gomez says
Sending our thoughts, love and condolences to the Elkshoulder family during this time of loss. We are praying for peace in your hearts during this transition. We will always remember Leonard as a good, strong, kind and helpful man that we were lucky to know.
With Love,
W & M
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to hear of Leonard’s passing. I send my deepest sympathy to all his family.
joe fox says
prayers and condolences to family
Hector Gomez says
The Gómez family sends our love and condolences to the Elkshoulder family during this time…we are so sorry and wish you comfort through this time of grief.
Jonathan Gordon, Espanola, New Mexico says
I am grateful for the little time Brother Leonard and I were given to know one another. And I grieve with all of you, dear Elkshoulder family.
Diane Spotted Elk says
Sending my condolences to the family. We’ve lost a man who had a wealth of knowledge.
Prayers for his children and grandchildren and a special prayer for Julie.
Andrita Harris says
Sending prayers Deepest sympathy and condolences for Elkshoulder family. Leonard was a good friend former co-worker. So sorry. Merc, Candice, Lenny, Curtis, Victoria and Julie
Melissa Whitewolf Royston says
Prayers to my auntie Julie & the rest of the family. My heart breaks for you all. RIP uncle Leonard.
Patricia Houseman says
So sorry for your loss of Leonard, Julie and all of the family members. You are in my prayers. May Jesus meet you with open arms, my classmate–Patsy Brey
Shirl Pinto-Robinson says
Hugs and prayers to the family and relatives. May God comfort your hearts and homes.
Ruth Risingsun Phillips says
My deepest condolences to Julie, and family. ❤❤
Emma Harris says
My prayers to Julie and the family. So sorry for your loss.
Judy A Ross says
Julie, I am sorry to hear of Leonard’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
George Nightwalker Sr says
Thanks for always acknowledgeing me big brother ever since I was a kid. I will miss hearing your stories & your participation in our ceremonies. Travel well back home..watch out for us who remain.
Mary Dillon says
My sincerest sympathy to all the family. You will be in my prayers. We will see our loved ones again. God bless you all. Mary Dillon
Joe Wallace says
Leonard good friend. Praying for all the family.I will miss him at basketball games, Busby Eagles.
Darlene Hamilton says
Julie and Family,
Sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed. He has taken a lot of knowledge with him on his journey to the next camp. My prayers are with you all and wish you well.
Clo Small Reid says
So sorry for your loss Julie. You never think it will happen to you so soon. He was a good man and you raised a wonderful family together. He will Rest In Peace now while waiting for you. God bless and comfort you.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF LEONARD ELKSHOULDER, SR., THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Rhoda BullComing says
So sorry for your loss to my friend Julie God bless her n comfort her at this time we send our prayers n condolences to the family from Rhoda BullComing n family
John Rumple says
I’m so sorry for your loss! I was once part of the family for a little while and Leonard always treated me well. I truly respected him and know that he will be missed by his family and friends. It was an honor to know him for the little time that I did. May he rest in peace!
BABYGIRL says
DAD I MISS YOU MORE EVERYDAY. SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE I CANT DO THIS ANYMORE. WHAT I WOULD GIVE TO SEE YOU AND HEAR YOUR VOICE AGAIN. MY HEART HURTS SO BAD DAD. I STUMBLE INTO EACH DAY JUST THINKING IM ONE DAY CLOSER TO YOU. LOVE YOU DAD!!
LOVE,
YOUR BABYGIRL