The Northern Cheyenne Nation is mourning the loss of a significant member of the community.
Leroy began his journey across the Milky Way to the next camp to greet family, cousins and relatives passed before him. Leroy’s given Cheyenne name is Ma’eve’eseo (Red Bird). Red Bird was born on February 24, 1938 in Lame Deer, MT to Emma Kinzel and Aaron Whiteman, adopted by Buster Whiteman, but raised by his grandmother Alice Kinzel, whom he considered his mother. He was a caring and giving tribal member, always doing what he could to help other people.
Red Bird was a brother of the Kit Fox Society.
He completed pledges: Sun Dance, an instructor and painter, fasting, and Bear Butte, especially proud to be a Contrary descendant, with Wesley Whiteman (Black Bear) as his mentor.
A self-taught artist, Red Bird “dabbled” in a variety of mediums since he was a young boy crafting his own rodeo arena toys from sticks and twigs. Skilled in multiple mediums including horn carving, sculpting (marble, sandstone, wood and various rocks), and original paintings with pen, pencil, acrylic, oil, ledger art and petroglyphs. Leroy’s themes hearkened to his roots: horses, (including Indian Relay teams he bred horses for and raced across MT, rodeo rider of rough stock, traditional tipi villages, elk, deer and buffalo wildlife, issues such as the Dakota Access Pipeline water protection protest, and spiritual themes of a Sun Dancer, a vow he completed the obligatory four times). His artwork touched many lives around the world and was his bridge to society and people. His connection to the community and the people whose lives he touched was always guided by his generous nature and desire to help others.
Leroy’s passion for beautiful, handcrafted pieces of art is apparent in each piece he designed, is a reflection of stories told to him by his Grandfather and other elders of the Northern Cheyenne Nation and inspired by his visions and dreams. His works of art have been collected by buyers around the world. His self-proclaimed “claim to fame” is the commission of one of his elk horn carvings for a movie, “An Unfinished Life”, with Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman. He “hobnobbed” with the trio and could even boast that his “carving” hands were used in place of Morgan Freeman’s. However, Leroy was always more willing to boast about his champion Indian Relay horse breeding livestock, grandkids, basketball playing cousins and other family members.
Leroy served in the branch of the US Air Force, stationed in the United Kingdom where he was the All Service Boxing Champion, leader Golden Gloves Champion. One of the best soccer players in the UK, once scoring four goals in one game, known as the “poker”, playing against Bircham Newton RAF station, even though every player on the opposing team was brought up playing soccer. In later years, Leroy was proud to pass on his boxing technique, loved to coach young Native boxers, passing on his hard learned techniques and skill, teaching them about life, requiring them to live straight and do good tasks and deeds as he did for others, including his favorite niece, Clara Lee McMakin, who was named after him and Bobbi Jo Limberhand and Rynalea Whiteman Pena.
After serving in the Air Force, Leroy (Red Bird) settled in Oakland, CA (due to the Federal American Indian Relocation Program) and earned his living as a mechanic. Leroy played city league basketball with other native friends and cousins on the courts of CA. It was there he met Nannie Ruth Bell. Together, Leroy and Nan raised two daughters, Alice Whiteman (Orlando Rodriguez) and Emma Whiteman (Ondag LaForge). Leroy is survived by one Uncle, Oscar Kinzel (Gloria) and one sister, Teddy McMakin. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Ariel, Ashley, Analeshia and Antonio Rodriguez, all of Missoula, MT and Lucky LaForge of CA, Leroy LaForge Jr. (Cassie) of Bozeman, Dillon TallBull of Bozeman and Bronson LaForge (Iris) of Phoenix AZ. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Leroy’s children: Julieana and Brycen LaForge, Lucky’s child: Tristan LaForge, and Bronson’s child: Amari LaForge. Leroy (Red Bird) is also survived by many families of the Northern Cheyenne Nation: the Highwalker, Limberhand, Harris, American Horse, Bearchum, Rapos, McMakin, Kinzel, and Rock Family. There are many other family members and relatives that Leroy took as his grandchildren and the family expresses its apologies for any omissions.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday February 28, 2020
Boys and Girls Club
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday February 28, 2020
Whiteman Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday February 28, 2020
Boys and Girls Club
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday February 28, 2020
Whiteman Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Bert & Helen Woods says
The world has lost a great artist and a great man but what we have lost Heaven has gained. I bet he has already found the fastest horse there and is racing with the wind. May all the wonderful memories comfort his family and all of those who called him friend.
andrita Harris says
Emma, Alice, Nan and Whiteman Family
Sorry for your loss my deepest condolences and sympathy. Leroy will be missed by all. RIP.
Dorothy, Andrita Harris
Billy Family
Dolores Shoulderblade says
Man and girls, I am so sorry for your loss, Leroy was a humble gentle person who helped many people. He will be missed
Travel well cousin, your loved are waiting with open arms.
Dolores Shoulderblade says
Nan, Emma and Alice, I am so sorry for your loss, Leroy was a humble gentle person who helped many people. He will be missed Our bus
Travel well cousin, your loved are waiting with open arms.
Samantha Killsnight & Family says
Deepest condolences to Leroy’s family and children. He always had a kind word and great jokes. I will always remember our talk sometime ago
Duane and Sue Allred says
Condolences to Leroy’s family, he was a very nice man. He always stopped and visited a minute whenever we saw him.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF LEROY WHITEMAN AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE. THE CHIEF COUNCIL PRAY THAT MAHEO’S STRENGTH WILL CONSOLE AND COMFORT THE FAMILY DURING THIS MOST MOURNFUL TIME. JOURNEY WELL LEROY AS YOU HEAD HOME.
Sarah Beaumont says
Rest In Peace cousin Leroy. Prayers to the family at this time of loss.
Denise Swank says
Sorry about your loss. Leroy will be missed. Prayers of comfort for you all.
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Deepest condolences to the WhiteMan family! Leroy was a good friend and really enjoyed his visits when he would come to Ashland. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him! May you have a safe journey to the other side my friend!
Thomasine Hardground says
My Condolences and Prayers to the Whiteman family! May Maheo welcome Leroy with open arms, and may he keep Leroy close and safe to his heart. R.I.P. LEROY WHITEMAN!!!!
Melissa Whitewolf Royston says
Sending my condolences to the Whiteman family. God Bless
Teri and Dennis Dahle says
My friend in Lame Deer..he always was genuine…he was a force in life..he also seemed invincible…prayers and love to all..
Bernie says
Leroy Whiteman, made my sons first Roch, gave him a drum and he danced. Uncle Leroy, let him and his Calif. Frds hang out at his place when they passed through Montana. Him and Nan are my frds. His spirit will continue. He is blessed to have Alice Marie, Emma Jean, my sons first buddies. Nan Whiteman , I will always have good memories of you and Leroy.
Love Bernie
Dale Glenmore says
Condolences and prayers to the family, such tragic news. Leroy was a phenomenal man, and a mentor to many of us. I looked up to him as a father figure and respected him highly. He will be missed tremendously by many, our thoughts and prayers to the Whiteman family.
Donnie and Lori Finnicum says
Thoughts and Prayers to the Whiteman family. He will be missed.
Marilyn Watson says
I have a bracelet Leroy made years ago. He and Nan gave it to me on my birthday, Jan. 1st. I have always treasured it and it means even more now that he’s gone. Rest in peace, my friend. Hugs and prayers of comfort to Leroy’s family.
Lu Shomate & Dave Hensel says
Such sad news to hear today. Nan, Emma & Alice and Family we are truly sorry for your loss. Leroy was an amazing man, many wonderful stories, many great accomplishments, and so many talents. The generosity of this man was endless, his love for all people was always evident. I will miss you Leroy. Thank You for being a true Warrior for Mankind. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Loni and Buggs Hartman says
Alice, Emma and family. We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. He was such a kind and gentle man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please know I will be there for you. May he RIP and the Lord heal your broken hearts. Love you dearly. Loni and Buggs Hartman
Diane and Randy Ross says
What a great friend! We will miss him very much . We are also very grateful to have known him all these years. Are hearts go out to his family. Randy & Diane Ross.
max Small....... says
Rest in peace brother..you were a true brother always there for me….
Carol Bailey says
I was so shocked to hear about this. He seemed so well last time I saw him not too long ago. I hope he and Jack are swapping storys ..
Dalton henry says
Rest In Peace you done well my friend Leroy
The White’s says
Walking on in to the spirit world, beholding our Creator, in the land of our ancestors, we bid you farewell. Many moons we were honored by your friendship, your gifts, your love and kindness. We will never forget you dear friend. Until we meet again…….
Tamera (Bearcomesout) Goldsmith & family. says
Our condolences to the family. Leroy always had a good joke but I always knew I was going to hear some good words of wisdom. He would give me an ear beating right when I needed the most. He will be missed by all.
Steve & Sandy Perusich says
Our deepest sympathies to the Whiteman family for loss of Leroy. The community has lost a soft spoken kind hearted talented man. God Bless and my he Rest In Peace.
Steve Held says
Oh, Leroy, this is sad news. You have touched my family, dear man. You generously shared yourself in my daughter’s Montana soccer film, your contrary painting is in our home, we talked on so many trips when passing by. If anyone sees Leroy’s “horse shaved on elk hide,” the stud is my daughter’s. Leroy you make art of everything you do. Peace to your family….
Duane Cole says
Rest in piece my friend, I have been a better person for knowing you! My condolences to all of the family.
MaryRose Morigeau says
Nan, Alice, Emma and families, our heartfelt condolences go out you you all. We were honored to know Leroy and blessed to be in his presence on the occasion we were. I am forever grateful he arranged and afforded my Son Stormy the opportunity to travel. One of my greatest memories was when he killed Custer in front of us, he was so excited to have us visit and show us around. We just loved your Dad, he was quite the gentleman and an amazing artist. I loved listening to his stories and his jokes. 💕 Thank you for sharing him with us. Until we meet again my friend, journey well. Many hugs, MaryRose, Ed, Shadow, Stormy, Carla & Baby Shadow.
Shirley and Tom Skinner says
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Leroy’s passing. We had visited him not long ago in Billings. Leroy was a multi talented, kind man that always had a good word and would always take the time to stop and visit, no matter how busy he was. His passing will leave a large hole in many lives. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Sue Goodman says
Sending love and prayers to Leroys family, He was a very talented man and always enjoyed talking with him. I have several pieces of his art work I gathered through the yrs. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Leroy.
Steve Perusich says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers and blessing to all the family. He was a truly talented gentleman and I have fond memory’s of him. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jay and Christine Red Woman says
One of the last true contraries of our time. To my classmate Emma, happy tears when you see him again on the other side of the Milky Way. He did life and an awesome contributor to our Morning Star people. Quite an inspiration. His story of the Great Race was interesting. About the Magpie used to be an ordinary Mud Bird with brown feathers. After stepping up to represent us in the race and winning so that buffalo will not eat us. Then the creator blessed him with black and white feathers and in his tail would black tail you see a rainbow. They saved us so don’t kill them but feed them he would say. He also added that he painted this depiction in a mural in his home. I will miss his smile driving through Lame Deer as we all mattered. I have no doubt in my mind that his genuineness will be missed RIP
Randy Hart says
I knew
Leroy for many years ,ropeing at cole strip and later the custer reenactment. He was a good man, fun to be around, always looking out for his family and those around him, Whom he would adopt. God bless you brother you will be missed.
Danna Runsabove says
RIP Leroy. You and Bill can certainly have your own Indian Relay team in Heaven. You can go on rides together. All your visits, with Bill, on the phone, at your house and our camp are unforgettable. You and Bill have a grand time.
Offering our condolences and prayers to Leroy’s family.
The family of Bill Runsabove
Rita LaForge says
Emma and Ondag, and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thinking of everyone, Rita LaForge.
George Birtic says
LeRoy was an outstanding person in so many ways. He was an outstanding parent role model for all native youth. I had so much respect for LeRoy in so many ways. He will be missed. He raised two very nice children. Lame Deer was a better place to live because of LeRoy.
Fran Oswald says
So sorry to hear of LeRoy’s passing. He did so much for the community. RIP, and condolences to family.
Patty Dunn says
I have always heard the name Leroy Whiteman and thought “he is a legend”. After decades of hearing about him, I finally got to meet Leroy when he had his art show at SHAC. I was not disappointed…. He was kind, intelligent and such a talented artist! Leroy and his legend will live on. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ken and Irene Nelson says
We are sorry to hear that Leroy passed. He was a respected worker at the plant and an amazing artist. We are honored to have some of his artwork. He always had a story and his friendship was valued. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Larry Hill says
Leroy was a true asset to the Cheyenne and Crow Nations. His time as Supervisor of Human Resources with The Montana Power Company at Colstrip allowed him to assist Native Americans to become a significant part of the workforce. I worked with his brother “Ben” in the warehouse and I am sure they are together again. My condolences go out to his family and to all his friends.
ray little guy penola says
alice emma jean and nan i’m so proud to have been apart of uncle leroys life he always made time for me and my friends when we came through lame deer playing ball. we will all miss him but think of the great times we had together like mom say he made my first outfit love you guys rest in peace Leroy
Janet Maxwell says
My condolences to the family. The sky has a new star
Nancy F Munier says
The Great Spirit knows when our job on earth is done.. He did so much and added much to the life of others. May he rest now with all who went ahead and watch over us from above.
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Laforce says
RIP leroy, one of these days I’m going to pull up and visit you like how you usual do. Going to miss listening to your stories and checking out your new art work. May Maheo watch over your family during this sad time. HaHo
Chip Marrin says
From one USAF veteran to another;
Witen Welanittowit
Marsha Small says
Prayers to the family, friends and communities. Leroy always had a smile and kind words.
Jackie Linstram says
May you Rest In Peace and May you be greeted by your ancestors when you cross the bridge! My deepest sympathy to your family .
Mick and Jo Brady says
Alice and Emma, It was a great honor to of known your Dad, many of great memories were made for so many of us. May he rest in peace.
Strangers in Vermont says
Cousin Vanna gifted us one of Leroy’s carved antlers which we have in our hallway and look at all the time, so his presence is felt. We offer our condolences to his great family for their loss and hope his memory and artworks will long be a comfort.
Scooter Fretland says
To Leroy’s (Redbird’s) family:
My heart grieves for the loss of a wonderful friend and mentor. Leroy mentored my sister Medora Burgess, on many aspects of the Cheyenne way of life. Leroy always was an empathetic soul, listening to me whenever I encountered difficulties and programs affecting me. He will greatly missed. To Alice and Imogene and their families: I am praying for you, and that you will find peace and comfort during this difficult time. The sky is shining much more brightly with Leroy’s star twinkling brightly over us.
Jeffrey A. (Scooter) Fretland, El Paso, Texas
Jennifer Schellenbach says
I was blessed to attend the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers Gathering at Lame Deer in July 2012…hearing the wolves, being present & part of the community there was one of the most spiritual & beautiful times of my life. I purchased a print of LeRoys painting, Out of the Blue. I only spent a short time in his company, but will forever treasure that time & the beautiful painting he made. All my love to his family, friends & community, sending prayers to all. I remember when Custers relation came & spoke to the community, picking berries, building the showers, cooking the meals, hearing the stories of the Riders, & I pray for the community & healing for everyone, you all helped to heal me & LeRoy Whiteman was a big part of that. Aho, Gentle Fire
Vanna Schwamb says
I have read all of the wonderful condolences, stories, remembrances of Leroy’s incredible life. They are all so true as he was all that and more. We were cousins & also the best of friends. As all of you I really miss him until we meet in the next camp.
Vanna Schwamb (part of the Sally & George Harris family)
marcus belgarde says
He was a great man I known him for 14 years and i am 14 teen years old so basically my whole life. I loved his art and he made me a painting and signed his name than mine i loved him i really miss him.
Sorry for your loss to the family he will be greatly missed.
William C Light says
I just learned today of LeRoy’s passing. LeRoy and I only spent one afternoon at his home; however, we did talk together by phone several times. I met with him to see if he would do some woodcarving and quill work for my son Matt. He did and his artistry was and is superb. I will forever remember our first meeting when I drove up to his house unannounced. I knocked on his door, and he answered it I asked,”Are you LeRoy Whiteman?” He responded,”Yes,” to which I replied,”Doesn’t that get you in trouble out here?” He stared at me and then said,”You’re OK, come on in.” We spent a few hours talking about life, artifacts he had found around the reservation. We became friends, and his friendship was a blessing for me. The world was far better with LeRoy in it. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Delea Clark says
This is Delea Clark greatgrand daughter of James Blood OwlLooking ,Sits-In-The-Middle is my great great great uncle through my great great great grandpa Sitting-The-Middle.my mailing address POBOX721 MountPleasant, Michigan 48858
Delea Clark says
Would like to meet my relatives my parents James and Adela Blood.
Dino Angelici says
Rest in peace. LeRoy and his daughter Emma befriended myself and a fellow bicycle traveler who passed through Lame Deer in early July, 1981. We attended a pow wow and then stayed with LeRoy and his family for about 24 hours. The memories of that time and the hospitality of he and his family have remained strong with me since that time. He was a good man whose kindness to us had a lasting impact on my life. All the best.