On Saturday April 30, Richard Foote Sr. Youngbird Monevata, named after Dan Seminole, was called to heaven after a short battle with cancer.
Richard was born April 29, 1946 to Eva Foote Rowland in Lame Deer, MT. He attended St. Labre Catholic School in Ashland, MT. He was St. Labre’s first state champion winning the mile run in track. He was drafted into the Army on October 8, 1965. He was stationed in Qui Nhon during the Vietnam War from June 1966- June 1967. He was Honorably discharged On October 11, 1967.
He worked at St. Labre with maintenance and then started working for the BIA road department where he stayed until he retired after 30+ years of service. He also drove doozers during the fire season. He was known for his fire lines. Some of the lines were so crazy that people wouldn’t even go down them in a pickup. Too steep, on the side of hills, he didn’t see any obstacles when he was making his lines. He was one of the best heavy equipment operators around.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He knew the reservation better than anyone. He had an eye for cultural artifacts, bringing home arrowheads, assorted rocks and other things no one else could find. He was there helping many nieces and nephews find their first arrowheads.
He also loved sports. He was speedy and quick on the basketball court winning many independent basketball tournaments. In the summer he was always on the softball fields either playing or coaching.
Richard is survived by his children: Richard Jr (Billie Jo) Foote and Ricarda (Bob) Hanson. Grandchildren: Ryle Foote, Branlin Foote, Christian Foote, Tytan, Taylor and Thorin Hanson. He also had three great grandchildren, Layla Mae, Lizzy Rae and Jaycee Lee.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother Eva Rowland, stepfather, Allen Rowland. His brothers Anthony Foote Sr. Clifford Foote, James Foote. His sister, Cheryl Sanchez and a daughter, Shawnta Rae Foote.
He is also survived by his siblings: Adrian Foote Sr. of Muddy Creek William Rowland of Lame Deer. Other extended family are Priscilla Robinson, Patricia Rowland, Clinton Harris, Roselind Maria Charette, Rosemond Ann Messer, Alberta Harris Twenty Stands and Denise Dee Alexander.
Richard was a descendent of Striking Fast and Black Fox on his mother’s side. Other relatives include Robinson, Anderson, Rowland, Sioux, Harris, Spang, Charette, Messer, Alexander, Ewing, Elliot, Mason, Soldier Wolf, Walkslast, Fisher, Littlewolf, Two Two, Foote, Speelman, Gardner and Shoulderblade. We apologize for anyone we may have missed.
Kim Knobloch says
Sending thoughts and prayers to Richard, Billie and boys, Ricarda, Bob and kids. Lots of memories with your dad and family!
Bonnie Bigback says
Ticarda and family, my deepest sympathies to you all.
Steve Solis says
Thanks for your service back when we needed you at fire management being our dozer and the blade. My condolences..RIP..God bless
Patricia Houseman says
Prayers for the Foote family. May God be with you Richard (your class mate Patsy)
Lynette Spang & family says
You are all in our thoughts & prayers Richard & family, Richarda & family, Christian & family. Richard will be dearly missed.
Carol Bailey says
Prayers for comfort to the family. It is always hard to lose a parent.
Nellie Speelman says
My love and hugs for the family. I will keep you all in prayer. Auntie Nellie
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Deepest sympathy to the Foote family in the loss of Richard. May God Bless him! He is in a better place now and no more pain and with the loved ones that went before him. Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew him!
Ginger says
Ricarda and family–
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Looks like your dad was loved and thought of highly by many. Treasure your good times and memories you shared.
Roberta Bement says
Condolences to Christian and the girls and the rest of the family. Rest In Paradise Uncle Rich…forever missed but never forgotten. Be thinking of you during our 3am smoke breaks…
Michael S Speelman says
Prayers for all of the family.
Richard will be missed by many. A Great man for sure..
Shawna Small says
Condolences to Christian and the girls. Richard loved you guy’s so much. He will be missed by many.
Savannah Ryan says
Thoughts and prayers go to my family! ❤️
Cheryl Klemp says
Sorry for your loss. My prayers for your family.
Teresa A Bacon says
I lived in Montana long ago, i remember him well as an Athlete. My Condolences and Prayers to everyone
Diana McLean says
Condolences and prayers for the family. RIP Richard
Ann Knows His Gun says
Loss of A Legend! I will cherish our crazy & funny days at your trailer. You were a Great Brother-in-law. Prayers for his children & siblings. RIP Big Rich.
Ann Seidl Haley says
So glad I got to reconnect with you in my adult life, “Uncle Richard”. Our families had a special friendship over the years and I sure appreciate your’s and Roberta’s friendship and laughter with my Mom & Dad, sister Nancy and me! It really meant a lot when you came up to Billings to be a pallbearer for my Dad’s funeral, and the time you helped “rescue” some biker friends of ours who broke down. They just don’t make them like you anymore! Peaceful journey Uncle, till we meet again!
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences. I remember him as an athlete.
Kathy and Ed LaDuke says
We were sad to hear the passing of Richard. Ed has a lot of very fond memories from being on wildland fires. May you travel safe to the other side of the camp. I will hold the family up in prayer during this difficult time.
BOB SMALL COYOTE says
WE ARE SO CONCERNED AT THE COUNCIL THAT WE POST A COPY AND PASTE MESSAGE WITH A FEW GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT PRAYERS FOR THE LOSS OF YOU BELOVED LOVED LOVE LOVED ONE IN THIS MOST SORROWSOME TIME. AND WILL MAKE SURE ITS IN ALL CAPS FOR NO REASON
Gail ivester says
My thoughts and prayers to Richard Foote family. He’s was a wonderful person. Loved life !!
Ken Stokes says
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Richard was a good man who I met 30+ years ago when we all bowled together in Colstrip.
My thoughts and prayers to Richard Jr., Ricardo, and the rest of the Foote family.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF RICHARD FOOTE, SR. AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Troy Spang says
Richard had a gentle soul, always teasing and laughing and making you feel like you were apart of his life. I was blessed to play sports with him and learned a lot from him. He will be missed and I thank you Richard for the many lessons you taught me. We will meet again on the trail and I hope we can sit and visit, You are missed, my condolences to the family and friends of this awesome man!