Richard Tallbull, Jr, E’SE ‘HEME’O’O, SUN ROAD, (80), of Ashland, Montana journeyed home on June 4rd, 2019.
Richard was born in Clinton, OK to Richard Tallbull, Sr and Gertrude Lonebear on June 11th, 1938. Richard attended and graduated from Thomas High School in Thomas, OK where he lettered all 4 years in football. The team, Thomas Terriers won state all 4 years that he played. Richard was a veteran, he served in the US Air Force.
Richard is survived by his children, Richard (Brooke), Centennial, CO, William, Englewood, CO, Gloria, Norman, OK, Janice, Denver, CO and Clark, Denver, CO. His sisters, Ercel Whiteshield, Thomas, OK and Gloria (Edison) John, Centennial, CO. His brother, Lewis Keith (Kathy), Aurora, CO. His grandchildren, Amber, Rosalyn, Will, Cody, Erin, Blaine, Arlene, Tessa, Tyler, Mauricio and Teagan. His great grandchildren, Cecelia, D’Kane and Kidron.
Richard was proceeded in death by his parents and oldest son, Benjamin.
When Richard first came to Montana he worked as a Jewelry Apprentice with the local Arts & Crafts factory. He also worked for St. Labre for many years. Richard worked as a Tribal Police Officer on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and he also worked for many years at the Montana Power Company in Colstrip, Montana, as a heavy equipment operator. Richard was a member of the Native American Church, a faster, who sponsored many. He loved the Northern Cheyenne community where you could always find him sharing his love of Cheyenne culture whether it be with fellow tribal members, local and international visitors to the reservation.
He spent countless hours volunteering his time teaching the Cheyenne language to students, staff and their children at Chief Dull Knife College. Richard shared Cheyenne history with visitors from around the world, while working with Cheyenne Trailriders. He even traveled to Europe with fellow Cheyennes to share the Cheyenne culture and educate others.
Richard was so committed to providing activities for the youth on the reservation that one summer he decided to start a Respect Camp, which was open to both Indian and non-Indian children alike. With the help of his own children, grandchildren, relatives and friends, Richard camped all week in tipis with the kids and taught them respect for their families, the environment and themselves. He was so committed to youth that he helped facilitate a path for female football players here at St. Labre.
If you couldn’t find Richard leading tours at St. Labre Indian School, working with kids at Chief Dull Knife College, gourd dancing with relatives or working with his horses, you could definitely find him in a sweat in either Ashland, Lame Deer, Birney or Busby. You could tell this is where Richard was most at home. Connected to everyone and everything through prayer and song. He loved to sweat, and he taught so many of us to love it as well.
Richard had a large family, he has nieces, nephews, grandkids, great grandkids in Oklahoma, Colorado and Montana. Also, numerous adopted brothers, sisters and children from around the world.
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J.B says
My friend you will be missed. My condolences to the family.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF RICHARD TALLBULL AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Jack and Carol Bailey says
You will be missed, Richard.. It was always a pleasure to see your face.
Patsy Brey Houseman says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. He was a good friend to me and to everyone. Prayers for his family.
Richard had a very good heart. He always loved to help the children with camps during the summer etc. He also believed in St. Labre and donated to the cause for all of St. Labre’s students. Rest in peace with Jesus, Richard.
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Deepest condolences to Richard’s family. He was a gentleman from the word go and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace!
Andrita Harris says
My Deepest sympathy and prayers to Richard’s Family. Will miss are little visits.
When you see my Dad tell him I Luv him and miss him.
Rachel E. LaRance says
My condolences and prayers to the family of Richard. He is now safe and well. He was a friend of mine and made me laugh when he tell
me one of his jokes. Rest in peace, Richard.
Joey Littlebird says
Travel well Uncle
Ashley Yellowrobe says
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Richard (Dopey) I served him at HLC, always getting after me to set out some green onions for him lol Rest in Peace <3
Ruth "Buttons" Whiteskonk says
Condolences to the family. I will miss you my brother, Dopey.
Monica Norse (Littlebird) says
sending my condolences to the children and family of Dopey. He was a good friend of my dad Vance Littlebird. sitting around listening to them tell stories talk and especially tease one another are memories I will forever cherish. May Maheo comfort you all during this difficult time.
Eva Marie Old Crow Montin says
Prayers of comfort and peace for family. Your visits to Oklahoma will be missed. Also all the stories you shared with us. The teasing and laughter was always non stop. Tell dad, Denny Old Crow, and brother George hello when you see them.
Mcmakin family says
My mentor, father figure always told me like it is… you will be missed… we will meet again …soar with the angels as you were on earth…love you forever…Rocco will carry your Indian name with honor and respect….
Zane and Sandy Spang says
We have known Richard “Dopey” Tallbull for a long time – when he used to come up from Oklahoma and visit family. He married Zane’s cousin, Rosalie Limberhand and we got to know him better as he lived here on the reservation permanently. I have written how he became a very helpful part of our business of 29 years – Cheyenne Trailriders. He always brought his children and especially grandchildren out to help and visit. Many, many good memories of all of them. We talked at the clinic less than a week before I heard he had left and I am still in shock. Richard it is hard to lose a Brother, even temporarily. Ha ho for all you brought to our lives. You will live on through the memories of many across this world and in the heart of the reservation that became home to you. From the Zane, Sandy Spang family and all of your Cheyenne Trailriders friends.
Ed Wilson says
Like an older brother, grew up with him, his family in Oklahoma will miss him, prayers to his family in Denver and Okla., he was a tremendous athlete, played on two state football championship teams, played basketball, ran track, and spent many, many innings playing fast pitch softball, hunting, fishing, looking for turtles, and at family gatherings when the older ones were still alive. Able to talk to him recently, learned about his trouble with his mobility but he said “I can still drive”, took my grandsons up to see him few short years ago, one of them has his name, “Sun Road”, I am so sorry I couldn’t be there to support the family, I love each and every one of them and want them to hug one another and get through this together, during our visit I asked him if he thought about coming home to Okla., he said “nah”, this is my home and I’ve been here a long time and my son is buried here, I told him I appreciate that and we spoke of other things, our old ones, our friends, and how it was at home when we were young. Really enjoyed our visit, and will cherish it as a favored memory, rest in peace brother.
Jon Hauxwell says
Richard was wise and funny, always lifted the spirits of those around him. We’re saddened to learn of his passing.
Years ago, I brought him some raven feathers, from which he made a beautiful feather fan, the one I always used when gourd-dancing. I’ll always think of “Dopey” when i hold that fan.
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to hear that Richard is gone. I respected him deeply.
Junior curley says
R.I.P Coach, praying for you and your family.
Francis Bahr says
Richard Tallbull Sr, or Coach Dopey as I called him during my Little League and Pony League playing days. I always looked forward to our practices and games, because it helped me forget about being stuck in the Cheyenne Home and no where to go. God speed and prayers for his family
Mike Kennedy says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember Richard from my school days at the Mission. He was a great man.
Tricia Marris says
Thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time. Give my mom Patsy a hug from us.
Eugene Blackbear, Jr. says
My brother Richard, our dad’s Richard Sr & Eugene Sr we’re closely related, will be missed greatly. He was full of kindness and Respect for people. He bought me B’fast last year at the Heritage Center and kept telling everyone that we was blood related!! Amidst the rush of LIFE, I treasure the brief visit we had!! Cedar and Prayers for his Journey Home and for family members’ to be comforted.
Eugene Blackbear, Jr
Ron Runberg says
I was blessed to have known him and sit up with him. Rest in peace. My Condolences to family and friends.
Ron Runberg