Troy Lee Harris, lovingly known as “T-Rex” and “Squeaky,” was called to ring the bell for Mass in heaven on Wednesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 70.
Troy was born on March 28, 1954, to George Harris and Bernice Pourier-Harris. He was given his Sioux name, Rocky Bear (Mato Inyan), by his grandfather, Charles Red Cloud, a name the family has also converted into the Cheyenne language – Ha’Honaa’e Nahkohe.
A man of many passions, Troy’s life was filled with purpose and dedication. He was a skilled carpenter, took great pride in caring for his yard, and loved attending basketball games. He found joy in exploring backroads, spending time with his grandchildren, and practicing his faith. A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Troy approached life with discipline and strength. His commitment to sobriety was a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit. He also had a deep love for music and enjoyed playing the harmonica in his son Trent’s band.
He went to school in Wisconsin to become a priest, but as fate would have it, he met his wife, and life took a different route.
He bravely battled wildfires as a firefighter at the Northern Cheyenne Forestry, protecting the land and people he loved. At Western Energy, he worked tirelessly, ensuring communities had the power they needed to thrive. His contributions to the Northern Cheyenne Housing Authority and he played a vital role in constructing the Juvenile Detention Center, building a place for rehabilitation and hope.
Troy was also known as the “Clark Kent” of the Slumberjacks independent basketball team, embodying both quiet strength and an unwavering passion for the game.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jonita; his sons Terran, Thunder, and Trent; his daughter Trina; his sister Emma; his brothers Arlee and Delano; and his cherished grandchildren Tiri, Harlee, Robert, Lakota Schindler, Trent Jr., Ambria, and Serenity.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernice Pourier-Harris and George Harris; his brothers Lafayette, Patrick, Gerald, George Harris Jr., and Baptiste; and his sisters Delpha and Theresa Harris.
Troy’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and perseverance will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all relatives and friends for their love and support. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses for taking such good care of Troy at Intermountain Health. We apologize to those we were unable to mention by name, as Troy was blessed with a large and loving family. Please know that each and every one of you held a special place in his heart.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 pm
Monday February 24, 2025
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Harris Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Motnana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 pm
Monday February 24, 2025
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday February 25, 2025
Harris Family Cemetery
Muddy Creek, Motnana 59043
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Trudy O B says
Awww my Friend!
So sorry for your loss Junita,Trina,Trent,Tarran, Thunder, / Harris Family.
I knew Troy for many years, back when he was Squeeky, and later as T-Rex.
I worked with Troy for many years at Bechtel (carpenter), than many years on the conveyor system, (WECO), coal miner.
I will miss him lots especially on Sunday morning mass, he loved ringing the church bell.
RIP MY FRIEND
Anonymous says
To Jonita and Family , May the Great Spirit watch over you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sending prayers your way 🙏
Janelle Beartusk says
Jonita and family,
I’m so sad to hear of Troy’s passing. He’s been my good friend ever since Lame Deer grade school when he was the new kid who literally flew off the fast merry-go-round every recess! He never seemed to do anything halfway. Troy was a man of such strong faith. I’ll miss seeing him at church. May Maheo’s love comfort & guide all those who loved him through this difficult time. Journey well, my friend. Never goodbye. Just see you later.
Whitewolfs says
Our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the Harris family. Rest in Peace 🙏
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and condolences for our family He is with his family in Heaven. God Bless. Tell my parents I am having hard time. Troy u get to be with great grandparents on the HARRIS side. It hurts just thinking about the old days. We had such great memories and parents. I am Muddy Creek Bronc, .
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
Jonita & family, sending my deepest condolences, my prayers are for you as you walk through this unbearable sadness 😔 All the blessings 🙌 🙏
Vernon Otherbull says
A good and humble fren…enjoyed playing basketball against u in the 80s…now u guys…the slumberjacks…are tearing it up….up there against the Angels…..have fun my fren
Dena Schindler says
Sending love, prayers & strength during this time to you all.. I have so many fond memories of Troy over the years.. he was one of a kind.. he taught me some of the most valuable lessons in life I still live by each day. He will be missed for sure.. love you Jo..Trent..Trina..Thunder & Boomboom 🙏💔❤️
Dena Schindler says
Sending love, prayers & strength during this time to you all.. I have so many fond memories of Troy over the years.. he was one of a kind.. he taught me some of the most valuable lessons in life I still live by each day. He will be missed for sure.. love you Jo..Trent..Trina..Thunder & Boomboom 🙏💔❤️
Lynn Harris says
Sorry to hear of his passing… He sure was a great athlete &
A great cousin, sure liked to joke around !!! My heartfelt condolences to Jonitta & family… Sure gonna miss him!!!
Lynn Harris says
Sorry to hear of his passing… He sure was a great athlete &
A great cousin, sure liked to joke around !!! My heartfelt condolences to Jonitta & family… Sure gonna miss him!!!
Ron Harris says
Jonita, we are so sad to hear of your great loss. We are so very sorry that we can not be there with you at this time. I will miss Troy. He was a strong man with a competitive nature that I admired growing up all the way through High School. May the Lord give you strength to deal with your great loss.
God Bless You.
Ron Harris Family
Georgia bement says
Oh my friend so sorry for your loss sorry I can’t make it to the funeral but you’ll be in my thoughts and heart always remember I’m here if you just need to talk cup of Java do come over love you Jo
Phylliss says
Prayers to Jonita Trina Tiri Harlee and Stormeo
I am so sorry to hear about Troy.. he was always a cool guy to our family and treated my mom and everyone good.. my heart breaks for you all.. I know you were his world and he loved you all so much.. Tiri Harlee & Stormeo I love you and my prayers for strength and comfort for you my neices and nephew.. Trina always my only SIL I am so sorry Dads are the hardest ones to lose I am here if you ever need me
Always..
Dyron, Phylliss, Lilli, Maddie, Currie & I’Lee
Michael whitehawk says
Farewell my friend 🙏
Sissy Parker says
My condolences to Jonita & family. So sorry for your loss, Troy was a good man. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Debbie (Bixby) Young says
So sorry to hear of your loss . Troy was one of my favorite cousins and we spent time together when we were younger. The road has taken us on many paths together and apart. We will see each other in heaven when my time comes. Rest in peace my dear friend and cousin.
Orie Medicine Bull says
Sending condolences and prayers to family for your loss.
Carrie Littlebird says
My Condolences to a Troy Harris family.
Tana Renee Waters says
My condolences to our family
Uncle Troy, I am not good at saying goodbyes, you’ll be be greeted in heaven by your sisters, brothers and grandpa..rest in peace, my fine Uncle.. love you