Vann Wade Ryan Sr., (Ma ene tse “Red Eagle”) age 66, of Lame Deer, Montana went on his spiritual journey to join maheo on July 18, 2012. He died after a long illness at Billings Advanced Care Hospital.
He was the son of Alice Medicine Flying and Frank Bearchum Sr. He was born and raised in Lame Deer, Mt. Vann attended the Lame Deer and Colstrip High Schools. He found his true love and married Anna Mae Pine on March 8, 1966. They spent 46 years together. In 1968, Vann was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was stationed at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. He later received his military orders to defend his country, and was sent to Cam Ron Bay, Vietnam for 1 year. He received his honorable discharge on November 1, 1973. He was awarded and received a National Defense Service metal, Vietnam Service metal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign metal and Marksman (rifle) award. Upon his return to his own homeland, he was given a full traditional honor. A tribal celebration was held for his bravery as a Cheyenne warrior. As part of earning his military benefits, he was able to move to Billings with his wife and two children. He entered the law school in Billings, Mt at MSUB in 1977. His employment history includes a dispatcher for the Northern Cheyenne Police Dept., Police jailer, and juvenile officer, made it possible for him to be offered and accepted the position of a patrolman on January 14, 1983. Vann took an interest in working for Northern Cheyenne Judicial system. He became the Probation officer, truant officer, criminal arraignment clerk/process server. Then, he served as Tribal Judge for the tribal court. After he retired as a Judge, he joined the Northern Cheyenne Court Bar Association. He was very passionate in representing tribal members through the tribal court system. He prepared many court cases on a daily basis.
Vann entered a Cheyenne team at the Crow Senior Handgame tournament every year until 2007. He was seen as a handgame legend in the Crow country. He was known as a champion guesser. His team took the Championship in 2007. He was always invited back to every tournament for his excellent sportsmanship, he was hard to beat. He earned his own handgame song given to him by the Crow tribe. In his spare time, Vann enjoyed hunting with his sons and son-in-law, Richard Littlebird. He hunted everywhere in the low and high country throughout the reservation. Also, he loved playing Bingo with his daughter, Claudine. He had his own seat at the Charging Horse Casino. Everyone in the casino, kept it open for him. He loved traveling to South Dakota and Nevada to play casino machines.
As a Cheyenne tradition, Vann was allowed to give his Indian names four times. Today four individual carry his Indian name, Ma ene tse, “Red Eagle”. Traditional name-giving ceremonies were performed in their honor. Vann was elected as the Lame Deer District chairman and served for 7 years. He had a very strong connection with his family and had a special relationship with his grandchildren.
Vann believed in the Cheyenne way of life. When he returned home as a war veteran, he made a vow to fast and dance in the Sundance Lodge. Vann made special trips to the sacred mountain, Bear Butte, South Dakota to pray for everyone. He conducted many sweat lodge ceremonies at the family home. Vann helped several men go through Sundance ceremony. He chose to use the So’taeo’o paint. He had a strong prayer life. Because of his main passion for Native American Church, he held every position, such as the Roadman. These traditional ceremonies have been handed down to his four sons and two daughters. He learned and liked to sing the ceremonial songs .
Vann is survived by his wife, Anna Mae Pine and four sons, Vann Ryan Jr. (Adrian), Quentin Ryan (Michaelena), Paul Ryan, (Kassie) and Brent Ryan (Lacey) of Lame Deer, MT and four daughters, Claudine Littlebird (Richard), Vanessa James (Johnson), Julia and Gaylene Ryan of Lame Deer. Adopted brother, Grady Hunts the Arrow, Adopted mom, Margaret Behan, Adopted sons, David Woodenthigh, Time Whistlingelk, John Juastad and Dennis Little Whiteman. Special friends, Dwight Bullcoming, Eugene Limpy, Vance Littlebird and Melvin Wagon. And over forty grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Other relatives, Woundedeye Marshall, Bearchum, Whitehawk, Swallow Seminole. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and 2 children.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday July 23, 2012
Boys and Girls Club of Lame Deer
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday July 23, 2012
Boys and Girls Club of Lame Deer
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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tereresa11231@verizon says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. You can find much comfort in God’s Word, the Bible, which assures us at Psalms 34:18 that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
George Birtic says
Sorry to hear of this loss Claudine and Ryan and the rst of the childres on Vann’s. He was a very good father and parent and role model for young Cheyenne people. God Bless.
GEOGE BIRTIC says
Claudine, Vann, Jr., and the rest of the family sooo sorry to hear of this untimely death. I will be thinking of you during these dffficult times.
Rayette King says
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ann Knows His Gun says
Sorry for your loss