VICTOR PHILLIP WALKSALONG
APRIL 15, 1973 TO APRIL 19, 2019
On Good Friday, April 19, 2019, Maheo called home Victor P. Walks Along a Northern Cheyenne warrior, who was father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend to all knew him. He was called Thorny Bush by his parents and family elders. Victor was born April 15, 1973 in Crow Agency, MT and he was raised north of Lame Deer on his parent’s small cattle ranch riding horses, fishing, hunting with the “north-side” boys and girls. He fought a hard battle with a terminal lung disease called. pulmonary fibrosis. Victor went to the join his parents and loved ones at the Cheyenne camp on the other side where he is now breathing fresh mountain air. He is the youngest of seven brothers and a sister and attended Head Start and elementary school in Lame Deer and high school at Colstrip, MT. He joined the United States Marine Corps on April 7, 1991 and was honorably discharged on March 12, 1993.
Victor served with Marine Squadron 3, Marine Air Control Group 3B as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was very proud to serve his country and to represent his family and his Indian Nation with his fellow marines and always ready for action anywhere in the world to protect and defend our great country. Following his discharge, he began working as a wildland fighter and made a living for 22 years on the seasonal crew at the Northern Cheyenne Forestry where enjoyed thinning, tree planting, and pine cone collection. He told his close friends and relatives that his office was the great outdoors on our Cheyenne Homeland where he could watch the sun come up and set in the evening. Vic loved the hard work and the life-long friendships he made with his co-workers and the many who became like brothers to him. It was very difficult for him to not be able to join the crew working in the field these past three seasons as his lung disease slowly took his breathe away.
Victor is preceded in death by his parents Joe, Sr. and Victoria Walks Along. Paternal grandparent Hugh and Mamie Walks Along maternal grandparents Frank and Rose Long Jaw. He is survived by his long-time companion Mari Walkslast, the mother of his children, Tyra, Wade and Phillip Walks Along who cared for him during the final days of his illness .I want to thank his sister in-Law Lucille Lafrance for getting him back and forth to his appointments, his grandson, Stephon, who came into the world and became his daily partner lifting his spirits during his time of illness. Other survivors include brothers James (Viola), Joe, Jr. (Lynn), William (Clarice), John (Patti), David, Isaac (Lori) Walks Along and sister Sharon (John) Threefingers. Victor requested to list his adopted family who were very close to his heart including his adopted father Lloyd Littlebird, Sr., adopted brothers Daniel Black Wolf, Adam Wolf, and Shannon Seminole, In sharing stories of growing up on the north-side he mentioned Maurice Limberhand, Jr.; Kenny , Mike and Maybelline Bigback, the Whitewolf boys, Tim,Daniel and Elmore Limberhand, III; Ray, Jr and Dale Hart: his hunting partner Adam; and, all the other north-siders who all looked out for each other and who came over to the ranch for brandings, a good visit, a good game of basketball and who went to church with him.
During the course of his life, mom and dad adopted others including JoAnne Shelly-Hagan, Debbie Russell, Andrew Mandan, and Terry Widrick, There are others that may have been missed we apologize. Victor’s Northern Cheyenne Family are:: Whitewolf’s, Limberhand’s, Bigback’s, Longjaw’s, Marshall’s, Bearcomesout’s, Brady’s, Wolfname’s, Yellowrobe’s, Bailey’s, Bearquivers’, Beartusks’. Limpys Roberts and Littlewhirlwind’s.
We apologize if we have missed including your family in Victor’s list of extended family. One of his last wishes was to be buried in White Dirt cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr. Fredrick Kahn and his staff, the nurses on the third floor of St. Vincent Hospital for all the care and compassion they provided for Victor.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Tuesday April 23, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday April 24, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday April 24, 2019
White Dirt Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Tuesday April 23, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday April 24, 2019
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday April 24, 2019
White Dirt Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF VICTOR WALKSALONG AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Julianne Spang says
PRAYERS FOR MY OL CLASSMATES FAMILY 🙏 REST IN PEACE VICTOR 💔🙏
Bonnie Bigback says
My condolences to all the family.
Eugene and Clarice Big Back says
Our condolences and prayers for the family. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Dee Rich says
While there are no words or actions that will take away your pain, we hope you are surrounded by much love and support at this difficult time. Know that God cares about your grief and tears (Psalms 56:8). May the light from God’s Word be a guide and comfort through the darkness of your loss (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).
Ruth Risingsun-Phillips says
My prayers and condolences for the entire Walksalong family. May Father God grant you all peace.
George Birtič says
Sorry for this early loss of your loved one. May he Rest In Peace.
Marilyn Mader says
Phillip, Wade and Tyra,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through the days and months ahead. It is so hard to lose our parents, but we have hope in seeing them again when we serve the Lord. I pray God gives you comfort as only he can. A hug for all of you. Love MM
Joanne Hagn says
Dear Walksalong Family,
I wish for Victor much peace and healing now that he is with so many loved ones since past. I believe he is watching over and protecting us from above – encouraging us to look to the sun and feel his warmth. Take care of your hearts and know I hold your family in mine.
Love always,
Joanne Shelly Hagn
Crystal says
Prayers and Condolences to Family, May the lord watch and bring peace to your Family at this time and hour.
Crystal “Willow” Stanfield /Family