William Herbert Gardner, Sr. AKA William H. Bigfoot of Lame Deer, MT passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Willie was very much a family man and strong advocate of Cheyenne traditional values and honor who valued the power of prayer, taught his children the importance of prayer and a sober lifestyle. He enjoyed speaking Cheyenne and was very proud that the Lord had gifted him to be a Cheyenne man. He is now in a place of eternal rest.
William was born in Lame Deer, MT on May 27, 1933, a son of David Bigfoot and Lucy Scabby. Attended Busby High School. He married the love of his life Evelyn Stanton Gardner on June 28, 1958 in Lame Deer, MT. They were married 57 years, what an accomplishment. William had two Cheyenne names: Hawk Flys Low and Elk River. He had numerous occupations such as: rancher, farmer, Policemen, Security Guard, Factory Worker, and Community Health Representative for the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Health. William served in the Army and was later honorably discharged.
Dad/Grandpa was very much a family man and full of life to the very end. He always wanted the kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren around the home. In fact when they weren’t around he would get lonely. He loved family gatherings/outings/cookouts at the ranch on the Rosebud. Willie loved to travel, meet people and explore places. He loved talking about his genealogy especially being a descendant of Charging Bear who was instrumental in defending the Northern Cheyenne people with 9 gunshot wounds during the Fort Robinson Outbreak. He has been to Oklahoma, Texas and Old Mexico numerous times over the years. His favorite pastime which he enjoyed immensely was to play bingo.
William is survived by his wife Evelyn Gardner of Lame Deer, MT, his children Wilma (Albert, Jr.) LaRance of Billings, MT, Troy Gardner of Lame Deer, MT, Lucy Gardner of Phoenix, AZ, Stuart (Tanya) Gardner of Lame Deer, MT, and Ingrid Gardner of Alamorosa, NM. His grandchildren, Loren (Allison) Bighorn, Jr., Benjamin Uriah Bighorn, Jerae and Elishah LaRance, Isaac, Isaiah, Samson, Micah and Michala Gardner and Kirk Hill. Also his great grandchildren Hayden, Madison, Nashon, Keoni, and Ben Bighorn, Jr. and his Special friends: Howard Blackstone, Adolph Redcherries, and Donovan Taylor. Special Nephew: Warren Wolfblack, Adopted daughters: Klodette (Rick) Khoshbeh Stroh of Tehran, Iran and Bridget Israel of Camaroon, Africa and Rhoda Glenmore of Busby, MT Adopted son: Woodrow Blackwolf of Lame Deer, MT. He is preceded in death by his children: Agatha, Philomena, William, Jr., Ava, and Delores Gardner, his siblings: Joseph, Tom, Sr., Alice and Mary Bigfoot.
The family would like to thank all the family and friends who knew him and appreciate all of you who were touched by this great man. Our sincere apologies if we have failed to mention any relatives or special people in his life. His family did come from the Birney area and he often talked about his grandfather being named after the town of Birney “Oveh-Maen”.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday April 8, 2016
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday April 9, 2016
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Saturday April 9, 2016
Gardner Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday April 8, 2016
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday April 9, 2016
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Saturday April 9, 2016
Gardner Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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Melissa Whitewolf Royston & Family says
Evelyn & family,
So sorry for your loss. God Bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Rhoda Glenmore (Eseeva'e) says
Evelyn and Children, I am so heartbroken over the loss of William. He was so kind and treated me very good. You are in my prayers and sending you all my condolences and love during this sad time.
Georgia Ann Burns says
Evelyn and children! Prayers of comfort, in your loss, of your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather!!
Diane Spotted Elk says
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Gardner family. I wish I had the opportunity to hear his stories they are treasures when so few have that type of knowledge. It is my hope that his stories will be passed on. May your grief be gentle. Prayers of comfort to you all.
Denise swank says
With sincere thoughts of you all in this time i pray for your comfort.
Ed&Stacie says
Sending Prayers for the Family & Friends of a great man !! God Blesss…??
Kaye says
Feeling heartbroken, I’m praying for the family. Sending my condolences, I love you all. Always appreciated everything you did for me when I was a kid.
George Birtic says
Sorry for your loss……Mr. Gardner was an awesome man, parent to his kids, husband, and grandparent…..I had so much respect for him…..my deepest sympathy….to all the family….
Grace Larson says
Rhoda , I am sad to hear of your adopted father’s passing . With Sympathy . Grace
Catherine Tyler says
Prayers asking for our Heavenly Father to send His Comfort and Peace to each of your family in the passing of your beloved father, William, Hawk Flys Low, Elk River to his Heavenly home. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his beloved family.