When Winslow Whitecrane, 73, passed away, on Oct. 13, 2019, he was surrounded by loved ones, too many to be named off here. His final days reflected his entire life, it was filled with love, hope, and laughter.
Winslow was born Oct. 2, 1946 to Edna Seminole and Jasper Whitecrane. He came from a large family that include brothers, Vincent “Bunnie” Whitecrane, Bobby Foote, Verlin Foote, Michael Foote and sisters Connie Whitecrane-Wolcott, and Eva Foote. Other relations are brothers Glenn Littlebird Sr., Winfield Russell, Deacon Joe, also the families of Redfox, Littlebird, Little Coyote, Curly, Foote, Harris, Woodenthigh, Hart. Any oversight was not intentional… He was loved, adopted and related to many loved ones. He was a state champion runner his Junior year of high school.
He married Mary Lou Robinson in 1967 and had one child, Angela Whitecrane Nov. 13, 1968. She passed away in a tragic event in the year 1970. Their child Angela gave them 4 Grandchildren, J.C., Donald, Little Winslow, and Mariah.
Winslow met the woman he would spend the rest of his life with in the spring of 1979, Charlotte Tall Bull. They made their home in Ashland, Mt and celebrated 40 years of marriage this past spring. They had two children, Deanna and Isaiah, who each gave them a grandchild, Abbree Walknice and Aaliyah Whitecrane. Charlotte and Winslow filled each others life and home with laughter and love.
Winslow loved all of his Grandchildren with all of his heart. He did share a very special bond with Abbree Anna Walknice from the day she was born, Aug. 13 2011. He cared for and helped raise her in his home with her parents and his wife Charlotte. They had a very special ritual every night of lots of hugs and kisses, telling each other how much they loved one another. Each trying to outdo the other one. He always put on her cartoons and put it at a volume she could hear it, even in the hospital when the doctors were checking on him, sometimes frustrating said doctors.
Winslow was a natural leader. As General Manager of the Northern Cheyenne Utilities Commission he helped to transform the department into one that provided reliable and trustworthy utilities services to all the Northern Cheyenne tribal members. He also was a man of great vision and worked tirelessly for his department to renovate the abandoned old swimming hall in Lame Deer into a brand new NCUC office building for his employees. This project employed tribal members of many backgrounds and included rehabilitated members that had come upon hard times. He was always quick to find a way to to lift anyone up if they had fallen down, helping to lift the entire Cheyenne community onto his strong shoulders.
Winslow volunteered his time with the Northern Cheyenne Fort Robinson Breakout Committee for 17 years. A project to help tribal elders build a monument at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. The monument is dedicated to our Cheyenne ancestors that sacrificed their lives escaping Fort Robinson so they might settle our homeland in Montana. Winslow, also working with the same Breakout Committee over the last couple of years, was helping to build a Cheyenne Healing Trail in Nebraska that will allow visitors to learn about the rich culture and perseverance of our Cheyenne ancestors who lived their lives with honor and courage, as he did.
Cheyenne culture was important to Winslow and he was willing to teach anyone about the history, culture, and spirituality of the Cheyenne people, his first language was Cheyenne. He fasted at Bear Butte four times, helped guide people in rituals and prayers including helping his Grandson, Donald Widdicombe, when he fasted at Bear Butte after the tragic passing of his brother J.C. that year. He was also a member of The Elkhorn Scraper Society.
Education was important to Winslow, he graduated with a BA in Business Management from MSU-B and took that knowledge back to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. He was a advocate for education on the reservation as he was on the Lame Deer school board and currently on the Chief Dull Knife college board. For which he earned the Marvin Heintz award through MTSBA for outstanding achievement. His work for furthering the education of the Northern Cheyenne people was his great passion and showed in his tireless work.
His legacy can be felt in each of his family members and throughout the Cheyenne Community. He had a huge heart and was full of kindness and generosity. His legacy is that of love, hope, and laughter.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday October 17, 2019
St. Labre Catholic Church
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday October 18, 2019
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 18, 2019
Tallbull Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday October 17, 2019
St. Labre Catholic Church
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday October 18, 2019
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 18, 2019
Tallbull Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Share
Carrie Small says
Our prayers n Condolences
Zane and Sandy Spang says
My dear Brother: You were too young to have this happen. We still had our plans to work on a better situation for the dialysis center for the reservation. I hoped it would help your health so this would not happen. We are grateful for your efforts to help the Tribe and we are losing someone who truly cares. Our memories go way back and we will always love you and your special family. Thank you for being such a good brother.
Allen Clubfoot Jr. says
Condolences to Winslow’s family and friends
R.I.P. Winslow
Samantha Killsnight & Family says
Thoughts and Prayers to The family,
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to hear this, Winslow was a good person and I respected him a lot. My sympathy to all his family but especially to my friend Eva.
andrita Harris says
Deepest Condolences to Winslow’s Family. RIP. Prayers
CARLA JOHNSON says
Deepest condolences to the WhiteCrane family in the loss of Winslow! May he rest in peace and have a safe journey to the other camp! He always remembered me as a nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings years ago when he came in for a broken bone. RIP Winslow!
Bonnie Bigback says
To all the Whitecrane family, my sincere condolences.
Steve & Lucy Jessen says
Praying that the Lord will comfort Winslow’s family during their time of mourning.
Jan and Dick Littlebear says
Hovehe,
Taavepėheveaseohtse. Nėstsenėve’eevȧhoohtoo’e. Tahpėheveaseohtseo’o.Netaosėseohsehoonėse’otatseme.
Nemȧhehaonavotȧhetseme.
My good friend,
Leave on your journey in a good way. Do not look back. Leave us in a good way. We are going to mourn you.
We are all praying for you.
Lillian Big Man says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Winslow’s family and friends. I enjoyed working with him when he was on the Lame Deer School Board. He was always so passionate about the students and their well being. I will miss him.
Suzette says
Journey well Winslow……
It was great to serve the Cheyenne youth with you in the Lame Deer School Board!!
My sincere condolences to the family.
You are all in my prayers !!!
Lots of hugs and love to sent to Edna!!!
Ann Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences & Prayers to his family. Hugs Charlotte, kids & entire family.
Russell Brooks says
Sure gonna miss you Winslow, but I know they are having a great celebration on the other side with your arrival into the next life. Thank you for all the support & encouragement over the years. Maheo bless & comfort Charlotte & all your family. Until we meet again, stas awooms. Much love
Rynalea Pena says
My condolences go out to Winslow’s family, his wife, children mother, brother, sisters & grand babies. I have served on the CDKC board with Winslow for the past 2 terms (although he’s been on there longer). He’s always been the thorn in my side lol (in a good way). We’ve become as family working together, teasing each other & sharing his wife together because we have the same birthday & grew up together. He was a family man, good husband & the best grandpa!!! He was very strong in his culture & strongly believed in education. I will miss him & his favorite meal 3 piece chicken 😂. Journey well my friend you left us so unexpectedly 😥 We will save a spot at the table for you!!!! Prayers go out to his mother Edna & prayers for strength & comfort during this time. Love ❤️ you all
Suzanne Trusler and family says
Condolences to the family.
GEORGIA ANN BURNS says
My thoughts and prayers are with the
Whitecranefamily and all his relatives!
He was a good man, who always had a
smile and encouraging word for everyone!
He will be greatly missed!!
Denise Swank says
Condolences Charlotte,children and grandchildren; his mom n siblings. I will miss his smile n the times he would talk to me in Cheyenne. He always encouraged me to speak our language. He was one of my mentors in our language. He is now with our Creator. His work here on Earth is done. Maheo called him home to rest now. Prayers for you all.
Patti Walksalong says
RIP Winslow my friend, prayers for comfort to the family.
John Walksalong and family.
Bobbi Limberhand says
Prayers and comfort to the family of Winslow, I worked with Winslow on the Ft. Robinson Committee and on the remodel of the NCUC building with CDKC Voc Rehab, it was a pleasure working with him on both initiatives. He will be greatly missed by the Ft. Robinson Committee. Journey well my friend 🙏
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF WINSLOW WHITECRANS AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TINE FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Ruth Costilla & Family says
I am so sorry to hear of Winslow’s passing, I drove for NCSU Transportation Dialysis patients from time to time and Winslow was a patient 3 times a week. He was always courteous and very helpful to the elderly ladies, he was humorous and he just seemed to be content at all times. I am going to miss him and all his jokes on an early Saturday morning.
Prayers and condolences to his family.
Mario and Boss Boss Small says
Winslow— Do the mash potatoe! it was a little inside joke he and I had. It was joy and honor to meet you. The dialysis trips were always so fun and relaxing. I learned a lot from you. You was a deep, sweet, and sincere gentleman.
Good job buddy. You finished the race and did a fine fine job.
From your friend Mario and Boss Boss
Sharon Borinski says
Charlotte, Deanna and Isaiah, I am so deeply sorry to hear of Winslow’s passing. I pray for peace and comfort for your sorrow and heartbreak. I think of you all often. Blessings to you and your family.
Shanny Spang Gion says
Very sorry to hear of Winslow’s passing. I got to know him a bit through work and I admired how he led in a quiet, but powerful way, all the while with some humor on the side. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Winslow.