Robert Young Bird Sr.

Robert Young Bird Sr., 60, of New Town, died at the Trinity Hospital in Minot on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

His funeral was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at the Mandaree High School. Father Steven Kranz officiated and interment followed at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, rural Mandaree.

Friends are welcome to sign an online guest register at (www.fulkersons.com).

Robert (Bobby) Young Bird Sr. (Masaa Ehsi Mahdodash Crazy Chief) was born on January 2, 1949, to Thomas and Lottie (Sherwood) Young Bird in Elbowoods, North Dakota. He was a member of the Waterbuster Clan and a child of the low Cap Clan. Bobby passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2009, at the Trinity Hospital after a long and courageous battle against multiple myeloma (blood cancer) as a result of his contact with Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Bobby was raised and educated in Crow Agency and Mandaree. As a young man Bobby helped his family by working at local ranches. He began riding in Rodeos and enjoyed riding bulls for many years.

He enlisted in the Army at 17 and served three tours in Vietnam. He served in both infantry and the Army Airborne. His military service eventually cost him his health and life but he often said he did not regret his service and would do it again. He was honorably discharged in 1976 as a Staff Sargent (SSG) with commendations including Bronze Star; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal 1st Class, two Good Conduct Medals and five overseas bars. He attended NCO Academy in Fort Hood, Texas, and served as an Army Recruiter and Career Counselor in Bismarck, North Dakota, during his stateside service.

After his discharge he worked for Fort Berthold Housing, Fort Berthold Agency, Mandaree Buffalo Project and the Mandaree School. He enjoyed traveling, bull riding, Rodeos, hunting, Football, riding horses, ranching, barbecuing, and visiting with his friends and relatives. He was an active member of the Mandaree VFW Post # 9061 until his illness. He always enjoyed teasing and joking with his friends, nephews, and grandchildren. He loved his family and many relatives. They were the center of his life.

He is survived by: his wife Bernadine, sons Robert (Spirit) Young Bird Jr. of Mandaree, Duane Young Bird of New Town and Justin Young Bird, Minot; by sisters Karen White Clay of Hardin, Montana, and Philomena Grinnell of New Town; brothers Leroy Young Bird of Mandaree, Thomas Young Bird Jr. of Twin Buttes and Reynolds Young Bird of New Town and by numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Herman Young Bird, Henry Young Bird Sr., Matthew Young Bird Sr., Bryan Young Bird and Nathaniel Young Bird. (Fulkerson Funeral Home, Williston)