Arnold Good Bird, Sr. “Walks along side of the Hill”, 77, made his journey from this earthly world on September 26, 2021in Poplar, MT surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 18, 1944 in Elbowoods, ND to Benjamin and Helen (Blackhawk) Good Bird. He was a member of the Knife Clan and Child of the Waterbuster Clan and a member of the MHA Nation.
Arnold or “Arnie” as many knew him by, was born and raised in the Elbowoods area of the Fort Berthold Reservation until the flooding of their homelands at which time they relocated to Mandaree, ND. He attended Mandaree Public School and graduated there in 1963. He participated in basketball. He enjoyed horseback riding and the outdoors in his younger years.
Arnie married Eleanor (Walking Eagle) Good Bird and seven children were born to this union; Denise, Byron, Arn, Twyla, Felicia, Calvin and Kristal. They made their home in New Town, ND and then in April 2012, they lost their son Byron.
Arnie enjoyed firefighting where he was a crew boss. He also worked for the BIA for 35 years before retiring. He later moved to Poplar, MT, where he lived with his companion, Ida, until the time of his passing. But he was always making trips back home to New Town to see family.
He enjoyed hunting with his brothers and nephews in the Mandaree area. He also would be loading all the kids up to go fishing or hiking with dad, uncle and grandpa. He was at all the gatherings teasing and joking with everyone. Everyone was “Jack”. If he knew you, you had a nickname. Just to name a few, you know who you are; Wieners, Yellow Socks, Woodtick, Tweeter, Hound dog man, sneeze, etc. And his laugh was one of a kind and unforgettable. Soon as you heard his laugh, you knew he was near. Arnie treasured his Montana and North Dakota Family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Also, we all know his dog Tuffy was waiting at the rainbow bridge for him. His heart was broke when his dog passed away, now they are reunited.
Arnie is survived by his Children; Denise Good Bird, Twyla Good Bird, Felicia Good Bird, Calvin Good Bird, Arnold Good Bird, Jr. and Kristal Good Bird-all of New Town, ND; Sisters, Marva Doris Spotted Bird-Brockton, MT and Ina Mae Driver-Four Bears; Brother, Leonard Good Bird-Rapid City, SD; His companion, Ida Cantrell-Poplar, MT; His many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Helen and Benjamin Good Bird; Son, Byron Good Bird; Brothers, Emery and Herman Good Bird; Sisters, Betty Ann Black Dog and Darlene Finley.
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Poplar Cultural Center, in Poplar, Montana. A wake will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Water Chief Hall in Mandaree, North Dakota. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Water Chief Hall in Mandaree, North Dakota. Interment will follow at Independence Cemetery in Mandaree, North Dakota.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences for the family can be left by using the form below.