Darryl Dean Red Eagle, Wambdi Sake Suta (Strong Eagle Talons) age 45, was born on May 29, 1966 to the late Delmar Red Eagle and Betty (Good Bird) Black Dog. Darryl left unexpectedly into the Spirit World on June 20, 2011 due to natural causes.
Darryl attended schools in Poplar, MT graduating with the PHS Class of 1985 and was a member of the PHS Varsity Boys Basketball from 1982-1985. During this time the media labeled him as “Mr. Everything”. He also received many basketball awards while on the team. He went on to attend college and play basketball at United Tribes Technical College and Mary College in Bismarck, ND. He later attended Sitting Bull College, receiving his degree in Human Services.
Darryl worked in various jobs in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota; Black Hills Forestry in Custer, SD. Shelter for Neglected Children in Rapid City, SD. Concrete Foundations in Bismarck, ND. Fort Lincoln State Park Cultural Resources in Mandan, ND. The Fort Peck Tribes as the Tribal Courts Cultural Resource Specialist, and later TERO Director, and most recently Darryl was a proud member of the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board, serving his 3rd term on the council, an accomplishment he so well deserved. He loved this job because he loved helping people. He never turned anyone away. He did all his work from the heart. He traveled many miles to speak on behalf of Healthcare. He presented a testimony on behalf of the Tribes at IHS and BIA hearings. Darryl was well respected throughout NDN country.
“D” or “Brother” as his sister would call him was very proud of Maureen. He would always say, “No matter what Sis hold your head up and be proud because that’s how you make me feel.” Darryl dearly loved his only son, Dennis Melvin; he would give him lots of praise, no matter what it was. He was always talking about his daughter Delayne and how beautiful she was. Most of all, his granddaughter Emmarie Ann, whom he wished he could be closer to. Darryl loved to brag about his nephew, Jr Dionne. He was very proud of his nephew. Jr and Darryl were planning summer basketball camps this year across the reservation.
Darryl loved being with his family & friends. He loved telling stories and joking with everyone who crossed his path. He was always good to everyone. Darryl had many friends whom he loved to be around. His love of basketball took him near and far. He liked to chef up for his family and friends, play pool and horseshoes, he also liked to go cruising, sitting at new bridge watching eagles circle above him. He enjoyed singing at powwows and 49’s. No matter where “D” went he always met up with friends or made new ones.
Darryl is survived by his Indian wife Amber Iron Bear, one son Dennis Melvin both of Poplar, one daughter DaLayne Ann & granddaughter Emmerie Ann of Bismarck, ND. His Mother Betty (Bill) Black Dog, his Sis Maureen (Rick) Dionne, Nephews; Tolley Red Eagle, Emery “Jumbos Jr” Red Eagle, Harold Red Eagle, Delvin Red Eagle all of Poplar MT, Issac Four Bear of Brockton MT, Richard (Nettie) Dionne of Wapato, WA. Nieces; Laverne White Bear, Tamara and Lynnsey Red Eagle, Brandie (Cory) Dionne, Shannon (Clayton) Dionne, Mercedee Dionne, all of Poplar MT. Kimberly and Natalie Red Eagle, of Brockton MT. Adopted Dad Dennis Big Hair of Garryowen, MT, All his adopted brothers and adopted sisters, Uncles Gerald “Herman” Good Bird of Poplar, Arnold Good Bird of Newtown, Leonard Good Bird of Linton, ND, Everett Jones of Poplar, and Phillip Red Eagle of Seattle, WA. Aunts Inamae (Francis) Driver of Mandaree ND, Darlene Finley of Newtown ND, Doris (Leland) Spotted Bird of Brockton MT, Gloria (Bob) Garcia of San Jose CA, Reba Ogle, Pauline Boxer, Doreen Red Eagle and Georgia Red Eagle all of Poplar MT, Joyce (Jack) TooToosis of Culbertson MT, and Marvina (Marvin) Bishop of Williston, ND. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews from California, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canada.
Darryl is reunited with his Dad and 4 Brothers’, all of whom he missed dearly; His Dad Delmar Red Eagle, his brothers Delmar “Big Junior” Red Eagle, Emery “Jumbo” Red Eagle Sr., Harold Red Eagle Sr., and Dennis Red Eagle. His nephew Phillip Red Eagle, niece Mandy Red Eagle, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins from the Good Bird and Red Eagle families.
Darryl was compassionate, traditional, inspirational, loving, caring, generous, and kind hearted. Darryl would want us to treat each other with respect, with a hug and a handshake, always tell one another that we love each other. And to be proud of who you are and where you came from. Be proud to be Native. He was a common man, a True Warrior.
“My Relations: Our Journey Begins – Listen, Learn, Heal, Educate! We are the future.”
A Wake will be held Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. His Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at the Poplar High School Gym. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Kipp Cemetery, Fort Kipp, MT.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point and Poplar has been entrusted with the arrangements.