Roger Lorne “Porky” Running Bear Sr. left this earth Tuesday evening January 14, 2014 surrounded by family and friends and all that loved him and cared for him at the Poplar Community Hospital in Poplar Montana. Porky was born in Poplar on December 8, 1966 to Manuel L. Sr. and Evadna M. Running Bear. He graduated from St. Labre High School in Ashland MT. Porky lived in Fr. Kipp for many years and previous years in Bismarck ND, Billings, Poplar, and Sioux Falls, SD.
Porky regretfully leaves behind his companion of 26 years, Ida Mae Black Dog Bear and her family of Ft. Kipp and sons: Roger Jr. and Michael Malenowsky of Billings. He also leaves behind his mother, Evadna Running Bear of Poplar, brothers: Manuel (Debbie) Running Bear, Narvin Louis, Delberta Rae and Stacy Anna Running Bear, all of Poplar, nieces: Lindy Red Wood of Billings and her children Bobby of Denver and Robert Jr. Russell, Jessica Burshia of Poplar and Laurelle Green of Ft. Kipp, nephews: Lamont Running Bear, Patrick Burshia, Jonas R. and Kaylohni Mae Burshia of Poplar, Robert Burshia of Billings, Mathias and Mahto Black Hoop both of Great Falls and Landis Green of Brockton, adopted daughter: Shena Epps (Ted) of Froid and special grandchildren: Carol Burshia, Gabriel Harlan of Ft. Kipp, Laney Englke of Froid and Brianna and Matice Epps of Minot ND, great granddaughter: Aubrey Rose Martell, Sister in laws: Dani (Eric) Red Bull of Ft. Kipp and Shannon Loans Arrow of Bismarck ND, Brother in laws: Duane (Margarette) Green and Brian Black Dog of Sioux Falls SD and Frank Loans Arrow of Fr. Kipp, Lamont Running Bear of Poplar, Katerri (Jose) Rodriguez of Alamotgordo NM, aunts: Alice Tayror Anderson of Butte and Donna Crow Your Man of Poplar and numerous grandchildren, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Preceding him in death are his father, Manuel L. Running Bear Sr., sisters: Sharon J. Running Bear, Kirk, Beverly “Boopsie” Running Bear, Carol F. Running Bear, Camrud L. Black Dog Bear, grandmother: Sarah Lester Crow, grandfather: Theodore Ted Crow, maternal grandparents: Ambrose and Marcedes Running Bear.
Porky worked at numerous jobs, his last job was in Bismarck ND on a construction site. He loved working with his son Little Roger and his brother Manuel Running Bear Jr..
Porky was of Catholic faith and served the Lord in many different ways.
Porky enjoyed keeping his grandchildren’s ears clean, fingernails cut and being there for them. He also enjoyed working on cars, digging roots and carpentry. He collected Mattel collectable cars and loved collecting music. He also enjoyed fire fighting and sports, gardening and yard work. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Sabrina Running Bear.
Porky was well liked and loved by his family and friends. He never had any mean words to anyone. He was very knowledgeable, he knew how to fix or tried to see how to fix problems. Right up to the day he got very sick he still helped anyone that needed his help. Porky was one of a kind and will be missed by all his family and friends and all who knew him.
Rest in peace ‘til we meet again.
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Friday, January 24 at the Activity Center in Poplar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Chelsea Cemetery in Poplar. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.claytonstevensonchapel.com .