Thomas Richard Escarcega, Sr., (Waŋbdí Tȟokáheya) of Riverside, MT, went to the happy hunting grounds on January 30, 2022 at Billings Clinic. He was born November 30, 1948 in Poplar, MT to Lucy Spotted Dog and Joseph Escarcega Sr. His maternal grandparents are Annie Owl Shield and Joshua Spotted Dog and his paternal grandparents are Mary (Cree Woman) and Martin Escarcega. Dad grew up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and resided there his entire life.
Dad attended Poplar Public schools and graduated from Poplar High School in 1968. He was an avid athlete striving in Basketball, Track, Football and Baseball. He moved to Chicago, Illinois in the early months of 1969. On April 4, 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. By the time he ended his service to this country, he received the rank of E-4 Sergeant Senior Airman, receiving an honorable discharge. His commitment to our country compelled him to reenlist into the Army National Guards, on December 5, 1980 and received an honorable discharge December 4, 1981. Dad obtained an associate degree from San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. He also obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education from NAES College in Poplar, Montana. He received his Master of Business Association MBA from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Dad was a Dakȟóta Language teacher for the Poplar Public schools in the mid-80s. He was a coach at Poplar High School, 1 year at Brockton High School, and many years coaching youth in the Poplar Youth Tournament. He was the first Native American referee for Montana Officials Association. He refereed up on the Hi-line and in Northeastern Montana region. He won numerous basketball tournaments in Fort Hall, Idaho, in the southwest and while stationed in the Air Force, the family has his trophy collections as a keepsake. He loved softball and played all over in Washington, North Dakota, and Montana.
Dad was elected onto the Tribal Council in the 80s, serving his first term as a Tribal Leader. He started work for the Water Resource Department now known as the Fort Peck Tribes Assiniboine Sioux Rural Water System on January 27, 1986. He lobbied in Washington, DC for many years contributing to the new water pipeline project that has brought clean drinking water to many households across the reservation. He was elected to the Tribal Council in 2017. He served two terms.
Dad loved to dance and sing with Tatanka Oyate Singers at pow-wows. Later in life he mentored his grandsons and help them create their drumgroup Tahca Sinte Ska Singers. He is a traditional dancer and a traditional knowledge keeper and practiced his spirituality at Chelsea Sundance, Three Buffalo Sundance, and most recently Wahacanka Ska Sundance. He mentored many relatives in the traditional Dakota way of life. He was a humble man and had a generous heart. He made time for everyone and always listened well then offered advice if asked of him. He loved to tease and gave many nicknames. He ensured all his children and grandchildren had their Dakȟóta names.
He is survived by his companion Esther Escarcega of 52 years. Together they have 7 children. Tom Jr (Sarelle), Shantre (Jenn), Cahann, Ramey (Tubby), Rain (Mike), & Coco (Tristin) and Ramsey Lewis, another son who greeted him on the other side. His surviving grandchildren are Kristian Colby (Scotty), Tomee Rae, Heaven Leigh, Nizhoni, Wyatt, Kalli Janae, Inyan Pejuta, Mohoya, Teagan Renee, Wanbdi Tokaheya, Cetan Wakandiya, Conway Lewis, Tomeya Ramzee, Kelby Louise, Evelyn Ali, Brooklyn Jaye, Malin Ernestine, Nathan Richard, Jade Annabelle and Jastin Cade Gray Hawk. One Great grandson Brycen Kale. Hunkapi relatives Albino (Ashley), Justin (0rlonda), Jason, and Melda Gray Hawk and children. Hunkapi parents Verle and Eunice Denny and siblings Bill (Sonny) White Head, Cissie Anderson, Lyle Denny, Rusty Denny, Mike Laliberte, and children. His blood relatives Flossy and Lois and family, White Hawks, Yellow Hawks, Youngmans, Eaglemans, Shields, Diserly’s, Escarcega’s, Bear Cubs, Long Hairs, Strausers, Spotted Birds and Terrie Blake and family. He is also survived by his lifetime friends: Mike Talks Different, Felix (Deb) McGowan, Stanley Hollow Horn, Ben Burshia and Greg Lambert. His Diné in laws Uncle Ned, Uncle Deswood, Sister in-laws Jessie, Janie (Mike), Annie, Mae and family and countless relatives and friends.
Dad is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, son, brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunties.
We thank you all for prayers, support and encouragement! We give our sincerest gratitude to the entire medical staff, flight crew, and ambulance crew who tended to him for the last 16 months he battled. We thank our friends and relatives for helping us pray for Até.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.