Our beloved Victor Makazi “Yellow Earth”, husband, father, brother, and grandfather left us to make his journey home on January 2, 2018 at the Poplar Hospital. He was 72 years old.
Vic was born on October 5, 1945 to Frank and LaVina Perry at home in Fort Kipp. He was raised by his grandparents Carl and Nettie Walking Eagle in Riverside where he spoke his traditional language and knew his culture ways. He attended school in Poplar. In his younger years he would be seen riding his beloved horse, Buck, all over the country side. He would enter races with his horse and would win most of the time. He had a lot of fond memories of those times. He still had a picture of his horse after all this time.
When he was in his early 20’s he move to Chicago to attend butcher school, while there he met Faye Shegonee. They were united in marriage on July 20, 1968 and had three daughters together LeeAnn, Lisa, and Vicki. They later moved back to Poplar. He and Faye were later divorced but remained friends until Faye passed away.
Victor met his wife Barbara (Shawl) Renz in 1982. They were married on August 4, 1984 in Coeurdalene, Idaho. He and Barb moved to Kalispell that same year, where he attended college. They later moved back to Poplar and settled there. In 1989 a home was built for them out in the country that he and Barb called their mansion on the hill.
He was very supportive when Barb decided to go back to college. Sometimes he would stay with her in the dorm, but he got easily bored and wanted to come home. He worked for the B.I.A in 1998, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It got so bad that he was forced to retire. After he got better, he was the archives director for the Poplar schools. Later he became a Bilingual teacher for the Brockton schools he was a fluent Sioux speaker. He was also chairman for the Treaty Council. Later he became an Elder representative for the HPDP until he got too ill. He was home bound until his passing. He like to play pool with his friends, and to go hunting with them. Later in life he was introduced to bingo. He and Barbara like to go to bingo and play machines at the Silver Wolf Casino. He was also a traditional dancer and would dance with his grandchildren who also danced. He loved all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had 21 great grandchildren. He was the only grandpa they knew and loved him dearly. He was “Old Poppa” and “Grandpa Old” to all of them. He was so proud of them all.
Victor leaves his beloved family and friends to mourn his passing. His wife Barb; three daughters LeeAnn, Lisa, and Vicki Perry of Poplar; grandchildren Kaylyn Perry, Schon Youngman, Troylyn Brown, Alisa Perry, Shelby Renz, Eric, Evan, Sean Black Dog, Mary Black Dog, Addison and Ryan Renz all of Poplar, Patrick, Adam and Damon Baker of McLaughlin, South Dakota, Rod Scheaffer of Fort Belknap, Jestin Dupree, Ralph Renz, and Larissa Red Eagle; step children Robyn (Pat) Baker of McLaughlin, South Dakota, Sinbad (Colleen) Renz, Danny (Glenna) Renz, Jennine (Dennis) Renz of Poplar; Sisters Madelyn Moran of Fort Kipp, Vernita Buckles, Irene Wilkens, Leta Alkinson of Poplar; brothers Clyde Perry and Adrian Perry of Fort Kipp; adopted sister Ethlene White Hawk of Brockton; adopted brothers Mitchell Headdress, Maynard Hawk of Poplar, Ivan Wing of Fort Belknap, Roy Good Will of Canada, Adrian Ireland of Williston, North Dakota; he had special cousins – Clinchers (Marion, Carol, and Steve), Spotted Bulls (Ron and Sheila), Janice White Eagle, Trivian Grainger of Poplar, and Stanley Hollow Horn of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He had many special nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Extended families include Clinchers, White Eagles, Fourbears, Black Dogs, Half Reds, Firsts, and McDonalds.
Preceding Vic in death are his parents Frank and Lavina Perry; grandparents Carl and Nettie Walking Eagle; sister Shirley Perry; Brother Kermit Perry; adopted sister Annette Boxer. Other loved ones Mercy McDonald, Silas Clincher, Bonnie Red Elk, Nancy Eagle; grandchildren Courtney Black Dog and Daniel Renz Jr. as well as all his in-laws from Fort Belknap.
Rest in peace, beloved Victor (Dad). It’s so hard to let you go. It was your time to go join your many loved ones who are waiting for you. You will always be in our hearts. We love you so very much.
We apologize if we forgot to mention any relatives. Victor had a large family.
A wake will be held at 7:00 pm on January 5, 2018 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, Montana. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on January 6, 2018 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar, Montana. Interment will be held at Poplar City Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.