Kenny L. Bird

Kenneth Leo Bird was born on September 19th, 1943 to Rose Bullshoe-Bird and Henry C. Bird in Browning, MT.

Kenneth Leo Bird and Delores Mae Bird (Butterfly) were married November 10th, 1968 in Saint Anne’s Parish located in Heart Butte, Montana. Kenny and Delores were married for forty-eight loving years and together had five children: Douglas Wayne Bird, Kenneth Allan Bird, Kendra Mae Wesley, Dana Leigh Bird, and Karla Denise Bird. Together, Kenny and Delores raised their family in Big Badger, Montana.

Kenny loved spending time with his six grandchildren: Tiahna Rose Bird, Sabrina Marie Bird, Jonathan Robert Wesley, Phillip Anthony Sure Chief V, Jaden Leigh Sure Chief, and Ethan Leo Sure Chief. He enjoyed playing cards and games, as well as sharing laughter with his grandbabies.

Kenny’s siblings included Mary Aimsback, Audra Williamson, Winston Bird, and Rodney Bird. His half siblings included Jim Bird, Jack Bird, Clayton Bird and Naomi Bird. His brother-in-laws included Darryl Blackman, Henry Butterfly, Harold Butterfly, Gerald Butterfly, and Roger Butterfly; as well as two sister-in-laws, which included Geraldine Butterfly and Kayla Schafer. Kenny has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kenny graduated from Browning High School in 1962. He attended college at Haskell Institute and completed a post high school business diploma on May 26th, 1965. He received an A.A. degree in Business and a 1-year degree in Machine Shop. Kenny excelled in many sports, and was notorious for his athletic abilities in track, basketball and football. He played and coached in several local tournaments on the Blackfeet reservation.

Kenny also served in the United States Army and was a combat vet in the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. Kenny served as active duty from September 1st 1965-July 1st, 1967. He received an SPS Rifle Badge and the National Defense Service Medal. In the Army, Kenny received training to become a carpenter in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Kenny was honorably discharged on August 31st, 1971.

Throughout Kenny’s life, he worked in various positions and fields of work. Kenny was employed as a police officer, IHS security officer, roving patrol, and also worked in the forestry and natural resource department as an irrigation operator. He was also hired as a carpenter, firefighter, and did occasional ranch work. In 1990, Kenny completed a certificate in hazardous materials for emergency response. Prior to retirement, Kenny worked as a transit driver and hospitality aide at the Blackfeet Care Center, where he enjoyed caring for our community elders.

In Kenny’s spare time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends and family. He also went logging and loved to spend time in the mountains.

Together, Kenny and Delores took care of the Big Badger Grotto, after the passing of his mother Rose-Bullshoe Bird. Rose dreamed of building a grotto, so Kenny and Wilbur Reevis helped fulfill these wishes and built a grotto out of cement and rocks. Rose dedicated the grotto to honor three special feast days: The Sacred Heart of Jesus in June, The Immaculate Heart of Mary in May, and Our Lady of the Rosary in October.  Kenny hosted many celebrations in his home to help celebrate prayer and family.

Kenny will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, and extended family; however he will now be at peace with the Lord in Heaven.

Rosary services will be Monday, November 6, at 7pm at Old Eagle Shield Center. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday, November 7, at 11:00 AM at Little Flower Catholic Church.