Just before sunrise Sunday June 1, 2014, at 4:45 am, Henry Anderson ended his journey and he was called back home to the Creator at the age of 84 with his wife and family by his side. Henry (Gapumiitow – meaning Good Driver) was born August 25, 1929, in a cabin near Malta, MT, to Frank and Mary (Buffalo Calf) Anderson. Henry was a very hard working and disciplined man and was proud that he had walked the two roads.
He had many friends, but his greatest joy was his family. He cherished all his children and their accomplishments. He enjoyed reading, watching T.V and catching up on current events every morning through the Great Falls Tribune.
He was traditional in his ways and was a cultural leader for his tribe. He was fluent in his Native language and taught language classes in Montana High Schools and urged everyone to learn their native tongue. He was instrumental in organizing the International Game Society of America and taught classes in making a playing Native American Traditional Games. In 2003, he was hired by the Department of Interior and he and Betsy traveled the route of the Lewis & Clark Trail. He was often called upon to speak and pray for those in their time of need and would do so in the language of the Cree. He served on the State Burial Committee, Circle of Indian Advisors and was previously Chairman of the Board at the Helena Indian Alliance. As a young man he served his country with the 82nd Airborne in the Korean War and was proud to have served his country. He longed to see the Little Shell Tribe become federally recognized.
Henry is preceded in death by his parents and his brother George, his paternal grandfather and Grandmother Caleb and Flora Anderson who raised him, his first wife Nancy Rainingbird, father-in-law Art Rainingbird, his sons Duane Anderson, Blake Anderson, daughter Connie Flores, grandsons Andrew Anderson and Sonny Oats.
He is survived by his wife Betsy, his daughters Dena Anderson and Gloria(Adam) Ortiz from Los Angeles, CA and their families, his sons Reed (Eva) Anderson of St Ignatius, and Eddy (Karen) Oats of Helena, and their families, daughter-in-law Debbie Tailfeathers and grandson Matthew of Missoula, Son-in-law Richard Sangrey, Sisters Doreen Anderson, Bonnie Anderson, Wilma Jean Anderson, and his step-son Steve (Penny) Clark and family, All his family in Rocky Boy and Canada and many grandchildren, great grandchildren with whom he loved dearly. Also his dogs Sunni and Ellie
The family would like to thank Dr. Skillman, and all the Hospice staff for the wonderful care they provided to Henry.
A wake will be all day today, June 4, at Sheridan Hall, 501 Euclid Ave. A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Sheridan Hall. Burial will follow the Funeral at Resurrection Cemetery. A Reception will be held at Sheridan Hall following the burial.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service & Wake
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 3, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Prayer Service & Wake
All day
Wednesday June 4, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
9:30 a.m.
Thursday June 5, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the Funeral
Thursday June 5, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Burial
Thursday June 5, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Prayer Service & Wake
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 3, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Prayer Service & Wake
All day
Wednesday June 4, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
9:30 a.m.
Thursday June 5, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the Funeral
Thursday June 5, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Burial
Thursday June 5, 2014
Sheridan Hall
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Richard Parenteau says
I had the pleasure of meeting Henry in 2000. I got to work with him at the airport with my Cousin Pam with the company Native Skies inc. Through the next 4 years I traveled with Henry working with the International Traditional Games and working on cultural issues with the Little Shell Tribe. He always had a great sense of humor and could find humor in any given situation. Henry was a Korean Veteran, and served the Great Falls Public School system in many areas. Including teaching the Cree language. Our family offers our sympathy and condolences to Betsy and the Anderson family during this difficult time. Henry you will be missed, but remembered well!