VROOMAN, Nicholas, age 69, of Helena, passed away on Wednesday, June, 26, 2019. A private graveside service has taken place at Forestvale Cemetery. A celebration of his life will take place at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A social gathering will follow the celebration of life in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Nicholas.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday July 18, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
Following the Celebration of his Life
Thursday July 18, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Thursday July 18, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
Following the Celebration of his Life
Thursday July 18, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lena Witcher says
So sorry for the family’s loss. For the loss of the Little Shell Tribe of Indians of Montana and all people of Montana. God Bless and care for us all.
Julia Vincent says
I am so saddened to read of Nick’s passing. I got to know him when he was the Director of the Helena Indian Alliance. He was a wonderful person.
Sue Jackson says
Linda, we are sorry for your loss. Nicholas Vrooman was an amazing, knowledgeable advocate for indigenous people. Many people admired him. I first met him when he led a discussion at Great Conversations a few years ago.
Sue and Duane Jackson
Kit Bleecker says
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear about Nick. Please let me know if we can do anything for you. And know that I’m thinking about you and hoping your friends and family can help you through these difficult times. Kit
Lawrence Barkwell says
Sincere condolences. Historian, troubadour, raconteur, enthusiastic participant at “Jam Under Tree” and a great friend of the Michif people. We will miss Nicholas greatly; “he brought his glove, he came to play.”
Lawrence Barkwell
Louis Riel Institute
Ralph Beer says
I appreciate Mister Vrooman’s work in Montana folklore, with Native Americans, with the Little Shell Tribe, and with Montana’s Metis heritage. A good man, all around.
Joanne and Gerald Gerald Gray, Sr. says
We are so very sorry to hear of Nicholas’ passing. Gerald and I shared many times together with Nicholas at many Metis and Little Shell gatherings and meetings. His depth of knowledge of the Little Shell people and the Metis was/is, indeed, amazing. His book will forever be a part of the Little Shell History. Our trip to Winnepeg, Manitoba, with Nicholas was something that we both will treasure forever. Having Nicholas, the historian, with us as we traced the history of the Metis, was an experience to remember. Our condolences to Nicholas’ wife and children. We will miss him along with his pleasant smile and personality. God Bless your family.
Krys Holmes says
So hard to believe. Nicholas is a part of the landscape, the stories, the songs, the rivers, and the place of Montana. There is so much knowledge that would have disappeared if now for him. The wingspan of his life and work touches three centuries. It was an honor to know him, to have heard that laugh, and to have felt his warm encouraging bear-hug greeting. Linda, all our hearts stand with yours.
Ed Noonan says
I had an intuitive sense of Nick being wrapped in the brilliance of the Metis Spirit. He carried that color and light with him throughout his life. I had the privilege of working on an important project that he named, “Echoes of Discovery.” This project resulted in 8 new works being created to remember and to put into new perspective the Lewis and Clark journey. The project revealed a truth from the Indian point of view of the journey being not through the Wilderness but through an inhabited land. His understanding and historical sense united with his artistic gift allowed me to see the world through his eyes. I am grateful.
Julie Paynter Callahan says
My most heartfelt condolences for the family and friends of Nicholas. He was an amazing scholar and wonderful human. His tireless work on documenting and advocating for the Little Shell will have an impact for generations yet to come. His work is so intrinsically connected to the Little Shell history and identity, that he will always be a major part of our identity moving forward. We are so much better off for having him in our lives and share your sorrow for his passing.
Doc Brien says
Nick was a true Man after God’s own heart. His whole life was a yearning to help the little guy and re-tell the forgotten stories. God Bless and be assured of my prayers and profound sorrow. Good Saint Ann of the Turtle Mountain Michif remember Nick and his family.
Doc Brien and family –
Turtle Mountain Chippewa Michif
Belcourt, North Dakota
Philip Aaberg says
He finished his new book on the Metis and he learned that the Little Shell tribe will be recognized. I don’t grieve for him, but I grieve for his friends and family and me, because we will miss him terribly. He gave so much to the world under one robe, and he pointed the way to peace for this tribe to which we all belong. We will continue his work with the great knowledge he compiled and the great insights he left us.
Thank you, Nicholas. No one had a bigger smile or a bigger heart.
Pat Adams says
I will very much miss having occasional visits with Nich at Fish Creek, Gabriel’s Crossing, Batoche and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan. I considered him to be a good friend and excellent colleague. There are many people in the Metis community here who have the same attitudes toward him. I had been hoping to connect with him here again this week or in August. Rest in peace. We will continue your work.
Ken Robison says
Nicholas was a Montana gem, a great scholar, story teller, and friend. His contributions and friendships will remain in our hearts and minds. We are all the better for our times with him, R.I.P. dear friend Nicholas.
Ellen Baumler says
Nick’s untimely passing has left a tremendous hole in the hearts of Montanans. He was fierce advocate, a gifted historian, and a gentle soul. His work is a great gift and Montana will not forget him.
Vonnie Jenkins says
Linda & family
You are in my thoughts & prayers. Nicholas was such a kind & wonderful person when he came to Motor Pool. He sure is going to be missed.
Melanie LaBorwit says
Nick called me up to offer help when I got my job in South Dakota, and though I rarely saw him over the years, when I did see him, it was as though no time had passed at all and we could catch up and share stories. He was a remarkable historian, folklorist, biggest hearted man and lovely friend. I just heard of his passing and am so saddened by this loss, he was a touchstone for so many.
Dr. S.M. Steele says
I just learned of this great loss and send my condolences to the family of Nicholas Vrooman, to his friends, and to his colleagues. In 2015 I had the great chance of meeting him at a powwow for Indigenous veterans at Buffalo Jump National Park in Montana. At the time I was on a 10,000 km journey through the homeland doing research for the new opera I’m writing (with Neil Weisensel) on Louis Riel’s time in Montana. Nicholas Vrooman was so kind and helpful and pointed me in the right direction and inscribed his book, ‘This is now your story to tell’. He was a real friend to us as a peoples. I’m so sorry for his loss.