Winfield “Wayne” Belgarde gained his eagle feathers and left his peaceful life on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 after a brief illness surrounded by loved ones. Wayne was 64 years old.
Wayne was born in Helena, MT on August 18, 1951 to Winfield Belgarde and Rita Hamlin where he attended school at Central Elementary and Helena High School. After high school, all Wayne did was work. Wayne was never a stranger to an early morning of earning his keep. He worked next to his Dad Richard year after year until he took the art of taping and made it his own.
Early in life you would find Wayne “raising hell” around town at Haps, O’Toole’s, or the Red Meadow Bar, kicked back with a cold Budweiser. Wayne also would break horses for the neighbors in the Helena Valley. Wayne met and married Vanessa (Red) McKnire (Sobonya) and the two were blessed with two beautiful children, David and Carrie Belgarde. Following a few trials and errors Wayne moved on in life and embraced his Little Shell heritage. He was proud of who he was, being sober for 30 years, and passed his legacy on to his children.
Wayne had many friends at the Helena Indian Alliance and cherished each soul he met on his journey including his special friend Karen Ballard. Wayne was proceeded in death by his father Winfield Belgarde, and Dad Richard Wolstein, Mother Rita Wolstein, Brother’s Reed and Trent Wolstein.
Wayne was Indian all the way, but one heck of a Cowboy and will be missed by his children David Belgarde, Carrie (Shawn) Nuxoll, Sister Carla (Mike) Allen, Sister Marla Wolstein, Roxanne (Scott) Wolstein, Brother David (Michelle) Wolstein, and his pride and joy (his grandchildren) Savannah and Gauge Nuxoll and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Wayne was almost a miracle really, and will be dearly missed by the many people he touched. The family would like to give a special thank you to his friends at M.E. Anderson Apartments, Helena Indian Alliance, the Rocky Mountain Development Council, and final caregivers; Brian, Krystal, and Ingrid at St. Peter’s Hospital of Helena.
A Celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 at the Helena Valley Community Center, 2605 York Rd., Helena, MT 59601. A pot-luck reception will follow the celebration of life service at the Helena Valley Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name may be made to the Helena Indian Alliance. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Wayne.
Sharon Thrailkill Sargeson says
Wayne was one of the best kids I babysat. He was a great friend and neighbor when we were growing up. I always enjoyed running into him at the store or baseball games and discussing old times. He will be greatly missed by all who took time to know him and his gentle ways. God bless you Wayne.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Wayne will be missed by many as he touched an infinite amount of people throughout his years with us. I truly enjoyed seeing him as he always had a kind word to share. He will be missed in many facets of the community. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. “God Bless”
Rose & Taylor Berg says
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Hold onto all the memories and laughter that you all shared and hold onto each other. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Tim Clavin says
One of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Gloria Kanta says
Wayne and I rode the same Helena Valley school bus thats where I first saw him. He always sat in the very back seat and almost never spoke. We had a bully on that bus and every day he harassed someone new. The day he got to me Wayne followed him off the bus, miles from his own stop, and I watched him ‘take care’ of the bully. I so admired him for sticking up for us and we became good friends. Attended lots of the same parties! Our families were close and Wayne was always welcome in our home.
Thank you Wayne and we will all miss you. Love
Gayle T. Belgarde says
Wayne will be missed greatly in our family and community. When we were kids we had a lot of fun camping, swimming ,sledding etc. RIP Wayne.
Love you-Gayle
Steve Wong says
Saddened to hear Wayne has checked out. We roamed the “battlefield” at Central School together and shared in a few un~authorized activities. A great and easy smile. Condolences to his loved ones.
Rick Broadwater says
Sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. We met years ago by chance and have always been friends.
In our construction days we saw each other often and he always had a warm smile and good handshake. I will miss him and condolences to his family.
Leslie MacPherson says
Wayne, to have lived sober for 30 years is a monumental accomplishment. I can’t imagine how many people you inspired, how many lives you saved through your example. Heroic. Blessings, and joy to you, in eternity.