Gilford William Sees the Ground, Sr.

Gilford W. Sees the Ground, Sr., 62, of Crow Agency, MT., died at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings on Monday, August 7, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born on May 7, 1961, in Crow Agency, to Shirley Jean Old Horn and Gordon Sees the Ground, Sr.  Gilford was a member of the Whistling Water Clan and a child of the Whistling Water Clan.  His Indian name Baa Laashteesh (Kind to Everyone) was given to him by Billy Stewart, a Korean Combat Veteran.  He was well known by his nickname “Honce Ponce” and lived up to his Indian name by his kindness and generosity to everyone he had the privilege of knowing, young and old. He grew up in the Crow Agency and Dunmore areas and attended Pretty Eagle Catholic School in St. Xavier, Montana and attended one year of high school in Bozeman.  He was a life-long member of St. Dennis Parish in Crow Agency.

He received his heavy equipment certification through the Kicking Horse Job Corps in Ronan, Montana and started his employment with Kenney Construction of Hardin, Montana.  He spent his professional career as a loader/operator with various companies and finishing with Riverside Contracting, Inc.  He retired from a career that he loved due to health reasons.  He was very proud of his 20 plus years of sobriety and especially working with the Crow Nation Health and Wellness Program.

Gilford married Janet E. Stewart, later divorced, but remained friends, and to this union they had three sons, Gilford B.“Sponge” (Jessica) Sees the Ground Jr., Preston Leo Stewart, Sr., and Jamaal Jarrin Sees the Ground and his one and only daughter, Bethany Faith Sees the Ground.  He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Keenan Reece Took the Shield, Canaan Cru Sees the Ground, Kayen Jean Enemy Hunter, Zayon, Preston Leo, Jr., Khalil, and Aveyanna Stewart; Rhilee Alina Sees the Ground and Addison Mikel Takes Enemy.  His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved attending all their sporting events.  He was especially proud of River Road Relay and the horse he bought for his son Jamaal, “Port Brice” was part of the relay team.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Susie Old Coyote Old Horn and Allen Old Horn, Laura Stewart, Gordon Sees the Ground, Sr. and Amos and Laura Sees the Ground, a sister, Dessie Old Horn Little Nest and brothers, Georgie Donald and Gordon Sees the Ground, Jr.  Uncles Sargie Old Horn and aunt Vivian Lizotte.

If we have forgotten anyone in our time of grief, please forgive us.

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