Jordan "Wolfy" Real Bird

Funeral mass Wednesday Jan. 5, 2022 (Time pending) at the St. Dennis Catholic Church in Crow Agency. Burial following in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Rosary will be recited Tuesday at 3:30PM at the Bullis Funeral Chapel.

Jordan “Wolfy” Real Bird, (Ahk-Iichili-lia-chilish/ The One that Buys Horses ), he was a grandmother’s grandchild (káaliseaapite), came to this earth on February 18, 1986 and left us on New Year’s Day 2022. He was born a Whistling Water to Mimi Real Bird in Crow Agency, Montana. He was adopted by his Kaala, Margo Real Bird and lived most of his life in Medicine Tail Coulee on the banks of the Little Bighorn River with his Kaala and two sisters Holly Real Bird and Nina Sanders.

When Wolfy was an infant, his Kaala Margo purchased his name, Crow Way, from a young Osage boy who was being honored at a powwow. She tells us that the boy (“Wolfy” Wilson Pipestem) was an incredible dancer and his achievements were great. From this day on, our beloved brother and son lived his life as Wolfy Real Bird. Apsaalooke people believe that their names protect them, provide power, and define how they live their lives on earth. The wolf, like our brother, is complex, highly intelligent, caring, playful, and above all devoted to family. Wolfy was fiercely protective of his children, his sisters, his loved ones, and the things he so passionately believed in.

Wolfy graduated from Hardin High School, attended Rocky Mountain College and was accepted to MSU Billings in the fall of 2021. He was a “jack of all trades” and worked in various positions throughout his life including equine work, carpentry, gardening, and beekeeping. He learned his horseman skills from Barry and Curtis Real Bird. They taught him how to ride, care for horses, rope, saddle bronc and honor the family horse medicine. From his adoptive father, Shane Munsetter, he learned to build homes, bee keeping and permaculture. Shane was also a marvelous positive influence on Wolfy’s life, helping him maintain sobriety through friendship, hard work, and AA. Together they attended many AA meetings, leading Wolfy to gain a deeper understanding of his personal struggle with addiction. Wolfy worked hard in the last years of his life to maintain sobriety, he wanted more than anything to stay sober, provide for his family, and leave a positive mark on the Real Bird legacy.

Wolfy was one of the most remarkable athletes in Montana, winning multiple titles in running at the Big Sky State Games, Ultimate Warrior 2008, and countless invitationals. While attending Rocky Mountain College, his running coach believed he was such an exceptional runner he prepared him for competitions that would qualify him for the Olympics. Wolfy started a family while he was at Rocky Mountain College, which quickly became his priority. His three children Laila, Finley, and Coulee Real Bird were his foundation. It was apparent how much joy and pride his children brought him. He always found a way to provide them with tokens of love, fun experiences. Even in the midst of adversity he made time for his children and always gave them whatever he had. They loved each other deeply which was healing for all of us.

Wolfy was successful in the ways of a young Crow man or “What a Crow Boy does and becomes”. In his early life, he started with Sweat Lodge as a Door Man. He participated in his first Crow War dance with a give away. Wolfy competed in Handgames with the Reno Cowboys, rode as a saddle bronc rider and roped in several rodeos. He was a Sundancer and prayed in Peyote Ceremony. Gradually the Crow Way of life was accomplished. He is a brother to the Whistling Water and a son of the Big Lodge. He excelled in these ways and earned the right to pour in the Crow Sweat Lodge. Wolfy will be deeply missed by his Whistling Water brothers.

Wolfy was welcomed to the Otherside Camp with great joy and celebration by his brothers Floyd Real Bird, Wayne Moccasin, Charlie Real Bird, Harry Moccasin; sisters Nellie and Veda Moccasin; cousins Richard Real Bird and Randy Real Bird, Royce Red Star and Willis Kills Night.

His legacy and spirit will be carried on by his mother Mimi Real Bird; Kaala Margo Real Bird; sisters Nina Sanders and Holly Real Bird; his children Laila, Finley and Coulee Real Bird; and The Love of His Life, Bethany Yellowtail.

The family would like to remember his extended family on his maternal grandmother’s side; Real Bird, Medicine Tail, Covers Up, Moccasin, Little Light, Not Afraid, Medicine Crow, Deer Nose and Fire Bear Costa. On his grandfather’s side Pickett and Other Medicine. On his paternal side, Rock Above and Don’t Mix.

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