Larry Dean Brien

Larry Dean Brien

April 6, 1966 – April 6, 2026

Larry Dean Brien, age 60, passed away on April 6, 2026, of natural causes.

Larry was born on April 6, 1966, to Robert and Wilma Brien. He was a member of the Whistling Water Clan and a child of the Whistling Water.

Larry was baptized in the old Catholic Church in Crow Agency, Montana. While he carried the Catholic faith, he lived in the ways of his people. He honored the teachings passed down to him by his father, his uncles and aunts, and the many relatives and family friends who helped guide him. Larry was a Sundancer and took great pride in carrying on his father’s way of life, walking in both his spiritual path and his Apsáalooke’ traditions.

He was raised and educated in Lodge Grass, Montana. Larry was a certified welder and a certified carpenter. He took pride in working with his hands and often created and built things for his family, leaving behind lasting pieces of himself through his work.

Larry loved the outdoors and spent much of his time on hunting trips with his brothers, nieces, and nephews. Those times were important to him—they were moments of teaching, laughter, and carrying on tradition. Larry would take his nieces and nephews hunting, and on one trip he named his niece, Candace “Hammer Down Headshot” Brien. That was how Larry Dean was—he lived the way he was raised, strong in who he was, enjoying his family while doing so. Larry Dean was a physically strong man, known for both his strength and the way he carried himself.

Larry carried a strong and bold presence. He was protective and loyal to his family, yet kind in his heart. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. His love for his family was without limits, especially for his daughters, Kisha, Sarah, and all his grandchildren.

Through his work, his teachings, and the life he lived, Larry leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue through his family, friends, and community.

He is survived by his daughters, Kisha Brien and Sarah (Josey) Red Hat, Candace Brien, “Baby” Frances (Elwin) Stewart; his adopted son, Sonny Laforge; his grandchildren, Benjamin D. Bartlett, Jonathan J. Bartlett, Azriel M.D. Brien, Ezra J.J. Brien, Lucian L.W. Red Hat, Ximeana L.L. Red Hat, Jeanea K. Wyles, Colvin Wyles, Darcee Wyles, Jama Wyles, Caiden Brien, Sterling Pretty On Top, and Irving Pretty On Top; his siblings, Wayne (Rachel) Howe, Barbara Susan Brien, Vernon Brien, Valerie (Travis) Birdinground, Bobaleen Brien, Frederick Brien, Barbara (Orland) Little Light, Joyce Laforge, Francine (John) Small, Debbie Gust, Mary Ten Bear, Verna Mae Koch, Cheri (Mark) Real Bird, Lucille White Hip, Martha Emigh, Matthew Emigh, Jo Whiteclay, Vernon (Jolene) Whiteclay, Larry (Jackie) Blacksmith; adopted brother, Albert Gros Ventre; his uncle, Tommy Whiteclay; his aunts, Delma Fox, Veronica Whiteclay, Rebecca Whiteclay, and Rosmary Lincoln; his nieces, Yolanda Medicine Crow, Tillie Howe, Phyliss Fire Crow, Lainey Brien, Elizabeth Howe, Helen, and Freda Jane Knows His Gun, and Latrish Stewart; his nephews, Trevor Bird, Trell Bird, Scooter Walks-Ceasely, Daniel Walks Ceasely, Pedro Hernandez, Salvador Hernandez, Brian T. Brien, Laymond Brien, Chaz Brien, and Ron Brien, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilma Brien Whiteclay; his sisters, Roberta Brien, Elsene Sherry, and Sherry Laforge; his brothers, Robert III, Phillip, Ronnie, Michael Brien, Clinton Laforge, Wayne R. Brien, Mike Howe, D.J. Fox, Frederick Knows Gun III, and George Knows Gun.

Larry Dean leaves behind many extended family members and friends—far too many to name—who will carry his memory forward. If we have forgotten anyone during this difficult time, we sincerely apologize.

Larry Dean, you will forever be missed. We love you.

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