Robert Leo Shane, Sr.

Robert Leo Shane, Sr., 60, Crow name, Good Dancer, named by great-grandmother, Rosaline Takes Horse, went to be with the Our Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Hardin, MT. Robert was born on February 2, 1963, to Clara Hugs and Jason Shane, Sr. in Crow Agency, MT. He was raised in Crow Agency with his grandmother, Sarah Shane. He was a member of the Greasy Mouth clan and Greasy Mouth child. Robert was a direct descendent of Chief Pretty Eagle. He received his education in Crow Agency and Hardin. Once he received his GED in 1982, he went to United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND studying in the automotive field. After completing a year in Bismarck, Robert moved to Missoula and was there for one year pursuing his degree in Diesel Technology. After thirty years, Robert made the decision to get that degree. He wanted others to know that it is possible at any age. In July of this year, Robert proudly graduated from the University of Montana with his degree in Diesel Technology right along with his son, Aaron making it even more memorable.

Robert was a tough cowboy in his day, breaking horses and riding a bull during the 1982 Crow Fair. He participated in sun dances. Robert enjoyed listening to old country music, gospel music, hunting in the Big Horn Mountains, fishing, and adding to his “lucky” collection of round rocks which he always kept one in his pocket. Through the years, He always built sweat with his friends and sons: Leo, Aaron, and Tristen. He believed in passing his culture and traditions to his sons, having them join in the sweats. He loved the mountains; always searching for deer and elk. Robert was a hard worker and always put his best into everything. He was a dedicated family man and always providing for his family. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives.

Robert worked various jobs throughout his career, but his passion was working on heavy equipment as a diesel mechanic. Some of the places of employment through the years were Paul Pryor, BIA Roads Department, Absaloka Mine, Crow Tribe Roads Department, Riverside Contracting, Warren Transport and Crow Tribe AML. While he was going to school full-time in Missoula, he worked part-time for TA Travel Centers of America as a diesel technician. Even on his days off or whenever possible, he helped others with their vehicles.

Robert and Dawn Wounded Face were married on December 28, 2001, in Hardin, MT. They were blessed with five children and   raised two grandchildren as their own. Robert kept his faith, daily. Through life’s challenges, he always believed in the power of prayer. He prayed with his family, for his family and his friends. Robert will be greatly missed.

Robert is preceded in death by his father Jason Shane, Sr., brother Jason Jr., grandmother Sarah Shane, maternal grandparents Elias and Dorothy (Big Lake) Hugs, grandfather Samuel Plainfeather, aunts, Verna Hugs Rogers, Deanna Stops, Violet Hugs, Elizabeth White; uncles, Arlie, Rudolph, and Robert Stops, adopted father Andrew Old Elk and good friend Gerald Reed.

Survivors include his wife Dawn, children, Jess (Elizabeth), Robert Jr., Aaron, Emma, Sarah, Tristen, Rayleigh, Jazz, Teddy, Teresa, Marcus, Colen, Jay Cole, Sophie, and Talisa; his mother Clara Hugs, brothers Frank Bastien, Mike Shane, and Kurt LaForge;  adopted brother, Harrison Old Elk, sisters, Ada, Kendria and Zandee Shane, Rona Driftwood; aunts, Beldean Small and Gwendolyn Plain Bull, uncles, Elias (Theo) Hugs and Leo T. (Tammy) Hugs, good friends, Thomas and Linda Little Owl, and numerous grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Extended family: Shane, Hugs, Big Lake, Takes Horse, Old Horn, Morrison, Costa, Old Elk, Birdinground, Doyle, Alden, Plainfeather, Goes Ahead, Humphrey, Holds, Stewart, Whiteclay and Pretty Weasel.

Please forgive us if we have forgotten anyone.

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