Thurlow B. Birdinground

Thurlow Bailey Birdinground, 65 of Garryowen MT, has gone fishing with Akbaatatdia, on June 16th, 2023. Baashe ii Bachialook iikkuuk (Went to War and Back in a Battleship) was born on October 2nd, 1958, in Crow Agency, the son of Gilbert and Edith Birdinground, Sr.

Later he was taken in by Blaine and Danetta Falls Down who raised him into his teens. He was a Whistling Water and child of Bad War Deeds. He later had the honor of being part of the Night Hawk Society.

He was a member of the Lodge Grass booster club and was a proud member of the Garryowen Mustangs basketball team. He traveled throughout the Northwest region and Indian reservations such as Duck Valley and Wind River Indian Reservation playing in basketball tournaments and leagues with his brother Gilbert. He team roped with his brother Wilford until he found enjoyment in racing his Shetlands, Peppers and Terribles along the inside rail, often beating the actual flat track race horses. What he enjoyed the most was fishing along the Little BigHorn River with his nephews, brother, and later on with his grandsons. He really enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and his three great grandkids, Jaylah, Jonaleah, and Rayce Cole. He enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to country music, and good ol 'rock and roll.

Thurlow met Zena Venne in 1980 and lived in Garryowen and later moved to Dunmore, River Road B where they reside until present day. From this union he had two daughters, Renita and Candace Birdinground. His greatest blessing was witnessing the many milestones of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

He has gone fishing, to the other side of camp with his parents; brothers Mort and Lucky Dreamer, Albert and Menford Birdinground, Blaine Ken Falls Down and Henry Bright Wings Jr.; his sisters Beldean Beneker, Anita Agnes Lockhart, Karna Falls Down, Elenore Birdinground, and Juanita Stands; his nephews Isaac Scott Plenty Hoops and Lance Birdingound.

Thurlow is survived by his lifelong companion of 42 years, Zena Venne; his daughters Renita Rae Birdinground and Candace Faye (Barry) Glenn, and his son Shandon Zade; his grandkids RaeLuv, Jonas, Daysha Medicine Horse, Joaney, Luvleigh, JR, Celeste and Daylon Champ; his brothers, Wilford (Lorna), Gilbert Jr. (Kathy), Quintin Sr., Eugene (Lydia), Ricky (Anne), Sampson (Eva), Calvin Birdingroud, Darrell (Barbara) and Larry Bright Wings, Gale and Clarence (Joselyn) Three Irons; his sisters, Carmalita Birdinground, Marlene Falls Down, Janet Costa, Jennifer Flatlip, Henrietta (James) Takes Horse, Maria (Jerry) Pease, Flavina (Kirby) Bromley, Andrea and Barbara Birdinground, and Elsie (Kurt) LaForge; auntie Laura Pickett RealBird; uncles, Clifford Birdinground, Joe and Lloyd (Alvina) Pickett.

           Extended families include Birdinground, Other Medicine, Pickett, Bright Wings, Seminole, Dreamer, Takes Horse, Old Elk, Holds the Enemy, Brien, Pease, LaForge and WhiteClay.  If we have forgotten anyone, please forgive us, our family is very large.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thurlow B. Birdinground, please visit our Tree Store.