Wade Glenn Birdinground

Wade Glenn BirdinGround was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, on December 9, 1983, to Wilford and Lorna BirdinGround. His Crow name was Iikoosh shiile (Yellow Bugle), given to him by Melvin Stops. He was a member of the Big Lodge clan and a child of the Whistling Water. His father worked for the U.S. Forestry Service, which allowed Wade to spend his childhood in Missoula, Augusta, and Ashland, Montana. In his teen years, the family moved back to the ranch in Garryowen, which became a major source of pride. Wade would affectionately refer to the community as G-town with all his neighboring relatives. Wade was an excellent horseman, and following in his father’s footsteps, he would start roping at an early age. He excelled in team roping, always enjoying going to ropings and entering rodeos, bringing home prizes. He was also known to calf rope, steer wrestle, and to ride saddle bronc. All his life, Wade enjoyed hunting and fishing at White Swan Park. He would often be found at the river with his children.

Wade graduated from Hardin High School in 2003. He also attended high school at St. Labre Indian School and Lodge Grass, where he made many friends, many of whom became lifelong brothers. He would participate in sports; however, his love for rodeo was greatest, leading him to compete in High School rodeo. After graduating, he would move to Denver to pursue college. Upon returning home, Wade worked a variety of jobs, from carpentry to construction; however, working with the horses was his passion. Wade was a member and proud uncle of Bird in Ground Relay and Little Mountain Relay. From practices to competitions, Wade would be found cheering and helping in any way possible. During victories, he would be seen on the track celebrating with his brothers and nephews. 

In 2003, Wade met Sa’ Rayna Stops; the love was undeniable, and they would go on to marry in 2011 in Sheridan. Along with Sa’Rayna’s son Flint, the couple would have 3 children: Cade, Sa’Wade and LeVian. Sa’Rayna’s untimely passing in 2017 left Wade heartbroken. Later, his son Dannon Gray would be born. Dannon would become Wade’s best friend and partner. With the help of his girlfriend, Sabrena Half, he continued to raise his kids. Wade took great pride in sharing the arena and Crow Culture with his children, nieces, and nephews. Wade spent the last years of his life searching for his daughter, Sa’Wade. Her disappearance never left his mind. He never lost hope of finding her and bringing her home.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Sabrena; his children, Cade, Sa’Wade, LeVian, and Dannon Gray BirdinGround, Flint (Kayla) Stops, Rustin and Raquel RealBird; his parents, Wilford and Lorna BirdinGround; his siblings, Travis (Valerie) BirdinGround, Tronnes (Elizabeth) BirdinGround, Rose RealBird, Cara, and Kathleen BirdinGround; his uncles and aunts, Gilbert (Kathy), Quinton, and Carmaleta BirdinGround; his grandmother, Laura Pickett RealBird; and his goddaughter, Mollie Bement. Wade had many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He also had many cousins and friends which he considered brothers and sisters.

Wade was preceded in death by his late wife, Sa’Rayna; his maternal grandmother, Doreen MacQuakay; his paternal grandparents, Gilbert and Edith BirdinGround Sr.; uncles and aunts, Mort and Donald Dreamer, Menford, Thurlow, Beldean, and Agnes BirdinGround, Sheri Butler, and Connie Begley; and his nieces, Marissa RealBird and Telsa BirdinGround. 

Extended families include OtherMedicine, BirdinGround, LongEars, BlackHair, Seminole, and Mary BrightWings’ family.

Please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention someone in our time of grief, for we have a large family.

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