David "Spike" White Tail, 49, White Shield, died on Monday, August 21, 2017 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Makoti. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 25, at 11:00 am at the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex in White Shield. Wake services were held on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at the complex.

David Alan (Spike) White Tail, "Rising Eagle", was born August 24, 1967 in Grand Junction, CO to David Alley Jr. and Sawahu (Heart) White Tail. At the time of his birth, Spike was the biggest baby on record in Colorado, weighing over 13 pounds! He was given the Indian name of "Rising Eagle" at a very young age. Spike, as everyone knew him, was raised in Grand Junction until the family moved to Garrison. He attended school in Garrison, White Shield, New Town, and graduated from Chemawa Indian School in New Salem, OR in 1986.

Spike was a natural in the kitchen. He loved to cook and make new dishes. He moved to Bismarck and worked a as a Sous Chef at the Hunter's Club at Prairie Knights. He also worked as a chef at Speedway Restaurant, and at the Radisson Inn.

He attended United Tribes Technical College in the Culinary Arts, but due to declining health, he moved back to White Shield. As his health improved, he started his own roustabout company, Rising Eagle, LLC, in 2015. He had a lot of different interests and even worked as a carnie for a short time.

Spike had many hobbies, and along with "his gang", Sybert Yellow Bear, Destanee Black, and Kaeleigh Cavanaugh, would have cook out, go fishing, go to the movies, go shopping and went on many trips. Sybert was his little bud that lived with him since Sybert was 5 years old. And we can't forget to mention Spike's big baby, his Boxer, JD McGillis. JD even had his own Facebook page and JD had many friends. JD shared many adventures with Spike and Sybert. Spike was also an avid Seahawks and Cubs fan.
Spike had the biggest heart and always had a big smile for everyone he saw. He was quick to tease but the first to congratulate when anything positive happened. He was always the first to say good morning and wish everyone a good day and say good night. He was a positive person who was ready to help whenever he could.
Spike is survived by his brothers, Brian White Tail, Bismarck, Richard White Tail, New Town, Anson White Tail, Mandan; sister, Paula Yellow Bear, Minto; his "gang", Sybert Yellow Bear, Destanee Black, Kaeleigh Cavanaugh, beloved dog, JD; and his many nieces, nephews; and White Tail and Heart families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sawahu White Tail and David Alley White Tail Jr.; second mom, Bonnie Yellow Bear, brothers, Scott Alan and Michael Alan, sisters, Winona Ree, Michelle Ree, and Bonita Rose.