Myron "David" White Bear Jr.
(Paat?h She n?pek)
"Fighting the Enemy"

April 20, 1957-July 10, 2012

Myron "David" White Bear Jr., beloved son, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and companion, left to join his relatives and friends in the Spirit World on July 10, 2012.

David was born April 20, 1957 in Denver, Colorado to Delores (Deane) Wilkinson and the late Myron White Bear Sr. David attended grade school and high school in the White Shield area. He attended one year of grade school in Idaho. David enjoyed participating in sports and played varsity football and excelled in cross country and track. He was an excellent runner and won many awards for his running ability. He also participated in high school rodeo and competed as a bareback rider and bull riding in rodeos throughout North Dakota. He also worked briefly with Adrian Foote's Stock Contracting Company, while in high school.
Upon his graduation from White Shield High School in May of 1976, he joined the Marine Corps. He served in the Marines from 1976 to 1980. During his tour of duty, he served with the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Echo Company (Camp Margarita) and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California as a basic rifleman and later as a machine gunner. His unit deployed to various overseas locations including Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Thailand.

In addition, David also served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea CV-43 as a member of the Marine Detachment. His division was responsible for maintaining the security of the ship's nuclear payload. David attained the rank of Corporal. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, David remained in southern California and worked as a cable television installer. He returned to the Fort Berthold Reservation and in 1983 he began his employment with the Community Action Agency in Minot, North Dakota. He spent close to ten years in this position.

During this time, he met the love of his life and long-time companion, Sharol Kaye Johnson in 1984 and they made a home together in New Town, North Dakota for the past 28 years. David also worked with the LCM Corporation in New Town in the carpentry and construction field, and upon his death was employed with the Ft. Berthold Housing Authority Comp Grant, as a carpenter.

He was very proud of his "Sahnish" culture and was asked to be the server or "fire man" for the Arikara cultural ceremonies. This rite was paid for in the proper traditional way and he proudly continued to serve in this role, whenever he was asked. He also took his role of uncle very seriously, and did not hesitate to give positive advice to his nieces and nephews or to correct their misbehavior if they were not listening or behaving in public. David learned these traditional ways from him maternal and paternal grandparents, as a young child. He respected their knowledge and teachings and used them throughout his life. He valued his relationships with his family and was a devoted grandfather who adored his grandchildren—Skylei, Coulee, and Jordon Luger. Their "papa" was always in attendance at all their sporting events and encouraged each of them to do their best in school and in sports.

David had many interests and lived life to the fullest. He served as the Commander for Joseph Young Hawk/Elmer Bear Post 253 during 2010 and 2011 and was very active with the American Legion. He was always present at funerals, pow-wows and community activities where there was a request for the "colors" to be posted or needed someone to stand guard. He was diligent about his role as commander for Post 253 and proud to share his knowledge of military protocol.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, surfing, scuba-diving, running and softball. He was a member of the New Town Player's Pub Slow-Pitch Softball team that won the State Tournament in 2004. He played softball over 24 years and made many friends who shared his love of the game. He also enjoyed taking road trips with Sharol and they traveled throughout the country and attended many concerts together. David loved all kinds of music. It did not matter where he was, if there was a song that he enjoyed he was known to kick off his shoes and start dancing. His positive energy and great sense of humor was infectious and he had many friends who shared his life and good times together. David lived his life on his own terms and if you had the opportunity to spend time with him, it was always an adventure. His smile, laughter and good heart will be deeply missed by all of his friends and relatives. He has left us with many good memories, laughter and stories of his time spent here on earth.

Active Pallbearers Shane Johnson, Coneil Begay, Sean Stevenson, Cody White Bear, Alejandro Moreno, Les Deane, Joseph Azure, Tyler Wells, and Les White Bear.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Frank Henry, Bernard White, Eugene "Sonny" White, Lanny Real Bird, Dorven White Bear Jr., Lance White, Richard White Bear, Donnie Dickens, Rick Hall, Arlan Fox, Joe Lee Many Bears, Loren White, Kenny Wells, Stanley Charging, Mark Charging, Kevin Charging, Tex White Bear, Wendell White, Herbie White, Thomas Wells, Clement Packineau, Daryl Bearstail, Phillip Ross Jr., Vince Malnourie Jr., Jimmy Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Billy Jacobs, Kelly Spotted Bear, Kenny and Daryl Lyson, David and Jolene Begay, Jason Two Crow, Tom Sitting Crow, Jared Eagle, Kenny Stevenson, Loren Moran, Corey Fox, Jeff Fox, Kenny Matthews, David Holding Eagle, David Williams, Kyle Baker, Joey Iverson, Dead Grass Society, Old Scouts Society, Joseph Young Hawk/Elmer Bear Post 253 and Myron Johnson/Nathan Good Iron Post 271.

Myron David White Bear Jr. is survived by his mother, Delores (Howard) Wilkinson of White Shield; his long-time friend and companion Sharol Kaye Johnson, New Town and her daughter, Melanie (Kurt) Luger, Mandan and her children Skylei, Coulee and Jordon Luger; Sisters: Bernadette (Rick) White Bear-Hall, White Shield ; Marti (Terry) Stevenson, Bismarck; Sharon White Bear, Fargo; Katherine M. White Bear, Spearfish, SD; Diane (Bill) McLaughlin, Parshall; Tillie Wilkinson, Colorado; Brothers: James (Theresa) White Bear, Ft. Worth, TX; Jeffrey (Tammi) White Bear, San Manuel, AZ; and Joey Wilkinson of White Shield; Nieces and Nephews: Lisa, Wilbur, Sean, Mick, Adrienne, Matt, Mike, Alicia, Danni, Cody, Jacob, Wace, Denise, Shauna, Pam; Grandchildren: Skylei, Coulee, Jordon, Houston, Tuff, George, Louie, Charlie, Hunter, Kennedy, and Elias; Youngest Grandchild: Marissa.

Preceding David in death were his paternal grandparents, Mathew and Alice White Bear; maternal grandparents, William and Leona Deane; father, Myron White Bear Sr.; brother, Michael White Bear; and niece, Heather Lambert.

Wake and funeral services will be held at the Ralph Wells Memorial Complex. Wake will begin at 5 p.m. on July 15th and funeral services at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Old Scouts Cemetery, White Shield, North Dakota with military honors provided by Joseph Young Hawk/Elmer Bear Post 253 and Myron Johnson/Nathan Good Iron Post 271. (Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison, North Dakota)