Thomas Young Bird Jr., “Magi guwa” (Soldier), was born June 10, 1941, in Crow Agency, Montana to Lottie Sherwood and Thomas Young Bird, Sr. Thomas Jr. was the firstborn to this union, and one of nine brothers with two sisters. His mother Lottie named all her children after Saints from the bible. Thomas grew up in Crow Agency, MT, and Lodge Grass, MT in the early part of his childhood where his dad operated a cattle ranch. The boys all loved to hunt with their dad and Uncle Frank Sherwood. Thomas attended the Lodge Grass elementary school with his brothers until they returned to Mandaree in 1955. 

Thomas was drafted into the US Army in 1964 and was sent overseas to Vietnam in 1965. Saigon, Vietnam was his assigned duty station. Thomas served a year in the Transportation Division under General Westmoreland, who oversaw all the operations in Vietnam. He was awarded a letter of commendation for his service to General Westmoreland during this time. He came back to ND after his honorable discharge in 1966. His mother was diagnosed with cancer and later succumbed to it. 

He married Mary Ione Little Swallow in January 1967. They had two sons, Kevin and Mike. Thomas attended United Tribes and earned a degree in accounting. He returned and worked for the Neighborhood Youth Corp as an Assistant Director. After Thomas and Mary divorced, Thomas earned his ironworking experience in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Kalispell, MT. He met and married Elaine Sidmore. This union brought two more sons Anthony (Tony) and Dwight Young Bird. 

Thomas was an ironworker for many years. His work took him from Kalispel to Billings to Colstrip, MT. He worked on the Libby Dam, in Lincoln County, MT. He returned to North Dakota after his divorce and there, he met Truby Hunter in which his youngest son was born, Stewart Young Bird. In his later years, Tom met Ordean Iron Shield. They made their home in Twin Buttes for several years before moving to New Town. They opened their doors to their family and enjoyed many activities together. 

Thomas was a well-known man in many respects. He loved to hunt, ride bulls, ride horses, and be with family. He truly loved the company of any and all family. Thomas came from the last traditional appointed Chief of Hidatsa’s, Joseph Young Bird. Thomas loved to sit with his brothers and tease. When he said he would do something, he would get it done. 

He was a very humble man and an honorable veteran. Thomas was the last of the eleven siblings to leave and passed to the spirit world on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

He is survived by his longtime Companion, Ordean Iron Shield of New Town, ND; Son, Thomas Kevin Young Bird (Louanne) of Bismarck, ND, and grandchildren, Teffie Dickens-Bison, Blossom Young Bird, Xavier Young Bird, and adopted grandson, Frank White Clay (Jade); Son, Michael B. Young Bird (Jesse) of New Town, ND and grandchildren, Mike Young Bird Jr, Keeley Young Bird, David Miranda, Sergio Miranda, Gerald Miranda, Kason Young Bird, Utah Young Bird, Chezney Young Bird, Hudson Small, Boots Coyote Runs, Birdman Gros Ventre, Rowdy Young Bird, Jace Young Bird, and Johnnygirl Small; Son, Dwight Young Bird (Tanasha) of Kalispell, MT, and grandchildren; Cortlyn Young Bird, Morgan Young Bird, and Savannah Williams Young Bird; Son, Anthony Young Bird (Julie) Young Bird of Marion, MT and grandchildren, Jasmyn Young Bird, Aden Young Bird; his Grandchildren from the late Stewart Young Bird (Deliah), Dakota James Young Bird, Thomas John Young Bird, Amaiyah Joyce Young Bird, Daeshauntiah Marie Young Bird, Jeremiah Tate Young Bird; and Adopted Daughters, Denise (Taylor B) Young Bird, Peggy (Thomas) White Clay, Jamie (Landon) White Clay Medicine Bull; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Lottie Young Bird; son, Stewart Young Bird; brothers, Matthew Young Bird, Sr., Henry Young Bird, Sr., LeRoy Young Bird, Nathaniel Young Bird, Bryan Young Bird, Herman Young Bird, Robert Young Bird, Sr., and Reynolds Young Bird, Sr.; sisters, Philomena Young Bird Grinnell and Karen Young Bird White Clay.

Langhans Funeral Home

Parshall, ND 58770