William Baker
William John Baker, 71 years old, began his journey to the Happy Hunting Grounds on July 18, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a car accident in Evanston, Wyo.
William was born to Vivian Yellow Hawk Lindahl and Cornelius Diserly on Dec. 19, 1949, in Poplar, Mont. He attended schools in poplar until he moved with his family to California. This move would be the first of many throughout his life.
William delighted in travel and often shared stories of his adventures on the “yellow brick road.” He made countless friends and relatives during his travels. William lived in many places including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Washington, Canada and Montana. He has traveled to many places in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Australia and most recently Columbia and Peru. He was making plans to go to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. William truly was a citizen of the world.
William enjoyed powwows and traditional dancing, especially with Scobey John. He would make beautiful beadwork, fans and gourds. William immersed his grandsons Cade Baker and Scobey John Baker in his knowledge of peyote ceremonies, Sundance, inipi ceremonies. They often lived on the road in the summers and at various times during the year so they could keep learning and sharing with the friends they made along their way.
William was a road man and spiritual leader. He will be forever remembered for his good words and welcoming ways. He taught many people how to pray and to know Tunkasida. He was always willing to help friends, relatives and acquaintances. Many healings have been attributed to his intervention. William had a unique gift for remaining flexible and accepting while respecting “his grandfather’s ways.” He would say he was “following the medicine.”
William prayed constantly for all of the Indigenous peoples of the world, who he considered his relatives. He had compassion for people who struggled with addiction and trauma, he helped them find healing. He spoke out against alcohol and meth abuse on Fort Peck. He sincerely wished for his grandchildren to practice their culture and walk the red road of life. He practiced forgiveness in his lifetime and would want those afflicted by abuse to receive healing.
William is survived by his aunt, Faye McGrath; his brother, Vaughn (Helen) Dix Baker; Hunka brother ,Wesley Fool Bull, Terry Fool Bull, Kirk Fool Bull; his Hunka sisters, Eva Fool Bull, Isabell Fool Bull; his daughters, Kelly (Ray) R B Aune, Jennifer (Gib) Medicine Cloud, Kayleen (James) Tretheway, Stanna Plain Bull, Laurie Baker; his sons, Gavin Baker, Brendon (Francine) Wajunta Sr., Kale Btricksaw, Mahto Cheya Williams; his hunka relative, Kai Teague; and his beloved companion, Eveluna Dance Misticismo of Peru.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Adele Oron Leggings-Azure; maternal grandfather, John Jack YellowHawk; paternal grandmother, Sarah Escarcega- Diserly; paternal grandfather, Frank Diserly; his mother, Vivian YellowHawk Kindahl; his father, Cornelius Diserly; his brother, Lorne (age 3); his hunka father, Leslie Fool Bull; his hunka mother, Ollie Fool Bull; his son, Scobey Baker Sr.; his grandson, Scobey “Scobey John” George Baker Jr.; his hunka brothers Willard Fool Bull, Gervis Fool Bull, Reno Fool Bull; and his hunka sister, Mary Fool Bull.
William’s adopted relatives are too numerous to count. He was known as Dad, Uncle, Brother and Grandfather to diverse people across this Western Hemisphere. William will be fondly remembered for his kindness, generosity and optimism.
Mitakuye Oyasin - All my relations.
A wake was held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Park in Poplar. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 9 a.m. at the American Legion Park in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Baker Family Cemetery.
(Paid Obituary)
