Thomas Richard Escarcega, Sr., (Waŋbdí Tȟokáheya), 73, of Riverside died Jan. 30, 2022, at Billings Clinic. He was born Nov. 30, 1948, in Poplar to Lucy Spotted Dog and Joseph Escarcega Sr. He grew up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and resided there his entire life. He attended Poplar Public Schools and graduated from Poplar High School in 1968. He was an avid athlete striving in basketball, track, football and baseball. He moved to Chicago, Ill., in the early months of 1969. On April 4, 1969, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. By the time he ended his service to this country, he received the rank of E-4 Sergeant Senior Airman and received an honorable discharge. His commitment to our country compelled him to reenlist into the Army National Guard on Dec. 5, 1980, and received an honorable discharge Dec. 4, 1981. He obtained an associate degree from San Juan College in Farmington, N.M. He also obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in education from NAES College in Poplar. He received his master of business administration from University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. He was a Dakȟóta language teacher for the Poplar Public Schools in the mid-80s. He was a coach at Poplar High School, one year at Brockton High School and many years coaching youth in the Poplar Youth Tournament. He was the first Native American referee for Montana Officials Association. He refereed up on the Hi-Line and northeast Montana. He won numerous basketball tournaments in Fort Hall, Idaho, in the southwest and while stationed in the Air Force. He loved softball and played all over in Washington, North Dakota and Montana. He was elected onto the tribal council in the 1980s, serving his first term as a tribal leader. He started work for the water resource department, now known as the Fort Peck Tribes Assiniboine Sioux Rural Water System on Jan. 27, 1986. He lobbied in Washington, D.C., for many years contributing to the new water pipeline project that has brought clean drinking water to many households across the reservation. He was elected to the tribal council in 2017. He served two terms. He loved to dance and sing with Tatanka Oyate Singers at pow-wows. Later in life, he mentored his grandsons and help them create their drumgroup Tahca Sinte Ska Singers. He was a traditional dancer, as well as a traditional knowledge keeper, and practiced his spirituality at Chelsea Sundance, Three Buffalo Sundance and, most recently, Wahacanka Ska Sundance. He mentored many relatives in the traditional Dakota way of life. He was a humble man and had a generous heart. He made time for everyone and always listened well then offered advice if asked of him. He loved to tease and gave many nicknames. He ensured all his children and grandchildren had their Dakȟóta names. He is survived by his companion of 52 years, Esther Escarcega. Together, they have seven children: Tom Jr., Shantre, Cahann, Ramey, Rain, Coco and Ramsey Lewis, another son who greeted him on the other side. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his son, brothers and sisters. Funeral services are pending at this time. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.