Albert Howard “Greek” Culbertson, 86, died Nov. 15, 2025, in Colorado.
Born Feb. 17, 1939, to Flora Gladue and Howard Culbertson, he earned the nickname “Greek” before he was even out of diapers — when an uncle joked that he “didn’t look like an Indian baby.” From Poplar to Wolf Point to Colorado and countless places in between, everyone knew him as “Greek.”
He grew up in the Poplar Public School system, never missing a single day of school from elementary through high school. He excelled in sports — football, baseball, track — but basketball was where he shined. He earned a scholarship offer to Rocky Mountain College, but chose Haskell Indian College after meeting Phyllis Pond. They married in Lawrence, Kansas. They lived briefly in Kansas City before returning home to Montana, where they welcomed their children, Albert “Buzz”, Kay and Janet.
Work was hard to come by in the 1960s, especially on the reservation, so he did whatever he could — selling cars, working oil rigs, even serving as a tribal policeman for a day. A natural builder at heart, he eventually found his calling helping tribal members construct their own homes.
In 1966, he left for Denver, Colo., to find more stable work as a carpenter. It was one of the hardest decisions of his life, leaving his young family behind temporarily. He worked tirelessly, driving home to Wolf Point through the night on weekends, only to turn around and make it back to Colorado before Monday morning. Eventually, he moved the family to Littleton, Colo.
His talent and work ethic carried him far. He became a foreman, then started his own subcontracting crew and eventually went into partnership to form Kobey Culbertson Construction, one of Denver’s premier homebuilding companies. He was proud of the work he did — not because it brought prestige, but because it gave people places to call home. One of his dreams was to build quality homes for tribal members, and he fulfilled that dream when he designed and built a home for his brother.
He carried his athletic spirit with him throughout his entire life. Even into his later years, staying active was a priority. He was known for his long daily walks, his commitment to the gym and took pride in keeping his body and mind strong and healthy.
He had many close friends and never hesitated to travel to visit them. He loved reminiscing about his childhood and sharing funny stories about his sisters.
In his recent years, he shared his life with his partner, Burgunda Probert, whose companionship brought him great joy. Together, they traveled often, especially throughout Europe, and he developed a special love for Italy, Germany and the beaches of Normandy.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, LouAnn, Glorene, Zelma; brother, Doddie; former wife, Phyllis Pond Culbertson; adopted sister, Helen Youpee Ricker; and great-grandchildren Jusina, “Little” Millie and Nathanial Bennett Holm.
He is survived by his children, Albert “Buzz” Culbertson, Kay Culbertson and Janet Frederick; his partner, Burgunda Probert; sisters, Jacque Sandoval, Sandra Albertson and Carol Lee Azure; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 1, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment was at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
