Michael Birdsbill
Michael Charles Birdsbill Sr., 79, of Wolf Point died Dec. 17, 2022.
He was the first-born child to Michael and Loverty Clancy- Birdsbill. In his youth, he was an avid hunter and provider for his family. Whenever his father saw him walking towards the river, his family knew he would return with wild game for his mother to cook.
He was a hard worker throughout his life and, by this, he instilled in his children and his grandson Harlin Burshia who he raised as his own. He worked many hard jobs, from picking rocks to bucking bails. Back in the 1970s, he relocated and moved his family to Los Angeles, Calif., to attend school to learn a mechanic’s trade.
Upon returning home, he worked for Francis Mugley crushing gravel. He was also a carpenter for Fort Peck Housing and later he and his brother Vernon Birdsbill and Leroy Douglas started BB& D Construction. This was the trade he loved and found his niche. He taught his grandson to follow in his footsteps by teaching him how to snap a chalk line straight and to pound a nail.
He was a gentle soul who showed compassion and love to everyone he came across. He would meet you with a big smile, a handshake and always cared about how you were doing. His compassion he had led him to come into the jails to speak and pray for the inmates. He gave his life to the Lord and was a firm believer in the Lord.
In 1996, he lost his wife, Sylvia. He married Elizabeth Ratt-Birdsbill in 2006. By this union, they became a large, blended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Archdale- Birdsbill; and brothers, Verdell, Alan, Anthony and Royce Birdsbill.
He is survived by his children, Christy Birdsbill and Michael Birdsbill Jr.; grandson he raised, Harlin Burshia; Diana, Gloria, Charlotte, Pauline, Janelle, Colin and Alvin; brothers, Vernon “Dooney” Birdsbill and Darrell Birdsbill; sisters, Shirley Saldo, Dorreen “Osta” Birdsbill, Jessica Birdsbill, Vanchon “Annie” Birdsbill, Kathy Birdsbill, Patsy Birdsbill and Gloria Birdsbill; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 23, at Blue Sky Ministries. Interment followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
