Eugene “Gene” Belgarde passed away peacefully on January 24, 2021. The oldest of 11 children. Gene was born to Basil and Josephine Belgarde on March 15, 1932 in a teepee in the plains of North Dakota. He was a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Cree tribe.
In his early childhood, he attended St. Michael’s Indian Mission, and later moved to Montana where he and his family rode the “Troop Train” to Helena. During his later elementary school years, he and his siblings would walk “uphill both ways” to Kessler School. Gene joined the United States Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. He was a ranch hand in Townsend, a miner in the Helena Valley, a Native American Cultural Teacher in Billings, and a millworker at Foleys Mill. He married Geraldine Walker, and together they raised their son, Gary.
Throughout his life, Gene wore many different hats and despite the trying times that he endured, his sense of humor outweighed any struggle put forth. He enjoyed laughing with his family, American Indian crafting and making the best fry bread with his “secret” ingredient. He also enjoyed mountain drives and picnics with his good friend Karen Kmet. Gene also attended Faith Baptist Church in Townsend.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, as well as Geraldine, Gary, and numerous siblings; Violet Sharette, Gerry Belgarde, Tom Sharette, Vicki Skidmore, Walter Sharette and Francis Belgarde. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Debi Belgarde-Ruybal (Don Ruybal), grandchildren; Josh (Amber) Belgarde and Jonah (David) Wilk, as well as 5 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandsons. He is also survived by his siblings Roy Belgarde, George Belgarde, Maxine Karlyn and Janet Kracher and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gene was loved dearly and his vibrant smile and contagious laugh will be greatly missed.
A service is pending at 1:00 pm, June 28, 2021 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
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