Brandon Covers Up

Brandon David Covers Up went home to his Lord and Savior on March 24, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was a member of Xúhkaalaxche Clan (Ties in the Bundle) and a child of Ashkaámne (Piegan). His name Ishkóochia hee léen díilish (“Walks Among His Enemies”) was given to him by his grandfather, Vincent Goes Ahead, Sr.

Brandon was born on May 7, 1984, in Billings, Montana, to Karen Goes Ahead and Bernard Covers Up. He grew up in Billings as well as Pryor, Montana, and attended elementary school at Washington Elementary School (Billings) and St. Charles Mission School (Pryor). He attended Plenty Coups High School, class of 2002. He became known for his ability as an athlete, playing for both the football and basketball teams and earning all-conference honors in football. One of Brandon's fondest memories was being part of the legendary 1999 Warriors football team under Coaches Staford Tafuna and Ray Stands. He took great pride in the hard work the team did to fundraise and earn their historic trip to Hawaii, a journey that bonded him and his teammates for life.

Brandon began his university education at Rocky Mountain College, completing his bachelor’s degree at MSU-Billings in 2014. He was employed as an art instructor at Hays Lodgepole High School for the 2014-2015 school year, where he was a coach for the boys athletics. He was hired for a position as the Indigenous Home-to-School Coordinator at Billings Senior High School in 2015. He moved fully into teaching as an art instructor at Senior High from 2023 to present.

During his decade of service, Brandon became a treasured member of Senior High Bronc Nation. He proudly devoted his time as a basketball coach, the sponsor of the All Nations Club, and the after-school homework help program. Brandon spent his summers involved in Indigenous youth programs for a variety of grade levels.

He was very beloved by his students. They appreciated his good nature and the genuine care he showed in their lives and success. He leaves a vast legacy of the minds he engaged and the hearts he touched.

Brandon was a precious and cherished member of his family. As a son, a brother, a cousin, a nephew, an uncle, and especially a father, he was deeply loved. His greatest pride was his daughter Brandalyn, whose games he loved to attend in Pryor and who filled his heart each time they were together.  He also enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews play basketball, football, baseball and softball and took pride in their efforts. He was asked to give his nephew, Lemuel, his Indian name - an honor Brandon held dear to his heart. In his leisure time, he loved golfing with friends and family. 

Brandon was preceded in death by his parents Karen Goes Ahead and Bernard Covers Up; brother Isaac Goes Ahead; cousins: Freddy Killsnight, Paul Morning, Jr., Derrick Covers Up, Sr., Fallon Goes Ahead, Melda Little Light, Vincene Goes Ahead, Karina Little Light; uncles: Myron and Elias Goes Ahead and Manuel Covers Up; paternal Grandparents, Marie Covers Up and Henry Rides Horse; maternal Grandparents Melda Cloud and Vincent Goes Ahead, Sr., who was a big part of his life.

Survivors include his mother Beulah Goes Ahead; daughter Sephra Brandalyn Haley Covers Up; God-daughter Cedar Chase; sisters Angela Cravens-Goes Ahead, Emerine White Plume, Keirsten Pretty Paint, Carlotta Covers Up, Kari Covers Up, and Julia Covers Up; brothers Elsworth (Brandy) Goes Ahead, Julian Goes Ahead, Zach Goes Ahead, George Goes Ahead, Joe Covers Up, Jim Ahenakew, and Nehemiah LittleLight; grandmothers Arbutus and Traci Covers Up; aunts Wyma (Richard) Little Light, Natalie Little Owl, Mary Goes Ahead, and Clarice (Ron) Medicine Crow ; uncles Marlon (Thelma) Goes Ahead, Vincent (Abby) Goes Ahead, Jr.; nephews Isiah Brandon Goes Ahead and Isaac Goes Ahead, Jr.; sister Ashley Good Luck; brothers Clint Valandra, Simon Bergen, and Jeff Bottrell; co-workers Tunie Kembel and Autumn Lucero.

Extended families include: Goes Ahead, DeCrane, Cloud, Stops, Stewart, Spotted Bear, Lionshows, Rock Above, Plainbull, Jefferson, Charges Strong, Plainfeather, Morrison, Old Horn, Turnsplenty, Cummins, Whiteman, Smart Enemy, Baker, Hall, Foolish Bear, Fox, Wolf, Smith and Cross. Additional families include Pretty Eagle, He Does It, Good Luck, Little Light, Old Bull, Red Star, Bright Wings, Real Bird, Rides Horse, Moccasin, Bad Horse, and Nomee.

Our family is very large - please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention you in our time of grief.

We would like to send a special thank you to the people who spent time with the family while he was in the hospital.

A vigil will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 4pm at Dahl’s Funeral Chapel in Billings, MT. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 30th, 11am at Dahl’s Funeral Chapel in Billings, MT. Burial will follow at Goes Ahead Family Cemetery in Pryor, MT.