Vernon Hawley

Vernon Francis Hawley, Nanake, (Rider) made the journey home on September 4th 2016. Born in Hays Montana on Aug 5th, 1945, Vern or Polly Boo, as he was known to his close friends and relatives, was a kind and thoughtful man with many talents. In his youth, he was raised in the traditions of the A'aninin tribe of Ft. Belknap. He reminisced often about those days as a child in Hays, roaming the Little Rockies with Uncles and cousins. After being adopted by his Grandparents, Dave Sr. and Gertrude Hawley, he was introduced to ranching and relished that life. He learned the old ways and values of ranching and soon tried his hand at rodeo, putting his cowboy skills to the test. Riding Broncs and Bulls came naturally to him as reflected in Vern winning rodeo after rodeo. Like most cowboys, Vern rode for a buckle and the pure thrill. After high school, he ventured off to attend Haskell Indian College in Lawrence Kansas. There, he ran track where he earned his varsity letter. The Haskell relay team was renowned throughout racing circles. After obtaining a degree in mechanics, he moved to Bay Area California and started a family. He was hired by United Airlines as a jet engine mechanic. His mechanic skills were unprecedented and quickly recognized by United. He was one of the first to be trained on repairing the giant Boeing 747 Jet engines. He was employed with United for 14 years. While in CA, he continued competing in various Rodeos throughout the west, winning or placing in each. He trained hard to stay in shape and was always running or lifting weights, all while working the “swing” or “grave yard” shifts at United. He was a member of the WSIRA (Western States Indian Rodeo Association). A highlight of his rodeo career was in 1978, where he was crowned All-Around Champion at the Tule River Rodeo and was awarded a beautiful saddle. Vern's love for the Cowboy way of life never wavered. He had an unprecedented understanding and love of horses that stayed with him throughout his life. Vern was a jack of all trades; his work ethic was ingrained in him during his younger days on the ranch. In his later years, Vern enjoyed the company of the Crow People, hunting and fishing with his Crow adopted brothers and sisters. Vern is preceded in death by his grandparents, Davey Hawley Sr., Gertrude Hawley (Bradley), Mabel Bradley; Mother, Ruth Elizabeth Bradley; Uncles Georgie Bradley, Herbie Bradley and Gilbert Bradley; Aunt Joanne Bradley; Sister Myrna Spotted Bear and God Child John Dale Kindness. Survivors include: His Children, Renee Hawley, Bradley Hawley (Lisa Hawley) and Cora Chandler; Grandchildren, Michaela Montosa, Brittany Montosa, Chandler Hawley, Alena Hawley; Great Grandchildren, Faith Montosa, Kaydence Staples, Carter Montosa, Paxton Polkow and McKenna Isabel Sams; Uncle Willie Bradley; Aunt Rita Snow (Bradley) Niece, Kimberly Tusi (Spotted Bear), Nephew, Bruce Spotted Bear Jr.; God children Karen A Jones, Catcher His Bad Horse and all cousins, nieces and nephews. Vern was recently re-acquainted with his biological father's family from Michigan. They include his Father, Willie St. Elmo Visnaw (Deceased), Sisters, Sandra Lee Visnaw (deceased), Mary Eva Visnaw, Charmaine Anne Visnaw, Pamela Mae Visnaw (deceased), Rose Anne Visnaw and Brother Anson David Visnaw. The Family would like to thank the Billings Clinic and all staff members for their excellent care of Dad while he struggled in his last remaining days. Their genuine compassion will never be forgotten.