Alvin Windy Boy

Alvin John “Jay” Windy Boy, Jr. was born on Monday, September 20, 1971, to Marva Jean Big Lake and Alvin John Windy Boy, Sr. at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, MT. He was a member of the Bear Clan of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy, MT. He was also a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan in Pryor, MT. He had two Indian names: “Dancing Eagle Feather Man”; and “High Eagle”, which was given to him by his grandpa, Max Spotted Bear, Sr.

He grew up and spent his younger years in Rocky Boy, later moved to Claremore, OK, then returned to live in Billings. As the oldest son, grandson, and great-grandson, he had a very special bond with Standing on Cloud, Windy Boy, John Windy Boy, Sr., Katherine Windy Boy, and Joan Julia Spotted Bear- Round Face. From these close relationships with his elders, he became very knowledgeable of the traditional ways. Jay held onto their teachings throughout his life would pass them on to his younger siblings, his many nephews, nieces, and godchildren. Pow wows were always a part of his life; in his youth he danced fancy. As he got older, he stepped back from dancing and just enjoyed watching, taking pictures, and being the one to help straighten or tie something. He would travel all over with his mom Marva and younger brother Big Wind, and later he came to love taking his nieces to pow wows and help with whatever items they needed to create their dance outfits.

Jay graduated from Billings West High School in 1989. He earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Montana College in 1994, and then graduated from Montana State University-Billings in 2005 with a Master's Degree in Health Administration. He always shared his school memories and love of learning with his family and always expressed how important an education is. He would often describe himself as a quiet person, but he had many good friends. He had such a kind, giving heart many people often gravitated toward him. Although he never did marry or have children of his own, he claimed his four beautiful nieces as his own daughters. He was very proud of them, had such an enormous love for them; he was more than just their Uncle Jay, but also became their other dad. He loved going to their sporting events, practices, and even taking the occasional adventure to new cities.

Alvin, Jr. was a federal employee for close to 30 years. He started his career at Indian Health Service, working while still in college to help provide for his mom and little brother, as well to help pay for his education. Jay could be described as a very determined hard worker, and a good problem-solver who often took on difficult projects at work and around the house. He eventually transferred agencies and worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a Contracting Officer, where he only succeeded more in his position and excelled greatly in his element. Jay had the biggest heart and was very caring when anyone was in need, be it family or friend, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. Jay will be missed and remembered dearly for his kind demeanor.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marva Big Lake-Windy Boy; brother, John “Little John” Windy Boy; grandparents, John and Katherine First Raised Windy Boy; grandmother, Joan Julia Spotted Bear Round Face; great-grandparents, Emma Coffey-Spotted Bear, Standing on Cloud and Windy Boy.

He is survived by his father, Alvin Sr. (Jessica) Windy Boy; younger brother, Big Wind (Lindsey) Windy Boy; nieces, Ambreya, Kyrie, Nahminae, Zenayah Windy Boy; Godmother Monica “Candy” (late Joseph Sr.) Nagel-Henry, God Children, Setu (Brooke) Tusi, Nia (T'Ray) Nagel, Janine (Josh) Aaby.

The family would like to express their appreciation and acknowledgement to the following people who impacted his life: adopted parents Sandra (Jose) Gallegos and family; adopted moms, DeeDee Goodeagle (Oklahoma) and the late Thomasine Moore (Oklahoma); his three special work friends he always had regular dinners with, Nick, Beverly, and Debra; the late Cecilia Lone Tree; Toni Funmaker; Tohee Funmaker; and the following families: Windy Boy, Round Face, Spotted Bear, Big Lake, Rides Horse, Smart Enemy, Plain Feather, Nagel, Coffey, BearsTail, LoneTree, Funmaker, Bonilla, Rogers, Charging, Fox, First Raised, Doney, Brockie; and a special thank you to the Tusi family. Please forgive us if we have not mentioned you, we have so many relatives, we are not intending to forget you.