Surrounded by loved ones, our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend left this earthly world in the afternoon hours of July 5 ^th , 2021.  Kenneth Gerald Gopher, Sr. – Miko Piyesiw "Red Thunderbird" was born to Pete Gopher, Sr., and Annie White Sky Gopher on April 23, 1939 in Great Falls, Montana. Wake services will begin today, Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at his home in Rocky Boy, Montana 138 Blue Sage Road. His graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the Rocky Boy Cemetery. Please visit Kenneth's on line memorial at www.hollandbonine.com to leave a message of condolence for his family. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

The Ole' Man always exemplified and had strong traditional and spiritual beliefs, which he had taken pride in instilling within his family; this will continue on.  His world revolved around his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and all his family in general; he bestowed a nickname to each and every person who entered his home and this was what he called them by.  He was happiest when his house was filled with loved ones, laughter, stories, food, and festivities.  On a continuous basis, he shared his knowledge of culture and tradition with those who came to visit him.  Prayer was a part of his life and this was how he began and ended each day.

He began his career as a bus driver at the Rocky Boy Schools and worked his way to become an integral part of the Cree Bilingual Program as a teacher.  He worked for the school system for 30 years. It was there where he began his love for the Stars.  He was an avid Rocky Boy Stars Fan, considering himself as THE Number One fan.  He was a familiar face in the Star Galaxy and attended all home and away games, whether he had a grandchild playing or not.  He was also a devoted Griz Fan and when not attending Star games, he was making his trek to Missoula to attend Griz home games.

He had a passion for Pow Wows, for many years he sang with the Great Falls Singers and with the Rocky Boy Singers.  He then supported his boys' Southern Cree eventually supporting his grandsons' Southern Cree Jrz.  He had taken pride in his ability to dance as a Buckskin War Bonnet Dancer.  He also enjoyed playing hand-game where he liked to think he was a champion 'hider.' He enjoyed life the most when he could be around people in general to laugh, tease and tell stories.

He was a friendly, humorous, kind and caring individual who always had a smile and handshake for everyone he met.  Due to his demeanor, he gained many friends who became family throughout the years.

He is survived by his beloved wife Patsy Stump Gopher. Son's; Harlan Gopher Baker (Kishey), Keith Gopher (Carrie), Kenneth Chub Gopher, Jr., (Percy), Clement Baker, Jr., (Orianne), Kenny Corcoran, Joel Rosette (Bonnie), Kelly Eagleman, and Jay Eagleman (Eleanor). Daughter's Evelyn Baker, Colleen Baker, DeeDee Gopher, Grace HerManyHorses, Pam Corcoran (Steve), Shy Sutherland, Tia Mandan (Dayton), Elena (Edwin) Chanpine, Lynette (Duane) OldMan, and Lois (Herman) Spotted Eagle, Brothers; Mike Gopher, Clarence Gopher, Matt Gone, Ross Gardypie, Louie Gardypie, Leonard Gone. Sister's; Ernestine Gopher, Brenda Gopher, Josephine Gopher, and Vickie Grey Eyes.  Adopted Children; Curtis Seesequasis, Kenny Brown, Clifton Goodwill, Gene Chitwood, Ryan Burson, Rod Sutherland, Willie Andrew, and Bear Creek drum group. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded by his father and mother; Pete Gopher, Sr. and Annie White Sky Gopher.  Brothers; Tyrone Gopher, Peter 'Bum' Gopher, Jr. Sisters; Phyllis 'Sally' Grey, Andrea 'Skunky' Ramage, Carol White Sky, and Linda 'Peggy' Green. Daughter's; Sheila Armstrong and Phyllis Baker.

Pall Bearers: Bubby Gopher, SaRain John Young Bear, Jarrell Gopher, John Sunchild III, Everett Armstrong, Pat Armstrong Jr., ET Gopher, Sheldon Armstrong, Josiah Taylor and Chase Corcoran.

Honorary Pall Bearers; All the Southern Cree Singers, his Handgame and Pow Wow Friends.

Traditional Wake begins at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at his residence with a Traditional Funeral on Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Rocky Boy Cemetery.

Services will be officiated by his Son, Harlan Gopher Baker.