Koda Brian Gardipee, "Big Thunderbird", 23, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021.  Wake services will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, and will continue until his funeral service, which will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021, all at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow in the Smallville Plot.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Koda was born on June 26, 1998, in Havre to Verne Gardipee, Sr., and Athena Jim.  He was raised in Rocky Boy, graduating from Rocky Boy High School in 2017.  He began attending Stone Child College, and soon after, he began working there in the maintenance department.

Koda was a loving young man, who got along well with everyone.  He was a true friend to all, able to chat with everyone he met as though they had been friends for years.  Koda was proud of his heritage, and he enjoyed all of his traditional ways and ceremonies.  He loved to sing, relax, and listen to music.  Visiting his many friends and playing his games, especially Call of Duty and Fortnite.  He loved to keep up with his family on Facebook, and enjoyed life to the fullest.  He adored his gramma, Zellah Nault, and uncle, John Rick Sunchild, especially appreciating their help keeping him in school when he wanted to give up.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tom and Ruth Gardipee and Rosanna  (Warner) Jim.

Koda is survived by his parents, Verne Gardipee, Sr., of Rocky Boy, and Athena Jim of Pendleton, OR; siblings, Verne Gardipee, Jr., Michael Gardipee, Loverne (Arthur Whitford) Gardipee, Jordan (Raechel Scott) Gardipee, and Cecelia Gardipee, all of Rocky Boy, and Janel (Michael Hart) Gardipee of Toppenish, WA; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.