Leland Wiyaka Azure

Leland “Wiyaka” (Feather) Azure, 30 of Fort Totten, ND began is journey on March 24, 2007. Traditional Services for Leland will be held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Crow Hill Recreation Center, rural Fort Totten. Spiritual Leader, Leon Reddog Sr. will officiate and burial will be in St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Fort Totten. The Wake Service will be held at Crow Hill Recreation Center on Thursday beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Rosary and Prayer Service will be at 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary led by Deacon Tony McDonald. The procession to Crow Hill will leave the Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Honorary Bearers for Leland will be, Daryl Three Irons Sr., James Graywater, Winifield Chaske, Jr., Devon Azure, Dionne Jackson, Benny, Mark and Jerry Mudgett, Melvin Jr., Loren and Myron Grey Bear, Courtney Jackson, Brandon and Joel Thomas, Lee and Leroy Lenoir, Mitch and Jordon Azure, Daniel Cavanaugh III, Patrick and Jesse Cavanaugh, Marcus, Mathew and Riley Lawrence, Steve Brown, Steven Stone, John Good Iron, Blake Azure, Daniel Rainbow, Calie Lawrence, Janifer Jensen and all the firefights of the Spirit Lake Tribe. Casket Bearers for Leland will be Ron McKay Jr., Clarence Morin, Francis “Walls” Littleghost, Gerald Longie Jr., Chico “Wambi” Diaz, Darrell Lawrence, Kevin Redroad, Dusty McKay, Jay Littlewind and Richard Feather. Leland was born at Devils Lake, ND on January 14, 1977, the son of Luwanna Cavanaugh and Joseph Lawrence Jr. and raised in the Crow Hill and Fort Totten areas. He attended elementary and high school at Four Winds in Fort Totten. Leland worked for the Spirit Lake Nation at the Four Winds School as a laborer and painter and later for Dakota Tribal Industries as an electronic welder. He most recently was a fire fighter with the Spirit Lake Fire Department. Leland enjoyed throwing horseshoes, cook-outs, family gatherings, watching movies, and basketball-which was his dream, he always wanted to become a pro basketball player. He especially liked telling his funny little stories about what he did or the things he saw. His stories always made everyone laugh because they included sounds, motions and expressions by him. We never knew how much was true and which parts were added on, and exaggerated-but he always had a story waiting to be told. Leland cherished the time he spent with his daughter, Tia Brien, his “hunka” son, McKellan Redroad and his special friend, Roseanne Redroad, who was with him constantly for the past five years. Leland had a great respect for his Elders, especially his Aunts and Uncles, whom he always teased and laughed with. He never showed any kind of action or word which would be disrespectful toward his grandparents whom he loved dearly, especially his “grandpa Josie”. They will all miss Lee lovingly and forever. Leland’s gentle smile and hearty laugh will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved him. Leland is survived by his Mother: Luwanna Azure, Fort Totten Father: Joseph Lawrence Jr., St. Michael, ND Special Friend: Roseanne Redroad, Fort Totten Five Brothers: Jeff (Candice) Azure, Jason (Clarinda) Azure, Daniel (Fanette) Azure and Arrow Azure and Sammi Lawrence. Four Sisters: Cynthia (Clarence) Morin, Jody (Jerod) Secret, Lonnie Downy and Krista Lawrence. Grandfathers: Herbert Thomas, Joseph Lawrence Sr. and Cletus Lawrence. Grandmothers: Christine Alex, Lillian Mudgett, Lorraine Greybear, Winifred Thomas and Clarice Lawrence. Uncles: Paul (Joanne) Yankton, Daniel (Andrea) Cavanaugh Jr., Marty (Georgia) Alex, Darrell Lawrence and Patrick (Wendy) Lawrence. Aunts: Danielle (Willis) Herald, Jeanne Cavanaugh, Donna Jackson, Cheryl (Blake) Azure and Alma (John) Lawrence. Special Thanks to Mr. Ed Brownshield, James Alberts Sr., Jon GoodIron, Brian Grondahl, Dr. Downs, the Staff at Mercy Hospital and Spirit Lake Fire Department. Friends may sign the online register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com