It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that we share the passing of Brandon Big Leggins Sr, who was a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, relative, and friend. Brandon stepped into eternity on the night of January 16, 2023 with his wife Kristi of 14 years at his side in Wolf Point, Montana.
Brandon was born on a beautiful snowy day on the 5th day of May 1983, in Williston, North Dakota. He was the only son of Garett I Big Leggins and Margaret F Big Leggins. He grew up in Poplar, Montana where he graduated early from Poplar High school in 2002. He attended Fort Peck Community College majoring in building trades with a dream of starting his own business in carpentry and home construction. Although he enjoyed working with his hands in the home construction field, he took on a job working for the Fort Peck Tribes Water Pipeline project and was instrumental as the lead man laying water pipeline throughout the reservation. He attended every training opportunity he could and passed every test on the first try, becoming one of the first certified Water Treatment Pipeline Operators on the reservation. He was proud of the fact that the project was going to bring fresh clean water to the residents of the Fort Peck reservation.
After illness and several injuries forced him to take on less physically demanding jobs, he began working as a CHR Driver for the Fort Peck Tribes. Where he enjoyed visiting and traveling with patients to their medical appointments. He was reunited with many relatives and made friends with everyone he transported while driving for CHR.
Brandon was a descendent of Assiniboine Holy Man by the name of Plenty Roads who was gifted the ability to heal a variety of illnesses and sicknesses of his people. Headman Reddog, Holy man Plenty Roads, and chief Soldier Kills Spotted Horse formed the basis of one of the powerful Canoe Paddlers bands of Nakoda before final settlement on the reservation. Plenty Roads had a daughter named “Eagle Woman” who married in the traditional way, a man named “Big Leggins” who was given the name by his adopted brother and famous leader Sitting Bull. The only child of Big Leggins and Eagle Woman was Daniel Big Leggins who had four sons. One of which was Garett J Big Leggins Sr. It seems that it is no mere coincidence that’s Brandon’s wife Kristi was also given the name Eagle Woman well before she and Brandon met.
Brandon married Kristi on January 22, 2010. Together they have 5 children, Dean, Brandon Jr, Krista, Kristion, and Michaela. As well as 2 grandsons Korbyn and Kai. Brandon loved his children dearly and loved spending time them.
In his life, Brandon touched many hearts. He was well known for his beautiful eyes, generosity, and his warm hearted readiness to help anyone in need. He had a friendly personality and was well known and loved by many as he could entertain people for hours with his stories and jokes. His grandfather Stanley Hollow Horn noticed this quality about him and gave him with the name Wastèlakapi that describes him as looks good, well spoken of or liked amongst his people. Brandon demonstrated his willingness to give to others by gifting sight to two people through organ donation. He ensured his legacy will live on through his generous decision that will touch the lives of countless others through his selfless gift.
Brandon will be missed to no end by all his loved ones. His smile, his laugh, and his special way will always be remembered, loved, and cherished by all who knew him.
Brandon is survived by his wife Kristi and their 5 children, Dean, Brandon Jr, Krista, Kristion, and Michaela. Grandsons, Korbyn and Kai. His 4 sisters Kara (Mike) Guilez, Marla (Babes), Sonya, and Carrie. Uncle Roger Big Leggins. His many Hollow Horn, Big Leggins, Red Star, Smiths, Clincher, Buckles, Spotted Bird, Perry, Comes Last, and Martell relatives. Brandon has many nephews, nieces, and family members who are too many to name, but he held them all close to his heart. He was proceeded In death by his paternal grandfather and grandmother, Garett J Big Leggins Sr and Sonia Buckles- Goldhammer, maternal grandfather and grandmother Stanley Hollow Horn Sr and Irene Smith- Hollow Horn, uncles Emerson, Russell, and Leonard Hollow Horn. His aunt Geraldine Hollow Horn- Barber and his very close cousin Clifford Country.
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Poplar Cultural Center. The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.