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Allen Stiffarm Obituary
His wake is 7 p.m. today at Red Whip Center in Fort Belknap. His funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Friday at the center. Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook is handling arrangements.
Allen Arthur "Arsh" Stiffarm was born to Peter Stiffarm and Ruby Chief Goes Out Stiffarm on July 16, 1955, in Havre. Arsh attended grade school in Rocky Boy and Box Elder until 1964 when the family moved to Browning. He graduated from Browning High School in 1973. Arsh was a member of the Browning High School team that placed second at the 1973 state class B basketball tournament, where he also was named to the all-tournament team. In the first round game of the tournament, Arsh scored 28 points and grabbed 23 rebounds. For his efforts, Arsh was named to the class B all state team, first team. He was also named to the all conference and all division teams. He received a basketball scholarship to Northern Montana College where he played for two years. Basketball was his passion. In 1975, he was selected to play on the Browning Reds, an Indian independent basketball team that won the National Indian Activities Association Basketball Championship in 1975. It was the only Montana team to ever win this title. Arsh also played on the Rocky Boy Rockets and the Fort Belknap Warriors teams, winning numerous MVP honors. In addition, he also played on the Fort Belknap Warriors and Milk River Sponsors softball teams. Arsh was a real Renaissance man as he won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow award at Browning High School. Arsh was also an avid fan of the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Pittsburg Steelers.
Upon his graduation from the University of Montana (business administration), Arsh worked in the finance department for the Fort Belknap Indian Community. He later worked for the National Tribal Development Association. In addition, he was a member of the coach-ing staff at Harlem High School.
Arsh was diagnosed with diabetes in his early college days. The rest of his life he actively participated in basketball, bowling, softball, golf and swimming to control his diabetes.
Arsh was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wesley and Lesley, his sisters Celia and Delia and his nephew Jeremy.
He is survived by his son, Allen Taylor-Stiffarm; his sister, Thelma Stiffarm, brothers Steve, Loren "Bum" (Barbara), and Garland "Ping" (PeeWee). He is also survived by his nieces, RaeDee, Amy and Mariah; and nephews Daniel, Eric, Pete, Jason, Justin, Tristan and Nathaniel "Nano." In addition, he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews throughout the United States.
Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
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Memories and Condolences
for Allen Stiffarm
Lee and Freida Roberts
March 23, 2020
To the family and friends of Allen, we send our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you comfort in these trying days.
steve gould
November 4, 2018
arsh stiffarm- many memories- NMC- basketball- steve spillman-
the wolf point tournament- arsh pointed out willie weeks-
goodbye arsh-
steve gould - cheyenne, wyoming (vincennes indiana- NMC basketball)
April 4, 2012
To Bum, Barb and the family of Arsh. I never met him but Joe has very pleasant memories of him and sends his sympathy at this time as I do.
Joe Wetzel, Sr. and Suzi
tony pepion
April 3, 2012
My Prayers go out to the family of ARSH I JUST HEARD ABOUT HIS PASSING.As a young boy I will never forget how nice of a guy Arsh was to every one, as far as that goes the HOLE STIFFARM FAMILY.Thanks for being a great role model.
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Andrea Adams
April 3, 2012
Condolences to the Stiffarm family. Journey well!!
stanley gerard
April 2, 2012
condolances to the stiff arm family
Dee ("Bremner") Kittson
April 2, 2012
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Stiffarm family during this difficult time. Arsh had a wonderful sense of humor, and his friendship will be missed by his family, friends, and classmates. While we are mourning the loss of our brother, father, friend and classmate, others are rejoicing to meet him.
selma Yellow Kidney
April 2, 2012
MY prayers are with the family and also Arsh. I went to school with him and kind of lost touch. I am so sorry to hear this news, and offer my prayers and condolances to the family. Times like this are a difficult thing to deal with, there are never words that take care of everything, only prayers that help brighten each day as we go on through the greiveing process.
Carla Fleury
April 1, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Stiffarm Family for your loss of Arsh....I got to meet and know Arsh through Ping and Wes while living in Billings. He was always smiling and laughing telling some funny joke or story. He will be greatly missed.
John Moffatt
April 1, 2012
My deepest sympathy to all of the Stiffarm family. I first got to know Arsh when he participated in the Upward Bound program at Carroll College in the summer of 1972. I was doing my student teaching, and Arsh was one of several great kids from Browning who were part of the program. Because of the relationships formed at Upward Bound, I made it a point to watch Browning play in the State BB tournament the next year at Butte. They had quite a team, led by Arsh and Rod Goss, another Upward Bound student. In the years that followed I often had the chance to play softball against Arsh as part of the Chinook league. Like many other members of his family, Arsh achieved academically as well as athletically. What I most remember about him, along with his athletic talent, was that great smile. He had an easy-going sense of humor you couldn't help but like. I was very saddened to hear of this good man's passing and wish peace and comfort to all of his family.
Sincerely,
John Moffatt
Lynda Beaudry
April 1, 2012
My heart is heavy today for Arsh's family that he left behind. But knowing that he is now with his Creator and his family there, makes the pain a little easier to bear. God bless you Thelma, Bum, Steve and Ping, and mostly to his son Allen. You will all be in my prayers...
Jim Omlie
March 31, 2012
To the Stiffarm family, I was deeply sadened to learn of Arsh's passing. I will always remember the softball day's as well as our golfing time we had together. Arsh and I had many great conversations about everything and I considered him a close friend. Once again I'm so sorry and may he rest in peace.
To the Arsh Stiffarm Family: My condolences and prayers to you at this time during your loss.
Iris Has The Eagle
March 31, 2012
March 30, 2012
To the Stiffarm family, payers during this time of loss, Arsh was a friend to alot of people, the Creator allowed each of his friends to grasp his kindness and humor for that we will miss him alot. Prayers from Big Cal, Gloria, Jeremey, Lil Cal, Pat, Erica....The Gone family-South Sioux City, NE
Mona Tall Whiteman
March 30, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the Stiffarm family, he was a friend to all. May your hearts and Souls find peace and comfort during your journey through grief by the love and grace of God.
Sincere Sympathy.
Lee Roberts
March 30, 2012
My prayers go out to the Stiffarm Family.
March 30, 2012
Sorry for your loss. I was a faculty member during Art's attendance at Northern during his basketball playing days. I always enjoyed his friendship and always positive outlook. We will miss him. Dave. Greenwood
Jodi Wagner
March 30, 2012
Thoughts and Prayers to the Stiffarm family!! Arsh has touched a lot of lives and will be greatly missed!!!
March 30, 2012
Our sincere condolences to the family of Arsh. He will be missed by many.
The Jessepe family-Browning
Don & Monica Bigby
March 30, 2012
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Stiffarm family. Arsh was really a one in a million kind of guy, gentle, caring, and helpful. We'll miss him at all the sporting events, especially the Griz games.
Arsh, High Scratch Game, Harlem Tuesday Nite Mens League
John Healy
March 30, 2012
My condolences to Arsh's family: Arsh was a good man & friend, I first met Arsh when I was enrolling at Fort Belknap College, upon graduating he encouraged me to go onto MSU-Northern, which I did and graduated, here I ended up working with Arsh in the Tribal Planning Dept, I never had the opportunity to play ball against Arsh, but can imagine he was a great competitor on the courts, as he was on the bowling lanes, I had the opportunity to bowl with and against Arsh, he was a great bowler as well,
U will be missed my friend,
John Healy & boys.
March 30, 2012
r.i.p. arsh..
Gail Main
March 30, 2012
Our sincere condolences, prayers & blessings to all of Arsh's family & friends from the Main Families in Lodge Pole.
Squee & Michelle Guardipee
March 30, 2012
Our condolences to the Stiffarm family. We were saddened to hear about Arsh's passing. We sometimes ran into him at basketball games and sat with him and Steve visiting. We were also so surprised when we ran into him and Steve in Albuquerque during our daughter's (Go Griz!) NCAA Women's BB Tournament. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Arsh with a big smile will be deeply missed.
Greg Gilham
March 30, 2012
So sorry to hear of Arsh passing. My condolences go out to the Stiffarm family. I am unable to attend the funeral service because of being out of state, but my heart and prayers will be there through the many memories I have had with him and his entire family.
Rick Johnson
March 30, 2012
It's been 39 years since I played ball with Arsh. The last couple of years we sent a few e-mails to each other.
God bless you and your family.
Michael LittleOwl
March 30, 2012
I will miss seeing Arsh around. My prayers to the family. I remember talking to him last - he had a good heart - I can't believe he has returned home.
Willie A. & Denise Sharp
March 30, 2012
Our prayers for Arsh and his family. He was a good person, crazy full of life and loved basketball. He was supported by his family who were all exceptional in their own way here in Browntown. For me and others proud and privileged to have known him while we were part of the 70's era INDIAN basketball program. Creator must have needed a "big man to play. center." Rest in Peace.
Jeremey Gone
March 29, 2012
Please Stiffarm family accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I will truely miss my friend Arsh! We had some tremendous times in the "Eagles Nest" watching many Griz games and traveling together to Missoula but, what I will miss the most was his humor, his friendship and his encouragement toward me. While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him, take care Allen "Arsh" Stiffarm.
Bill Swaney
March 29, 2012
Condolences to the family. Many good memories of Arsh and Ping back in the day at UM....many good times....
March 29, 2012
Condolences to stiffarm family. Arsh was an awesome guy. We were lucky to have spent time with him. Blessings on your journey ole' friend. Thanks for your laughter and great heart.
Bonnie Gilbert josephson
Margaret (Knutson) Gray
March 29, 2012
I haven't seen you in years, buddy, but it still hurts my heart knowing you are gone!!!! :( You will be missed!!
My condolences to Arsh's family. God's peace and love be with you all!
Bernard Azure
March 29, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the Stiffarm siblings. Arsh, a big man, with a big heart and big smile has gone on to the other side. Your time here was positive and respectful. Lots of folks here on the Flathead Rez are saddened by Arsh's passing. Say hey to Wes.
March 29, 2012
to Bum,Ping,Thelma,Our comdolences to all of you. Our prayers are with you. Tho our paths crossed seldom, his "Indian humor" was always welcomed.
Andrea(Skunky)Ramage
Denver, Co
Teddy Hoyt
March 29, 2012
Condolences to the Stiffarm Family. Ran into Arsh several times when traveling high line rodeoing. He alway asked how things were going and about some of the other Browning cowboys. RIP Arsh
Ted Hoyt
Terry Flamond
Patricia Calf Looking
March 29, 2012
My prayers go out to all the family and friends he was a great man and never walked by you if he knew you he always had time for a little story he is going to be missed by all who knew him.....Jaybird Calf Looking, Browning Montana
Willie-Flo Buck
March 29, 2012
Our condolences to the family of Arsh Stiffarm. Arsh was a good friend, he always had a joke, smile or kind word to say if he hadn't seen you in awhile. He will always be remembered!
Zana McDonald
March 29, 2012
I just seen the obituary today. Not sure how to feel. I will miss his emails and his laugh when he would call. I want to attend the Funeral, if i do not make it, "Arsh, you will be in my thoughts, heart and prayers". Condolences to the Family! God Bless.
George J. Ball
March 29, 2012
We had alot of good times. Arsh always had great stories and was fun to be around. He was a good friend, mentor, and a big brother to us. You will be missed by many, journey well old friend.
Evie Werk
March 29, 2012
My sincere sympathies are extended to all of Arsh'sfamily. Arsh was a great friend and we will truly miss him, he was always there with a smile when you needed someone to talk too. I will miss him dearly and I will always treasure our friendship and am grateful for having the opportunity to work with him. My friend say hi to my folks for me!!!
ruby russoniello
March 29, 2012
My sincerest condolences to the Stiffarm family. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Arsh fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Thomas Champagne
March 29, 2012
Thanks Arsh for coaching us! You are a positive influence to many. I still get a kick out of the time you got a cramp while driving us to Great Falls for Big Sky State games regional basketball qualification tournament. Myron had to drive the rest of the way. We call the place, "Where Arsh got a Cramp." You will be missed. My sincere condolences to the Stiffarm Family. You are in our prayers and God bless all of you.
Iris Johnson
March 29, 2012
Pinamiya and Safe journey, Cuz.
I. F. H. C.
March 29, 2012
To Garland "Ping" Stiffarm and family: We would like to offer our thoughts, prayers and sympathies for your loss. Arsh will be missed by many and forgotten by none. May the Lord Bless and keep each one of you always. From Ernestine Belcourt, Executive Director and the staff of the Indian Family Health Clinic, Great Falls, MT
Linda Riddle
March 29, 2012
I wrote a tribute this morning but as Arsh once told me "For a little one, you sure tell long stories." I remember the first time our Browning Indians got their Headdresses for Tournament. Arsh was the leader of our Team and the Pride we felt when he brought our team into that gym was the man Arsh has always been. Don't be afraid to cry for Arsh..Remember there won't be any flowers unless there is rain. God Bless You My Friend, Rest in Peace and Keep Watch Over all of Us!!
Pamela Prim Long
March 29, 2012
Fond memories of Arsh at NMC, always in our hearts, Arsh,gentle giant, gone too soon.
Pam and Cal Long
Stephen Munford
March 29, 2012
I've been fighting back tears all week. Arsh was like a big brother to many of us that grew up on the reservation. Educated, well spoken, and a great sense of humor...he always had jokes. I'll miss seeing him here Las Vegas, asking me were to get the best prime rib special and having a few out on the town.
Pinamiya to the creator for the good times with Arsh, myself, Indian country, Montana, Griz Nation, Ft Belknap, Rocky Boy, and the Blackfeet Nation will miss you and will always remember you.
Debbie Hopkins
March 29, 2012
To the Stiffarm Family: I will miss Arsh, He was my counselor as a teen. Though older than me he always had good advice for me. God has taken one of the worlds best angels to be with him!! R.I.P. my friend. May God be with the Family today and the days to come. My heart is broken today I will miss hearing his voice on the radio each time I go through Harlem...
wilma fleury
March 29, 2012
sad to hear of a great guy n friend are prayers are with u Arsh and the Stiffarm family
March 29, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Arsh and his family. I had the honor of knowing Arsh when he played basketball in Browning and again just recently. I will always cherish the time I shared with him, he kept me laughing and shared his stories with me, I will miss him.
Rose Butterfly, Great Falls, Montana
Chuck Plumage
March 29, 2012
I'll miss you Coach. Always will remember our good times in "The Skybox". One more Hi-5 for a Grizzly touchdown. Travel well My Friend.
Marlene Doney
March 29, 2012
My prayers to the family of Arsh Stiffarm
May he rest in Peace with Lord in Heaven.
Felecia BlackHoop
March 29, 2012
My condolences to the Stiffarm family, Arsh was a good man and will be missed by so many. My prayers are with you.
Melinda Juneau
March 29, 2012
May the Great Spirit shower his blessings upon the Stiffarm family. Gee Arsh we will miss you. Again, My sincere condolence to the family.
Melinda & Sam Juneau & Boys, Browning,MT
Berta Lane
March 29, 2012
Prayers to the Stiffarm family. Arsh was a dear classmate and long time friend. Will miss him and his love to have a good time.
Kathy Sutherland
March 29, 2012
I was so sad to hear about Arsh. He was a good friend to everyone. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Kathy Sutherland
Faye & Brenda Black Crow
March 29, 2012
I am sorry to hear of your loss of a great man Arsh. He will be greatly missed by all. May he Rest In Peace. My prayers go out to his entire family. May GOD bless each of you.
Faye & Brenda Black Crow
Kermit Horn
March 29, 2012
My sympathy and prayers to Arsh's family. Arsh was a truly good friend who you could count on to be there for you if you needed anything. His off-beat humor was well known and appreciated, i consider it an honor to have known, worked, drank and lived life to the fullest with Arsh and will truly miss him, RIP my friend
MARDELL K JOHNSON
March 29, 2012
TO MY TEESH MAN YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT ARE BLESSED WE WILL FEEL YOUR BRIGHT SMILE SHINING ON US ALL IN OUR TIME OF NEED GIVE MY BABY A HUG WISHING YOU SAFE TRAVELS
Lorrie Davis-Tatsey
March 29, 2012
My bud, rest in peace and thanks for being a good friend.
Leah Noel
March 29, 2012
Sincere condolences to Arsh's family. I had the fortune of working with Arsh in Havre, and he was always able to lighten the mood when situations were tense and bring laughter, making people feel better and wonder what the problem was in the first place. Certainly a kind person and very obviously a loving family man - hopefully remembering that and the gift he was to others will help to ease your pain. Prayers to your family.
Sue Demontiney
March 29, 2012
To The Stiffarm Boys and Thelma, We will miss Harsh , I used to call him and his teasing and smiling, My prayers are with the family in you time of grief, Good Bye my cousint! Arsh there will never be anyone like you!- Sue Demontiney and family
Mandi "Bird" Kennerly
March 29, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to Arsh's Family. Arsh was a man that won't be soon forgotten, his bold and funny attitude will always be remembered. It's been awhile since I've seen him, but he will be greatly missed by many. JR~Mandi (Bird) Kennerly & Branden Bird-Cole & Jhett Kennerly
Tony Woods
March 29, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Stiffarm Family. Arsh enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a very intelligent man with a great sense of humor. You were well liked and respected wherever you went Arsh, I'm going to miss you my friend. GO GRIZ!
Shane Short
March 29, 2012
My condolences go out to the Stiffarm family. I was saddened to hear of Arsh's passing. I remember him coming to the Falls to play softball with my brother-in-law years ago, he was such a nice guy. He will be missed. Prayers to his family.
March 29, 2012
I was so saddened to read of Arsh passing. He and I were good friends for a long time, mostly through basketball. I reffed alot of games that Arsh played in and then games that he coached in Harlem. What a true gentleman and a wonderful friend. I will miss him alot. Terry Sather, Havre
March 29, 2012
From our basketball playing and other times we shared together, It was my plresure to have known Arsh, both as a teammate and a good friend. My sincere condolences to the family as I virtually know each of you as a close personal friend of mine...
Kevin Buckles
March 29, 2012
My Sincere Condolences the Arsh's Family..i enjoyed every visit with him..what a wonderful spirit...he will be dearly missed..Safe Journeys Arsh..will see you on the other side..
Carla Wippert Tall Eagle
March 29, 2012
I am sorry to hear Arsh has passed. Arsh was always able to lift up my day with a witty or humorous remark when ever our paths crossed throughout our life. I will keep you in my prayers.
Jodi Abbott
March 29, 2012
My condolences to Arsh's family Bum, Barb, Thelma, and Ping and thier families. I will miss him as our live co-existed through sports and Fort Belknap since I was in seventh grade, he was my bball coach...we bowled together and played softball together, and hung out. He was a great influence to youth and had a big heart. My prayers are with you and this very difficult time.
roger sinclair jr
March 29, 2012
arsh and donald , I would like thank you for helping me out at ITTI 2000. arsh your a cool dude. you will be missed god bless you and your family and friends.
Mary Fran Plumage
March 29, 2012
My condolences to Arsh's family and friends. He was a good man with an awesome sense of humor. Griz Country will miss him.
March 29, 2012
I only remember the name Stiffarm connected to Browning basketball when I was a kid. Reading about his love for basketball brings a thought of how many other Native youth have that same love and passion, and there should be someone like Arsh to give them that same dream and passion to bring them to areas in their lives beyond what they could have imagined.
Prayers for his family and friends.
DW-TX
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