Robert R. Springfield

LODGE GRASS - Robert "Bugsy" Springfield, 48, of Lodge Grass, was lost while hunting on the Big Horn Mountain in September of 2004.
"Bikkaashee Iisaaakshe," Young Shoshone Man, a name given to him by the late Shoshone Sundance Chief John Trujillo, was born Dec. 20, 1955, in Crow Agency, to Robert Springfield Sr. and Emma Don't Mix. Bugsy grew up in Lodge Grass and Wyola areas, attending grade school in Wyola and High School in Lodge Grass, where he played basketball and football. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After boot camp in San Diego, he served at 29 Palms, Calif., Camp Lejuene, N.C., Australia, Japan and the Philippines. He played basketball for the Corps while stationed at Camp Lejuene. He received his honorable discharge in June 1977. He later attended and graduated from Billings Vocational Technical School in April of 1979. He worked for Sarpy Coal Mine as a diesel mechanic for three years, as a heavy equipment operator and wild lands firefighter for several years.
Bugsy married Veronica Birdin Ground in July 1979 and the couple made their home in Lodge Grass.
He loved motorcycle cross-country trips on his Harley Davidson. He was on the first Parkman "Renegades" basketball team, traveling to independent tournaments around the Pacific North, always bringing home MVP, All Star jackets and trophies.
Bugsy loved hunting, but especially enjoyed fishing on the Little Horn River near Wyola. While growing up, if Bugsy wasn't home, he was at his Auntie Rita's house, where he spent much of his childhood. He was well known for his sense of humor and for giving his many nieces, nephews and grandchildren their nicknames; names that they all use today. The nicknames always suited the person. He enjoyed spending time with his very large family. His boys were the joy of his life and he loved spending time with them, but the miracle of his life was his only daughter Velma. The highlights of his life were his 11 grandchildren.
His parents; an elder sister, Bonnie White Bear; aunties Rita, Harriet, Aurelia Don't Mix; a nephew Blake White Bear; uncles Bill Gros Ventre, Elmer Gun Shows, Richard Bird and Paul Deputee, preceded Bugsy in death.
Survivors include his wife, Veronica; sons, William Dale (Darci), Terrence, Robert R., Avatar (Stephanie), Woodrow, Colton, Nyjoel and Eyon Springfield, Louie and Tommy Lion Shows; daughters, Emma (Randall) Springfield-Black Eagle, Velma Darling, Valeena Good Luck, Kylie (Snowcone) and Rachel Don't Mix; brothers, Robert (Gloria) and Woodrow (Gladys) Brien, William Medicine Crow, Francis (Marcia), Harry Dean, Wendell, Joshua and William Springfield, Sr., Brent Brooks, Cyrus Gros Ventre, Lansing (Kim) Birdinground, Darwin (Anne) and Danny (Rhonda) Powers, Benny Rock Above, Dean and Ivan Don't Mix, Jr., Mark and Paul Nomee III, Ron Garritson, Stanley Rides Horse, Larry (Jackie) Blacksmith, Pete Schinderline, Harold (Karen) and James( Carla) Wilson, Ben Gros Ventre, Steve (Linda) Stevens, Tony (Georgia) Pisano, James (Carla) Wilson, Clinton (Corliss) Iron, Preston (Sandy) Grant, Mae (Carey) Lance, Bill House and Rick (Brenda) Fighter; sisters, Margaret and Mary Springfield, Elizabeth (Earl) Old Chief, Myra Gros Ventre, Clarise (Robert) Kindness, Ursula and Fatima Bad Horse, Maria (Preston) Onion, Honey Bun (Curtis) Medicine Horse, Bertha (Francis) Bear Claw, Leslie (Paul) Kabotie, Raedawn Wallace, Amber (Robert) Miller, Amy (Tom) Yellowtail, Saravene Jefferson, Edwina, Kathy and Sarah Don't Mix, Regina and Jenny Gros Ventre, Gail (Frazier) White Hip, Edwina (Steve) Amyotte, Noran Little Light-Bird, Gustine Old Bear and Twyla (Howard) Old Chief; aunts, Mary Helen (Alex) Medicine Horse, Ardith (Lloyd) Hogan, Henrietta Pretty on Top, Violet Other Medicine, Clara Nomee, Winona Plenty Hoops, Nathelle Jefferson Louella (Gary) Johnson, Luanna (Marvin) Stewart, Joy (Paul) Matt and Dora Rides the Horse; uncles, Ivan Don't Mix, Harold (Marina) Stone, Marvin (Gail) Eastman, Russell (Sheila) Wallace, Vincent and Jerome (Lois) White Hip and Steve (Jessica) Yapuncich; grandfather Lawrence (Jennifer) Flat Lip; as well and his extended family including the Reed, Bad Bear, Pretty on Top, White Hip, Lincoln, Whiteman Runs Him, and Gun Shows families. Our family is large; if we have missed you, please accept our apology.
Memorial funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in the Lodge Grass Catholic Church Gymnasium with military honors. Private burial services will be held at a later date. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.