Melvin Richard Northbird

Melvin Richard Northbird, 75, Wii-ni-si-zi-mon meaning "Hair Snake," of the Eagle Clan, began his journey home, Friday, June 6, 2025 at his home in Bemidji.
According to Melvin's wishes, a Traditional Private Immediate Family Service, under the guidance of Spiritual Leader Alan Hardy, will be held. Interment will be at the Ernest Northbird Family Cemetery in Pennington, MN under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji.
He was born on October 31, 1949, in Cass Lake, MN, the son of Ernest and Angeline (Bugg) Northbird. He was raised in Cass Lake, where he attended the Buck Lake Country School until its closure. He attended schools in Bemidji, starting at Central Elementary, and later graduating from Bemidji High School. He was drafted into the US Army, and received an Honorary Discharge after his service. He returned to Cass Lake, MN, from the military, and logged with his father and brother Ronald. He moved to Minneapolis and attended the Dunwoody Institute, where he received his certification as an Electrician. Melvin loved to play basketball, while living in Minneapolis, Melvin and his brother Ron founded and were captains of the Minneapolis Chargers, a local basketball team that played in numerous tournaments across the Upper Midwest. He worked for Minnegasco, and a number of construction companies, before being hired by the Leech Lake Band. He worked for the Leech Lake Band in numerous positions. He also had his own work crew who bid, and did construction and remodeling projects. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and harvesting Wild Rice. He enjoyed art, making birch bark crafts and beadwork. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. He enjoyed classic country music, western movies, older TV comedy shows especially The Andy Griffith Show, and going to the Casino to play Keno. He loved having bonfires with his family. He loved to joke and tease his family, especially his nieces and nephews. Melvin's family would like to extend a special Miigwech to the staff, techs, and nurses at Davita Dialysis of Cass Lake, MN for their care.
He is survived by his: Sisters, Marie (Garry Mason) Northbird,
Darlene Cobenais,
Janet (Dean Davis) Northbird,
Brother, Vernon Northbird,
Sister-in-law, Judy Northbird,
Sons, Michael and Dylan,
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren,
numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Angeline Northbird, brothers Ronald Northbird Sr., Gary Northbird, sisters Barbara Paquin, Diana Meyers, and his son Corey Northbird.