Bernard LaFountain Obituary

Bernard Lee LaFountain, 80, of Hardin, MT, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 13, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Bernard LaFountain was born in Belcourt, North Dakota, on June 12, 1945, the son of Alfred and Elsie Crisler LaFountain. The family moved to Lodge Grass, Montana, where he attended school.

His lifelong talent of mechanicing started at the Charlie Moore Garage. His knowledge of welding added to his ability to eventually become a full-time mechanic. Being employed by Peter Kewitts Morrison and Knudson, and Westmoreland, made it possible for him to contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a master mechanic for the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservation for many years. Moving to Grey Blanket at the foothills of the Wolf Teeth Mountains created an ideal environment for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to grow up surrounded by many different animals, including sheep, chickens, goats, and turkeys. Bernard married Ann Pisano on June 10, 1972, raising an instant family of four children. Together, they raised Audrey, Robin, Wesley, and April; their nephew and nieces are John, Debra, and Jayme; as well as their grandchildren, Randall and Amica. Later, they adopted and raised their great-grandchildren, Randa, Lanie, and Meena.

Bernard enjoyed spending time out at Grey Blanket, eating and reminiscing with family. One of his last requests was to go out to Grey Blanket, and he did just that. He also looked forward to Crow Fair every year, getting tipi poles, preparing the campsite, and hauling everything needed to make Crow Fair complete.

Bernard was never a man who knew how to rest. You could often find him out in the garage. If something was broken, he was fixing it. If there was something to tinker with, he was already working on it. A gifted mechanic, he worked hard his entire life, providing for his family with his hands, his skill, and his determination. He was loyal to the core, loved fiercely, and carried himself as a true no-nonsense man.

He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Whether it was helping a neighbor, fixing something for someone in the community, or showing up when it mattered, Bernard gave his time and talents generously. Serving others wasn't something he talked about – It's just what he did. Behind that strong exterior was the softest heart – especially for the babies in the family. His grandkids were his pride and joy, and he had many. He had a playful side with all of them. Singing silly songs and teasing just enough to make them laugh, filling the room with his voice in a way that made us all feel safe and deeply loved. Those moments are memories we will carry forever.

Above all, Bernard was a devoted Christian. His faith guided him throughout his life, and even in his final hours, he trusted the Lord.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Elsie LaFontaine; sisters Jeanette (her husband Jim Lei) and Darlene Thacker; brother Edwin LaFontaine; son Wesley Toineeta; granddaughters Amanda, Audie, Juliet, Chelsea Toineeta, and Chelsea Desjarlais; grandsons Detrick Desjarlais, Curtis Yellowtail, Aubrey, and Tanner Black Eagle; and nephew Mervin Lei. Also, his beloved cats and dogs, Elwood and Mr. Jones, Rover and Odis.

He is survived by his siblings, Joyce Morin, Darrel LaFountain, Marilyn (Ray) Edwards, and Fred (Janice) LaFountain; his children, Audrey (Cedric) Black Eagle, Robin Toineeta, April (Cameron) Tobacco; his numerous nephews and nieces; special nephews whom he helped raise, John (Karla) Lei, Marvin Wes Stops, Jeremy (Sheila) Turner, and his namesake Bernard "Bernie" Thacker and his wife Nacy, who came from Texas just to be here for him; his special nieces he also helped raise Debra (Larry) Cady, Jayme (Eric) Lepisto, Angel (Sheldon) Lei, and Sheri(Jay) Havener; his numerous grandchildren, Randall (Bobbi jo) Black Eagle, Dylan (Cora) Black Eagle, Levi (Brocade) Black Eagle, Amica (Jeff) Jefferson, Jr., Rad Desjarlais, Miclo (Timera) Flores; his great grandchildren, Randa (Jeremy) Deputee, Lanie (Josh) Buffalo, Meena Black Eagle, Rapheal RidesHorse, Elizabeth, Oceilly (Jace), Sonny (Tiara), Scottie (Jacalyn), Kamiya Black Eagle, Grayson Black Eagle, Brittany (Lance) Iron, Aubrey Black Eagle, Jr., Beau Black Eagle, Danger Black Eagle, Rivers Black Eagle, Crimson Black Eagle, Jordan, Danielle, Sonson and Baby Isaiah Jefferson, Riley, Rattler, Maelei, Mila, and Rikki Desjarlais, Jersey, Chelsea, Miguel, and Pearl Flores; and great-great-grandchildren, whom he had a special relationship with, Aidan, Tien, Lincoln, Jaxxon and Cyprianne and many, many more.

Bernard's Family is large; we apologize if we accidentally left anyone out in our time of grief.

We would like to say a special thank you to Sarah Hardwick and especially to Dr. Michael B Ganz and his team for the extraordinary care they provided to our beloved Bernard. As well as Stillwater Hospice for guidance and providing everything necessary, so we were able to fulfill his wishes to come home.

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