Sidney H. Byrd

Sidney H. Byrd

December 19, 1918 - Saturday, December 3, 2016

Service Information

Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center-Flandreau, SD

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

1:00 P.M.

Visitation Information

Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center-Flandreau, SD

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Sidney H. Byrd "Hokṡila Waṡte", age 97, of Flandreau, South Dakota journeyed to the Spirit World on Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 at his residence.

He was born on December 19, 1918 in Porcupine, SD the son of Joseph Byrd and Bessie Weston. Sidney was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. Samuel R. Weston on the date of his birth. He was raised by his grandparents.

Sid was stationed in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII while in the US Army. Upon returning to the States, he attended Bible School in Phoenix, AZ for four years. He then attended the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and later graduated from Huron College. He was ordained a Presbyterian Minister at the Presbyterian Church in Porcupine, SD. He was a Tribal Elder for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and was one of the few remaining persons that could read, write and speak his Native Lakota Language.

His voice was used as "Grandfather" at Falls Park during Sioux Falls' Laser Show.

He was Native by birth and Christian by choice.

He married Carolyn "Sue" Poleeson on June 7, 1952 in Phoenix, AZ. They were blessed with two children.

Sid is survived by his children Pamela Sue Byrd and Samuel Weston Byrd; two grandchildren Weston Lee Byrd and Cheyenne Autumn Byrd; five great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1994; his parents; grandparents: Samuel K. Weston and Martha Redwing Weston; brothers: Harry Byrd and Guy Byrd; sister: Velva Stoldt; and half-sisters: Rachel Janis and Evelyn Galvan.

Funeral services for Sidney H. Byrd were held on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center in Flandreau, South Dakota. Officiating introductions by Ken James. Reverend Dr. Cecil Corbett and Reverend Paula Armstrong officiated. Interment with military rites was at the First Presbyterian Cemetery.

An all-night wake was held on Tuesday, December 6th beginning at 7:00 P.M. at the Community Center.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Samuel Byrd, Cecil Corbett, Ken James, Gabe Mesteth, Andy Davis, all Dakota Presbytery Pastors, all his Takojas, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Council, basketball team and cheerleaders, students and staff of Flandreau Indian School, all his family and friends, special service bound grandchildren: Vanessa Renteria (Navy), Joshua Estrada (Navy) and Martin Ruelas (Army).

Casket Bearers were Weston Byrd, Ed Mesteth, Justin Mesteth, Jacob Patterson, Jr. Long and C.J.

Chilson Funeral Home, Winsted, MN served the family.