Howard Carlson Doore

Howard C Doore - NAA-TOO-CII-PIST-TO (Holy Owl), 87, passed away on January 2, 2026.

Howard Doore, a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation, a devoted nurse, a ceremonial leader, and a respected public servant, passed away after a lifetime defined by compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the people and his family. Born in Browning, Montana, Howard carried the heart of his homeland with him throughout his life, honoring his culture through service, ceremony, and community leadership.

Howard’s calling to care for others began early. He attended the Missoula School of Practical Nursing, graduating in September 1963 as one of only four male students and the only Montana Native American in his class. His achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable nursing career that touched countless lives across Montana, Washington, and Idaho.

He began his work at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula before returning home to serve at the USPHS Indian Hospital in Browning, Montana, now the Blackfeet Community Hospital. It was there that he met the love of his life, a fellow nurse whose dedication matched his own. Their shared passion for caring for others became the foundation of a lifelong partnership. Together, they worked side by side at Cut Bank Memorial Hospital, the U.S. Merchant Marine Hospital in Seattle, and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Pocatello. They comforted the sick, supported grieving families, and encouraged younger generations, especially Native youth, to pursue nursing and return home to serve their communities.

Though he hoped to continue his education and become a registered nurse, Howard made the difficult decision to leave nursing to better support his growing family. He transitioned into legal work, spending thirty years as a paralegal, where he brought the same integrity, patience, and fairness that defined his nursing career. His deep sense of justice and commitment to his people eventually led him to serve as a judge, where he was known for his steady wisdom and respect for cultural values.

Howard also served as a Tribal Councilman for the Blackfeet Tribe, dedicating himself to the well‑being, sovereignty, and future of his Nation. His leadership was grounded in humility and guided by a lifelong belief in service. He carried the voices of his people with him in every decision he made.

Beyond his professional and political work, Howard was deeply respected throughout Indian Country for his knowledge of Blackfeet beliefs, ceremonies, and traditional ways. He was inducted into several sacred societies, including the Slickfoot Society and the Original Crazy Dogs. He was a pipe carrier, a member of the Thunder Pipe Ceremony, and a trusted advisor in ceremonies across the Blackfeet Reservation. He also participated in the Horns Society in Canada, strengthening cultural ties and honoring traditions that spanned generations.

To many, he was simply Grandpa, a mentor, a guide, a man who never hesitated to correct with honesty, teach with patience, and remind others to follow proper protocol. He was never afraid to say when something was wrong, but he always did so with the intention of preserving the integrity of the ways handed down to him. His wisdom was steady, his presence grounding, and his guidance invaluable.

Today, the Blackfeet Nation mourns the loss of a great man. Howard’s passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of his family, his community, and all who walked with him in ceremony, in council chambers, or in the quiet halls of hospitals. His legacy is woven into the lives of all who knew him, patients he comforted, families he supported, young people he encouraged, and the many who sought his counsel.

Howard Doore will be remembered as a healer, a leader, a cultural keeper, a devoted husband, and a proud Blackfeet man whose life was guided by service and love. His legacy will continue to echo through the generations he inspired.

He will be deeply missed and forever honored.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 333 S Treaty Highway, Pocatello, ID. Viewings will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 6 at Wilks Colonial Chapel, 2005 S 4th Avenue, Pocatello, ID and at 10:00 am on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow the service at Sandhill Cemetery, Fort Hall, ID.

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