Lyman Leroy Young Bird, “On the Scout” was born in Watford City, ND to Donald Young Bird and Sherry Turner- Lone Fight on August 17, 1989. He was a Dripping Dirt Clan and a Child of the Prairie Chicken Clan. The first people he ever laid eyes on were his grandmother Tillie Mae, Rosie White Owl (auntie), and his mom. Lyman was baptized in the Catholic Church. His Godparents are Betty Young Bird and the late James Hunts Along. His baby name was porcupine because he would say things that would sting like a porcupine quill. He was later named “On The Scout” by Darcy Medicine Stone.
Lyman was a very handsome looking baby, with coal black hair, and the most beautiful green eyes you ever saw. Lyman had a very adventurous side since he was a baby, and throughout his life. He rarely ever let anything hold him back. He grew up in Mandaree, ND playing with his brothers and cousins. They’d often wrestle and fight, his defense mechanism was to bite them, he tried to blame everyone else, being he was the only one with straight teeth he never got away with it. He spent a lot of time with his Auntie Mom, Emma Finley, in Killdeer, ND. His most used phrase was, “Bubbles did it”. His Auntie Mom Emma’s nickname for him was, “Handsomest Man in the World”.
The family moved to Dickinson, ND, where he attended Head Start to 1st grade. His mother married Ted Long Fight III, which Ted took him as his son and loved him very much. When living in Dickinson, ND, his baby sitters, Corrina Reimer, Savannah Touchine, and Joyce Young, would take turns coming to Dickinson, ND while his mom attended University there. He was so wild and curious, Corrina would tell him, “Lyman be good!” He went as far as to tell his teacher when asked, that his name was, “Lyman be good”. Lyman attended elementary school in Dickinson, Mandaree, and Wahpeton, as well as Mandaree High School. He danced grass dance in his early years, played basketball and loved to ride horses. He loved being outdoors and with family and friends the most.
Lyman grew to be an outstanding horseman in his adolescent years, until the time he became paralyzed in a vehicle accident. He always persevered and made the most of his situation. His younger sisters saw his strength and always knew he truly was a fighter, and a good man. Never letting things hold him back or down. While he did have bad days, most wouldn’t know because he’d rather smile and laugh, than sit and mope. He truly is a Warrior. Lyman was known to race in the horse races through the Fort Berthold Reservation during this time. During the Warrior of the Plains, you would see him taking dead last in the running, he would start to make gains in the canoe, and soon as he would hit the horses, he would be gone like the wind, catching up all the way taking 3rd place. He would battle his brothers Clancey and Kalolo for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. It brought a lot of pride to his family. He was a very prideful and spirited rider who gave his best. Lyman was a very well liked man, who made friends very easily. Marty, Clancey and Dayton started a riding group called “The Regulators”, Lyman was a part of this riding club. The Regulators participated in parades throughout ND. Often you would see Lyman and his brothers and sisters riding around Mandaree and different parts of the Rez. Their dad, Ted III, always made sure they had everything they needed to care for their horses and proper tack.
Lyman was Godfather to Warrior Iu, his brother Kalolo Iu’s son, he took this role to heart and cherished it. Lyman took a lot of pride in his nieces and nephews. He was the best uncle, always giving words of advice and encouragement. Family is everything to him. He loved watching them play, and took them for rides on his chair. He would do anything to make his little people smile. He truly was the best uncle and brother.
Lyman had many caretakers and he appreciated them all for helping him with his new lifestyle. Lyman moved back from Frazze Care Center, Frazze, MN. With the help of councilman Phelam he got his own home in White Oak Trailer Park, where he passed away in his sleep. The family would like to thank the community, friends and relatives who have supported us with texts, phone calls, donations and everything. We appreciate your support so much, thank you all.
Lyman is survived by: Pa & Ma, Ted & Sherry Lone Fight III, Father Donald (Merel) Young Bird. Brothers: Clancey Lone Fight, Kalolo Iu, Damon Hopkins (Swan) & Lewis (Holy Horse) West. Sisters: Sandy Mae Young Bird, Losa Iu (Elijah), Marlene (Zach) Young Bird, Tedsena (Nate), Maybella (Jay), and Jewelz Lone Fight. Many aunties, uncles, nieces, and nephews: Angelica, Aaron, Anthony, Ariel Wolf, Theodore E, Melody Mae Lone Fight, Natie Mann, Treson, Pipar, Zachary, Keoni “Thunder” Beaks, Love Melody, Wi-Troni, Lee Lee, Warrior Loop, Jaelyn, Telesia, Kam’rie, Warrior, Zayn, Saint, Luke Augustus Gravos, and Nuxbicii Mahisha Dizzen Knight.
Lyman is preceded in death by: Maternal grandmother Tillie Turner-Lone Fight, Paternal Grandparents Leroy & Marlene Hale-Young Bird. Auntie Mary Lou, Auntie Mom Emma Finley, and sister Francine White Owl-Wolf.