Julian ManyHides

Julian David Many Hides

Simyaamistapii “Sneaking Peeking Looking Over”

Julian David Many Hides, lovingly known by his Blackfeet name Simyaamistapii, passed away in Kalispell, MT, on August 27, 2025, at the age of 53.

Julian was born in Yakima, WA, to Jewell Bearleggins and Levi Many Hides. He was raised with love and guidance by his grandparents, Virginia Marceau Choate and Donald Choate, in Browning, MT. Growing up, Julian lived in many parts of the reservation, including East Glacier, China Town, and Death Row. He graduated from Browning High School, where classmates fondly remember his sense of humor, his kindness, and his ability to bring laughter wherever he went.

As a young man, Julian loved breakdancing, reading science fiction and comic books, and exploring all kinds of music. His grandfather Donald ensured he was deeply connected to his Piikunii traditions, teaching him to take part in ceremonies from a young age. One of Julian’s favorite memories was visiting his grandparents’ home on Saturday mornings, where he would share breakfast, stories, and love that would stay with him forever.

Julian worked many jobs as a teenager, including as a projectionist at the Park Theatre (“The Show House”), at the Kingston family’s video store, as a Subway sandwich artist, and as a lifeguard at the Glenn Heavyrunner Pool. He carried the same hardworking spirit and sense of humor into his adulthood.

While working as a cook at Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park, Julian met Natalie Malaterre, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Aspen Dawn Many Hides. Family was always at the center of Julian’s heart, and becoming a father was one of his greatest joys.

In 2001, Julian and Natalie moved to Pablo, MT, to attend Salish Kootenai College. At SKC, Julian’s leadership and dedication shone. He served as student body president, vice president, and secretary, as well as holding positions in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2007 and went on to start his own computer service company, earning the affectionate nickname “Cave Geek” throughout the Flathead Reservation. Later, Julian returned to the Blackfeet Reservation to share his knowledge as an IT instructor at Blackfeet Community College, inspiring many students with his passion for technology.

Julian was a lifelong lover of science fiction, literature, and storytelling. He treasured the communities he built around these passions, especially with his dear friend Jamie Shepard, along with Brenda, Dusty, and Harley. Together, they shared countless memories at comic conventions, card tournaments, and LARPing events across Montana. Julian’s family is deeply grateful to them for the friendship and joy they brought into his life.

Over the years, Julian also worked many other jobs that left him connected with people all over: as Activity Coordinator at Kicking Horse Job Corps, “Deli-God” at Polson Walmart, butcher at Polson Safeway, and parts runner at NAPA in Polson. No matter the role, Julian’s humor, kindness, and generosity left an impression on everyone he met.

Julian is preceded in death by his parents, Jewell Bearleggins and Levi Many Hides; his brother, Eric Running Crane; and many grandparents, great-grandparents, and relatives from both his maternal and paternal families.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Aspen Many Hides (Arlin Potts), and his cherished granddaughter, Madeline Potts. He is also survived by his brothers Robbin Rexroat, Berry Running Crane Sr., Rolando Ramirez, Patrick Choate, and Matthew Many Hides; and by his sisters Clarissa Blackcrow (Aaron), Regina Ramirez, Blanca Jasper, Ladeana Many Hides, and Dolores Ramirez. He loved all of his nieces and nephews deeply and carried them close to his heart.

Julian will be remembered for his humor, his love of learning, his devotion to his family, and the way he brought joy into the lives of others. His legacy lives on in his daughter and granddaughter, in the students he taught, and in the countless family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Funeral Arrangements

Friday, September 5th – Julian will arrive at the Old Eagle Shields Building tentatively at 2 p.m. Dinner will be served for family and friends at 6 p.m.

Saturday, September 6th – Viewing for friends and family. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Sunday, September 7th – A song service will be held in Julian’s honor at 7 p.m. with society songs, powwow songs, round dances—the whole 49 yards. A traditional meal will follow.

Monday, September 8th – Traditional funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. in the Old Eagle Shields Building, followed by burial at Willow Creek Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julian ManyHides, please visit our floral store.