Lloyd Irvine

Lloyd David Irvine Sr. (LD) was born in St Ignatius, Montana on May 2nd, 1943, to Stanley Irvine and Cecile Lefthand. He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.

Lloyd is the proud father of LD Irvine Jr.  He holds forever a special place in his heart for his grandchildren Stanley Irvine and Nakotah Irvine.  After the death of his brother LeRoy, Lloyd loved and supported his nieces known affectionately as “the Irvine girls” throughout their lives creating many special memories.  Lloyd had many accomplishments in life.  He first attended school in Arlee, Montana, and during his time at Arlee High School, Lloyd was well known for his skills on the basketball court. His talent earned him the recognition of college basketball coaches and he was offered the chance to play at Montana State University, but he chose a different path.  Lloyd enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his tribal nation and country from 1963-1967, serving in the Vietnam War. After returning home from his service in the Navy Lloyd then went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northern Montana College.  With that degree he started his job career in many sectors starting with the Southern Pacific Railroad in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay area.  Lloyd then returned home and was hired at the Two Eagle River School. It has been said that Lloyd served in many different capacities, but he was originally hired to teach shop class. During his time at Two Eagle River School Lloyd was the head basketball coach and enjoyed his time helping the students of TERS not only with coaching basketball but learning how to be good citizens.  Lloyd would share stories about his life in the Navy, college, and living in California and would help his students understand the world outside the boundaries of the reservation. Following his career at TERS Lloyd worked in various jobs in different areas in the State of Montana.  In 1988 Lloyd decided it was time to serve his tribal nation once again and he successfully ran for a seat on the Tribal Council from his home district of Pablo. In this last career endeavor serving on the CS&KT Tribal Council, Lloyd spent twenty-five plus years and retired in 2015.  Over the last several years Lloyd couldn’t be fully retired, so he enjoyed staying busy serving in various capacities for the CS&KT.  He also enjoyed working with his son where you would find Lloyd plowing snow in the wintertime.

Lloyd had one hobby and passion that he took great pride in; he was an avid bowler. When the CS&KT first opened the bowling alleys across the reservation back in the late 1970’s Lloyd ran the Hot Springs bowling center also known as Camas Lanes. It was there that he was able to really get serious about his game and where bowling became his passion. He bowled in leagues in both Ronan and Polson several nights a week up until just a few years ago.  In his spare time, he enjoyed telling stories of his life adventures with his many relatives and friends.  Lloyd loved horses and traveled with his son LD racing horses all over the United States and Canada.  He was also very knowledgeable in his culture and history, enjoyed drumming and singing, and loved sharing his cultural knowledge with others.  Lloyd had a unique perspective on the culture and history of CS&KT as he was raised by family on both ends of the reservation. He participated in the traditional ways taught to him by his elders in both the Salish and Kootenai communities.  In his later years he was able to serve on both the Salish/Pend d’Oreille culture committee and the Kootenai culture committee, another unique attribute not shared by many.

Lloyd made his journey to join his ancestors and family members, Grandmother Mary Susan Amos Finley Lefthand, Grandfather Sakali Finley, Grandmother Caroline Louise “Wiskin” Vanderburg, Grandfather Hector Irvine, Father Stanley Irvine, Uncle Pascal Charlo, Aunt Suzie Irvine, Mother Cecille Lefthand Matus, Aunts Alice Hewankorn and Nancy Joseph, Uncles  Frank, George and Simon Lefthand, Cousin/Brother Louie Adams, Sister Juanita Irvine, Brothers Bubbins (Harold) Irvine, Leroy Irvine, Bobby Irvine, Arnold Irvine, and Ronnie Matus.    

He is survived by his stepfather Walter Matus of Kalispel, MT, Son Lloyd “LD” Irvine (Norrie) of Ronan, MT, Grandson Stan (Jessica) Irvine, of Stroudsburg, PA, Granddaughter Nakotah Irvine of Ronan, MT, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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