Merlin Runningcrane

Merlin Running Crane age 71, passed away October 23, 2024 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT.

Merlin was born in Browning, MT on June 11, 1953 to Felix Running Crane and Mary Sinclair.

Merlin was raised on Badger Creek and attended school in Heart Butte, Browning, and graduated from Busby High School in 1972. He also received boiler operation and small water system operator licenses later throughout his employment.

Merlin married Janet Parr on Nov 19, 1974 in Browning. They remained married for 50 years.

Merlin was a Blackfeet Tribal Policeman in 1975, and worked for the BIDI program putting in water and sewer lines in Heart Butte and surrounding areas. He began employment at Heart Butte school in 1978 as night watchman, moving up to head of custodial, maintenance, and supervisor of transportation. He retired in 2018.

Merlin loved hunting, fishing, and family gatherings. He owned the only store in Heart Butte for 20 years, and opened the first food and clothing pantry in Heart Butte. He was also active in collecting genealogy, family, and community history. He displayed historical pictures at his store. He loved telling the stories that he grew up with for future generations. He enjoyed sharing this history with people who pass through Heart Butte. He was quick to smile and make people feel comfortable with his sense of humor and non-stop jokes.

Merlin was a survivor who’s internal strength, faith, and commitment to being there for his family was paramount in how he went through the world. As a young child, he survived whooping cough. In 2000, he survived a stroke after which he retaught himself to walk by climbing the hills behind the heart. He recently survived stage 3 esophageal cancer only to die from the effects of the treatment, determined to fight to get home to his grandchildren until the end. 

Merlin is preceded in death by his parents Felix and Mary Running Crane, brothers Ronald Running Crane, James Running Crane and Varian Running Crane, and sisters Patricia Still Smoking and Cheryl Reevis.

He is survived by his wife Janet Running Crane, children Renee Running Crane, Paul (Lida) Running Crane, Mervin Running Crane, and 14 grandchildren, including adopted grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Marlene Plympton, Paulette (Randy) Whitcomb, Rhonda, Janice and Felicia Running Crane, Mary (John Padgent) DeRocher, along with many who called him Dad and Papa.

Services will be held at 11 am Wed. Oct 30, 2024 at St. Anne’s church.

In-memoriam donations are welcome to be sent to Benefis Sletton Cancer Institute.

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