Roger Dale Vielle

Roger Dale Vielle “Mittens” known to his family as Dale, made his Journey on Sunday, June 1st. He passed peacefully in Moscow, Idaho on a beautiful sunny day, on a phone call with a veteran brother.

Roger is a Vietnam Era Veteran, entering the Army at the young age of 17. He served rescuing POWs and later duty in Germany serving a Colonel.

He played basketball for many years, traveling the country and making many friends from all tribes. He is from Browning, but also lived in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and most recently in the Moscow Idaho area where he taught at the University of Idaho in the “Indian Way” and stayed connected with students to this day.

He retuned to Browning in 2009 where he was inducted into the Crazy Dog Society and met his life partner Wendy. He worked at Manpower and filled in for a driver in what would become a 16 year journey with Veteran’s Community Response. As a board member and spiritual leader, Roger has held many healing sweats with combat veterans and others, sharing his wisdom, support, healing, and bad jokes! Always willing to talk to a veteran any time of the day or night.

Roger travelled the Pow Wow Trail across the country as a Men’s Traditional Dancer. He knew people wherever he went no matter what event. He always said, “Pow Wows are for everyone. You see old friends, meet new ones, eat “bad” but good food, and hear the drums for healing”. He engaged and informed many people about his culture.

Roger is survived by his mother Annie, sister Rebecca, brother Robert and Melanie, his adopted auntie Carmalita Black Crow. His wife and life partner Wendy and stepchildren and grandchildren and their families. Additionally, Roger is survived by his many Native and Veteran brothers and sisters, and his “adopted” nieces, nephews, daughters and sons”. His intense love of all animals especially his “bad dogs” who travelled with him often.

His large presence, caring heart, and welcoming presence will be truly missed.

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