Donald Lee Magee

Donald “Donnie” Lee Magee, of Browning, MT, passed away, Monday, December 11, 2017 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, MT. Donnie was born May 13, 1938 to Henry and Cherry “Agnes” (Douglas) Magee. He grew up along the Cut Bank Creek area in Starr School, north of Browning. He attended schools in the Starr School, Browning and Cut Bank areas including the Blackfeet Boarding School, Browning Public Schools and Cut Bank Public Schools. He participated in FFA, basketball and football. He ultimately graduated while enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, in which he served as a field/radio operator. After obtaining an honorable discharge, Donnie married the love of his life, Dolores “Pee Wee” (Higgins) Magee. Once Pee Wee graduated from high school in Browning. MT, the two participated in the Indian Relocation program, and resided in Oakland and San Francisco, CA, where Donnie attended Berkeley School of Design, as well as working. Due to his father’s illness, they soon returned to Montana. From that time, Donnie was employed and worked in many capacities throughout his life including painting the flood homes of the Blackfeet reservation, maintenance at Napi Elementary, laborer, Museum Coordinator at the Museum of the Plains Indian, National Park Service employee in St. Mary, MT, Security Officer and Supervisor at the Blackfeet Community Hospital, and like his father Henry, served two (2) terms as a Blackfeet Tribal Business Councilman. As a Councilman, Donnie served as Chairman of the Law & Order, Economic Development and HESS (Health, Education and Social Services) and Tribal Credit. Donnie took great pride serving his district of Seville, and was also an Advisory Member of the Blackfeet Health and Safety Corp. Donnie was a member of the original community group that initiated the planning and creation of the Glen Heavy Runner Memorial Community Swimming Pool. Prior to his passing, Donnie enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, NV with his wife Pee Wee; being an artist of various mediums including woodwork, dioramas and apple-faced Native American dolls. Donnie also loved to share stories of his youth, Blackfeet knowledge and culture. In addition, he was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. Donnie is survived by his daughter, Dawn (the late Raymond) Cobell of Browning; two sons, Darren (Faron) Magee of Browning and Dustin (Mark) Magee of Sevierville, TN; grandson Daniel Gilham of Browning; and sister Barbara Davis of Charlo, MT. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and “adopted grandkids” which he loved so dearly. His wife preceded him in death, along with his parents; sisters Bernadine, Florence; brothers Merle, Elmer, Charles Cline, Harry Cline, Richard Cline. Donnie’s passing occurred one day before his wedding anniversary, so he is now celebrating and reunited with his wife. Cremation has taken place, with a gathering at the Magee residence from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.. Rosary will be Sunday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Little Flower Parish Catholic Church in Browning, MT. Funeral liturgy will be held Monday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the Little Flower Parish Catholic Church with Father Ed Kohler presiding both. Cremains will be interred, along with wife Pee Wee’s at Willow Creek Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.