obit: Bullis Mortuary, 507 N. Center Avenue, Hardin, MT 59034 , phone 406 665-1207

Anthony "Tony" Gerod Parrish Takes The Gun, Awakootáa Baakuxshísh "One who helps the people". He was given his Apsáalooke name by his grandmother, Pricilla Gardner. Has gone on to the other side camp. He was a member of the Ashshitchite (Big Lodge) clan and was born in 1970 in Seattle, Washington and raised by his Mother Agnes Joy Takes The Gun and father Jerry Parrish. He lived and attended schools for a brief time during his early childhood years in Seattle, St. Joseph, Missouri, and finally in Crow Agency, MT. Where he developed his life long friendships, family ties within the community, surrounded by culture and kinships.

Throughout his education in Crow Agency, Hardin and St. Labre Schools, he developed a love for athletics like most young Apsáalooke men and was a basketball player, cross country runner as well as participating in track and field. Tony also enjoyed dancing Baatawéelissuua, Crow (hot dance) style, at the different gatherings that took place. Two dancers that really inspired his style was his older brother the late Jerry "Mouse" Flatlip and the late Pooka Old Horn. Tony even aspired to become a jockey someday like all his older Flatlip brothers. He often sat with his grandpas Frank and George Takes The Gun asking them questions and listening to old stories. He was proud that his grandpa George taught him how to play handgame and has been known to sit in on a few games himself. He worked many different jobs throughout his life but was probably most proud of being part of the MIFF (Montana Indian Fire Fighters) crews. He often told stories of the excitement and energy that once was a part of the community during a fire call. Traveling to different states on a 14 or 21 day trip.

He participated in the Catholic Church attended the Crow Revival Center as well as the Blacklodge Church. He was outspoken about his faith and developed many connections throughout his spiritual journey. He always wanted to encourage others in some way with the stories of his own struggles of wins and losses with addiction.

Tony deeply loved his "Turtle Ranch" family and shared a strong bond and history with all of them throughout his life. Grandma Priscilla Stewart Gardner, Auntie Ruth, Marc, CD, Cubby, Billie, Tina, Stewart, Laurie Ann, Uncle Tommy & Donna, Crystal & Nellie, Billy John, Auntie Nellie & Uncle Mac, Big Crystal (Renae), Ryan and all of their kids and grandchildren as well as the Wagner family in Seattle. So many great memories of one another.

Tony went on to meet Melissa Kishwalk of the Yakama Nation in Seattle in 1995 and they lived in Fife, Washington with Melissa's daughters Samantha Wapsheli, Jacqueline Root and Molly George (Root) whom he loved dearly and whose kids called him grandpa. They were later married on May 27, 2000 in Wapato, Washington and soon had their beloved son Thompson "Awe hua hixxshash" (Known for his legacy) who was named by Tony's uncle Tommy Gardner. He was so proud of his son and spent their time on the Yakama reservation attending concerts, running in 5ks, going to various churches and longhouse services. He often enjoyed singing with different drum groups and was proud of his daughters dancing and participating at the different cultural activities among the Yakama nation as well. One of the things he didn't get to do but often talked about during his time there was working with horses at the prestigious Emerald Downs racetrack on the Muckleshoot reservation. No matter where Tony was at in his own journey, he always expressed to everyone how proud he was of his son and his family, his greatest accomplishment in life.

Tony is preceded in death by his father Jerry Parrish & his grandparents as well as many relatives.

Survivors include his son Thompson Parrish, mother Agnes Joy Takes The Gun, brother Christian Parrish Takes The Gun, sister in law Angela Howe, niece Christiane Parrish; nephews Samuel & Brayden Parrish; his Yakama family Melissa, Georgette, Samantha, Jackie & Molly Kishwalk & family; Robert, Archie, Mathew, Lawrence III, Scott, & Lawryn Flatlip & families; Annie Takes The Gun Leider (Cyrus Leider) Diane & Micheal Charette & family; Sonny & Cleveland Leider, Georgine Falls Down, Janna & Ronnie Falls Down, Latonna Old Elk & family; Shirleen Hill, Victoria & Thomasine Bad Bear & family; Regina Goes Ahead & family; Delma Jean Walks Over Ice & family; Loreen & Bobbi Sox Walks Over Ice and families; Mary Black Eagle and family; Dale, Corky, Jack, Old Horn families and Yellowtail families; as well as Old Coyote families; Billie & Hubert Two Leggins family; Noel, Sariah, Sereatha, Son Son, Cubby, Marc & Renae Crooked Arm, Stewart Martinez, Renae & George Cochran & family; Nellie & Ryan Silverhorn, Tommy Gardner and family, Pricilla Martinez and Laura Gomez. Please forgive us if we forgot anyone in our time of grief.

Services

VISITATION

Wednesday December 13, 2023 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Bullis Mortuary

FUNERAL SERVICE

Thursday December 14, 2023 11:00 AM

Bullis Mortuary

INTERMENT FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE

Thursday December 14, 2023

Fairview Cemetery