Joseph L. Blackcrow Jr.

Joseph L. Blackcrow Jr. "Fiddles" went home to heaven on November 21, 2023.

Fiddles was born on December 5, 1936 in Hays, Montana to Joseph L. Blackcrow Sr. and Rosie Shortman Blackcrow. He was raised in Hays all his life with the help of his grandparents Molly and Luke Shortman.

In his early life while attending Mission school he was well known to play basketball with his team "The Hungry Five" because all his teammates were all tall and boney. He worked for the railroads, at local ranches and traveled for various jobs and ultimately finding his passion, wildland fire fighting. For 49 years he has made his career with Hays forestry, from digging line to being engine boss.

Throughout his life you could always find him running locally, participating in mosquito runs, and ice breakers around the state and lifting weights.

During fire season pack test time, he had an unbeatable record and would pass up the young bucks all while encouraging them to keep up with him. One summer in particular, one of his many grandsons (Sterling Whitecow) beat dads record and was so proud of him and always bragged about it.

Fiddles met the love of his life, Mary Agnes Fox Blackcrow in 1963. With this union six children were born. Quentin Joseph Blackcrow "Baby Son" was taken from them too soon. Fiddles and Mary Agnes were devote foster parents to many children. Their home was always filled with nieces and nephews throughout the years.

Dad enjoyed taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren to various pow wows. He deeply loved each of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and would do anything for them.

Everyday, you could find Fiddles and Mary Agnes cruising around Hays at 5mph. Canyon rides were always their favorite.

Fiddles is preceded in death by his father Joseph L. Blackcrow Sr, his mother Rosie Shortman Blackcrow, sons Quentin Joseph Blackcrow & Joseph L Blackcrow III, Brothers, Edwin "Wimpy" Shortman, Mark "Higgins" Blackcrow and Aloysius "Punny" Blackcrow. Sisters, Eileen Bradley, Mary "Cuddy" Bigby, Lois "Bussettes" Falcon, Nora "Eagle" Blackcrow, Phyllis Shortman Moss. His closest friends who he claimed as Brothers, Leon "Duke" King, Mike Brockie, Frank McConnell, George "iggy"Stiffarm & MIFF (Montana Indian Fire Fighters)

His survivors include his loving wife Mary Agnes Blackcrow, children; Ang Blackcrow, Faye Blackcrow, Gerard Blackcrow, Nathan Perry, adopted daughter Ashley. His siblings, Gloria "Ouzie" Blackcrow, Phillip "Buzz" Blackcrow, George "Zot" Blackcrow. All his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews.

We cherished every moment we had with you. We love you and will greatly miss you..