Byron In The Woods
April 12, 1955 ~ November 28, 2014
Byron Glenn In The Woods, 59 of Rapid City and formerly of Dupree, passed away Friday, November 28, 2014 in Rapid City.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. MST, Saturday, December 6, 2014 at the Dupree Multi Purpose Building, Dupree, SD with Harold Condon presiding. Burial followed at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cemetery, Cherry Creek, SD. Wake services were held at 7:00 p.m. MST, Friday, December 5, 2014 at the Dupree Multi Purpose Building, with a procession from the 2 mile junction at 4:00 p.m.
Byron Glenn In The Woods was born April 12, 1955 to Jobe (Kangi Wicasa) and Ellen (Hin Luta Win) (Condon) In The Woods at the Old Agency Hospital on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Byron’s paternal origins are from Miwatani Hanska and Wambli Winyan and Hehaka Tanka and Nawinzi Ihanble. Bryon’s grandparents are Canmaya Peter and Iputaka Winyan Sophia In The Woods. Byron carries his grandfather’s name Canmaya.
Byron began grade school/Jr. High in Dupree, SD, and then attended the Mormon Placement Program beginning his fifth grade year at Pocatello, Idaho. He attended Highland High School and was very active in cross country, track, and basketball as a Highland Ram. Although he excelled in all these sports, basketball was his game. Byron is known as one of Idaho’s most outstanding players. He was selected as a Prep All American by Sunkist in 1972-73. His program parents’, the Myers, were very dedicated in helping Byron excel in sports and academics.
In 1973 after his high school basketball season he was picked up by the Oakland Bucks out of Northern California. That year the Bucks qualified for the NIAA Championships held in Albuquerque, NM, which was the beginning of Byron’s career in the NIAA Tournaments.
In 1973, Byron began his collegiate career at Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho. He still holds scoring records for the Ricks Vikings.
In 1975, Byron attended the University of California Davis where he continued to participate in collegiate basketball. He made the UC-Davis team as a walk on. He had the opportunity to play against the great Bill Cartwright, who went on to play for the Chicago Bulls.
During his attendance at UC Davis, he met his first wife, Lynn Powell. To this union came two beautiful little girls, Ellen Louise and Eleta Brook In The Woods. Byron continued to play all over the West Coast receiving All Tourney and MVP awards as well as setting quite a few scoring records.
He was fortunate to have had the support of Paul Lawrence and Lauren Farris, who managed the Oakland Bucks. They promoted Byron throughout his independent basketball career in California. Byron played with individuals like Lance, Donnie, Gary, Joe, Butch and Steve Ledesma, “the Ledesma Brothers”. Byron was also recruited to play in a Class C basketball league in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Byron joined the United States Army in 1979 with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was proud of his military career as a paratrooper. He also played for the Army basketball team, again winning numerous All Tourney and MVP awards. He was the only Native American ball player on the team but was highly respected when he got on the court.
In 1982, Byron moved his family back to Dupree, SD. He was employed in several areas including as a life guard, pesticide officer, and police officer. He also began his basketball play with many South Dakota teams. He played with Terry Dupris in the South Dakota Amateur Basketball Championship coached by Ralph Vrooman.
One highlight remembered was his participation in the 1985 NIAA Basketball tournament, 35 and over division. There were only six members on this team, with his brother Bernie Woods as the 6th man. Harold Salway-Blue Heron and Narcisse Heart joined Byron in winning the overall championship. Byron received All Tourney and MVP honors. He scored 59 points in the championship game against another South Dakota native, Jesse Mendoza.
In 1985, Byron met Marla Herman and to this union three beautiful children were born: Jemma, Sadie and Byron Trinity In The Woods. Byron’s family moved to Spearfish, SD where Marla was working towards her field of secondary education. During this time, Byron’s daughter, Eleta, was diagnosed with leukemia. Byron and Marla did everything they could to get her through the rough parts of combating this disease. Eleta lost her struggle in 1990 while in the hospital at Minneapolis, Minnesota. The loss of Eleta weighed heavy in Byron’s heart and he continued to struggle with this weight throughout the rest of his life.
Marla became employed with the Little Wound School in Misson, SD in 1995. Byron’s family lived in Mission where he continued his high education receiving a BS degree in 1996 in the field of Sociology from Sinte Gleska College.
Byron finally moved home and met his friend, Beatrice Looking Horse. To this union, Bryce Mahto In The Woods was born. Mahto followed his dad where he went. He enjoyed living in the Green Grass area.
In 2011, Byron went to the Veterans Hospital due to health conditions. He was sent to Rapid City Veteran’s program where he received assistance including housing. After about two years he moved in with his close friend, Gwendolyn Eagle Bear where he spent the rest of his living days.
Byron built a strong relationship with his children and grandchildren, and he thought the world of them. All along going through various back surgeries, and attending A.A. and Veteran’s meetings. He was very happy to be walking on the Red Road and participated in the Wiwangya Wacipi.
Byron leaves behind five children: Ellen Louise In The Woods of Broken Arrow, OK, Jemma, Sadie, and Byron “Trin” In The Woods of Rapid City, SD, and Bryce “Mahto” In The Woods of Green Grass, SD; seven grandchildren: Ellen Louise’s Children: Emory, Rayne, and Jace; Jemma’s children: Joseph “Jojo” Bear and Jasmine “Jazzy”; Trinity’s daughter: Lareina Jaye; Sadie’s daughter: Jade Mahpiya Hill; mother: Ellen (Condon) In The Woods; five sisters: Beverly M. Clown, Bessie (Clifford N.) Moudy, Charlene Red Thunder, Bernita (Doug D) and Belinda; five brothers: Bernard (Bernice) Woods, Burton, Bentley, Barney (Nancy) and Bryce (Candace) In The Woods; cousins: Loveleah In The Woods, Pearl Hollow Horn, Rita Condon, Harold (Geraldine) Condon, Monte Condon, Delia Hale, Cedric Bear Flys Over Water, Duane Standing Bear, Gloria Belmonte, Becky Condon, Roger (Alberta) Condon, and Ernestine Frazier.
He was preceded by his daughter, Eleta Brooke; son, Charlie White Tail; father, Jobe In The Woods; brothers: Blaine and Robert; sister, Barbara; grandparents: Peter and Sophie In The Woods and Thomas and Josephine Condon.
Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Byron’s arrangements.
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Byron was one of my husband’s, Wesley Edmo’s best and closest friends. They go back to when Byron lived in Pocatello ID and attended Highland High School. They remained good friends until his death this last Friday. Byron would bring the Red Eagle team to Fort Hall every year for the old guys basketball tournament, and because of that, we made such good friends with the other South Dakota guys. Byron, what a good man, you will be greatly missed.
Byron was one of my husband’s, Wesley Edmo’s, closest and dearest friends. Byron, you will be greatly missed! Especially here in Fort Hall. Wes and Byron go back to when Byron and Wes attended Highland High School. They remained close friends ever since. Thanks to Byron and the Red Pearl and then Red Eagle team, we developed more friendships with his SD buddies. Salway, Pine, Duprius, etc… Byron, take care and safe journey.
Condolences to the entire In The Woods family in the loss of Byron. An incredible ball player and friend. Met him in the Bay Area playing Indian ball and tournaments. May the Creator watch over his family during this sad time. Hoop it on Byron as you make your journey to beautiful paradise!
Dear Family of Mr. Bryon In The Woods on behalf of the Ledesma Brothers or the Six-Brothers are deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Dad, Husband, Brother, Uncle, and Grandfather. I first met Bryon, and played with him at a Indian basketball tournament in Northern California, when he was about 18 or 19 years old. He was a really nice person, and boy could he play ball. I enjoyed playing with him in tournaments, rather than against him. May the Lord give you all strenght during this season of grief
Condolences going out to the family. Prayers and healing for you all.
Amelia Morrison Family
prayers to the family of byron in the woods…i played with byron in the early 80s on clint pilcher’s itausha team…i’ll always remember him as the best pure shooter i have ever seen before or since…
prayers to the family of byron in the woods…i played with byron in the early 80s on clint pilcher’s itausha team…i’ll always remember him as the best pure shooter i have ever seen before or since…
Byron was a childhood friend of mine. I am very sad to hear of his passing. He was a brother who I grew up with in South Dakota. I am sad to hear that he has departed early. His basketball skills were undeniably one of the best in any league that he played in. I am privileged to call him a friend. Byron was loved and will be missed by many of us. God Bless all of Byron’s relatives.
I had the privilege of living and attending school in the Fort Hall, Chubbuck and Pocatello school systems in the early 70’s. I attended most if not every home game either at Highland or in the Mini Dome during Byron’s distinguished basketball career where he became and remains my basketball hero… The games at highland were truly magical, i remember Byron and Wally running the offensive attack, the combination of ball movement and shooting was unstoppable.
To the In The Woods Family I leave my heartfelt condolences and wish you all the best.
In my younger years, I had the pleasure of watching Byron play basketball, and he was awesome to watch. He could not be stopped, pressured or have the ball stolen from him. He made his defenders pay a huge price for stepping up to guard him. Many years later, he moved into the community of Cherry Creek, where he worked for the Boys and Girls Club. He was elected to serve on our local livestock cooperative board, and was elected as the Board of Director Chairman. He was very articulate, and communicative with others. I admired his drive and integrity to enhance the children’s lives in the community, and also carry out the board objectives. I am deeply saddened for the children and grandchildren that he has left behind. It is with comfort that someday, we will all meet again. Mitakuye Oyasin….
My father Joe Butch LeDesma would like to send his condolences to Byrons Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Byron and his families. I only knew him through my employment at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs but he was a good person. He will be missed.
Byron was a very nice Veteran and I enjoyed working with him at the VA Medical Center I learned alot about the Native American Culture and some of the language. He will be deeply missed.
Some people come to the planet for different reasons ….Byron came to play basketball. I was a sophomore on Ricks basketball team when Byron joined us as a freshman. I took one look at this skinny Indian kid and thought whats he doing here? It didn’t take long to figure out once he had the ball in his hands …you couldn’t guard him and he could flat out play. He was absolutely fearless and backed down from no one. We had a great team that year and "packed em in"…to a large degree because people wanted to see In-the-Woods.
I’m sorry I lost track of him over the years. RIP Byron ….your struggles are over my friend.
Byron……..R.I.P…..truly. Enjoyed knowing and sharing some magical memories at HHS.
found memories of Byron in high school
He was my mothers all time favorite highland ram
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I knew and respected Byron very much in Pocatello during his years at Highland High School. He will be missed by all who knew him. I wish for his family peace in their hearts at this time and may it be filled with wonderful memories.
I went to school with Byron. He was a very nice guy.
I went to Hs with Byron. He was a fantastic basketball player. He will be missed. Our Prayers are with you and all your family.
Sorry for your loss in life. Byron spent hours upon hours, days, weeks and years with my brother and I while he lived in Pocatello ID. We knew him well and played basketball at our house, rain or shine and if there was inclement weather, like lots of snow, we would walk up to the church gym and play ball until they would kick us out. We ran cross country together, fished and all the other things we could think of doing as young men full of life in Southern Idaho. I have lots of fun memories and it is an honor to have been in his life. God bless you and keep you strong.
I was just thinking about Byron and was trying to find out where he was living. One of the greatest players to play the game of basketball in Idaho. Rest in peace my friend. My condolences to the family.
we really enjoyed watching Byron play basketball at Highland High School He had a lot of talent
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Aaniin I see your spirit i miss you dearly, I will always remember the times we spent together. How we met at Highland playing sports. I just had to come here to visit you again. Gigawaabamin. ☆☆☆☆☆
I knew Byron in the summer of 1970, We went through life guard training in Eagle Butte. He was a special person and I won’t forget him. He really shined. I didn’t keep in touch after I left Eagle Butte but I thought of him from time to time. My sincerest sadness for your loss In The Woods Family.
I knew Byron at Ricks college. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. Watched him play many a game. I had thought about him several times the last few weeks, I googled him and was sad to see that he passed away. RIP
Byron was a truly gifted basketball player and not just as a scorer. He was a pleasure to watch at Ricks.
Fair Winds my friend. My heart is breaking for the family. He was a really good basketball player with fair play and sportsmanship.
I was the next door neighbor of the Meyers family in Pocatello, Idaho. Kelly Meyers and I were friends and a year older than Byron. When I first met Byron I thought he was just some scrawny Indian kid. Soon I found out how much raw talent and tenacity he had. We often went as a group to the park and played football. Even though Byron was small he was fast and had incredible moves. He was hard to catch when he had the ball. At basketball he could drain a shot from anywhere on the court. I soon found out that I had to guard him from half court. We seemed to get on each other’s nerves when we played any neighborhood ball. I remember getting into a few scrums with him. Being quite a bit bigger, I could pin him to the ground. He would never give up so eventually I would have to let him up and agree that I didn’t win or else we would stay there all day and night. He was the most competetive person I ever met. I wish his family well and will say a prayer for them. As far as Byron goes, he is in a much better place.
Rest in peace, Big Man.
I was Byron's roommate at St. Cloud veterans hospital years ago. I have fond memories of our long talks. He helped me a lot. He was a heck of bowler! My condolences to his family- years later. Farewell, my friend.
I am so sorry Byron passed some time ago. I loved watching him play in SIC basketball games in Idaho, especially against my school, Capital in Boise. He was born 6 days after me. Rest in peace, Byron, and I hope your family and friends know that there are people who remember you.
Many years later I'm sadly seeing Byron has passed. I was a year behind him at Alameda and Highland. I was so proud of him , he was such a great bb player. It's strange I often remember a game when he made a buzzer beater to win the game, and that was at least 3/4 across court, it was unbelievable.