Jesse Racine

Jesse Robert Racine, affectionately known as "Doodles" or "Jethro," passed away at the age of 43. He was born on May 8, 1982, in Browning, Montana, to Wayne E. "Bo" Racine and the late Catherine Ann "Cassie" Calf Looking.

Jesse was a proud enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation and spent most of his life on the Blackfeet Reservation, where he built deep roots within his community. He graduated from Heart Butte High School in 2001, where he was a two-time high school basketball champion a highlight of his youth that stayed close to his heart.

Jesse pursued higher education at Blackfeet Community College and held numerous careers that took him across the United States. He served with pride as a Chief Mountain Hot Shot, a Heavy Equipment Operator, and worked with FEMA, Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Reclamation. He also served as a Judge for the Muckleshoot Gold Cup and coached basketball, inspiring the next generation.

His work and firefighting spirit took him all over the country from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, to the far reaches of Alaska but his heart always remained with the Blackfeet Nation and the mountains he called home.

Jesse loved the outdoors, hunting, and cheering on his favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, and, most of all, the Heart Butte Warriors. He was also an Indian Relay Champion, another passion that reflected his love of tradition, competition, and culture.

Among his greatest accomplishments, Jesse was most proud of being a father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving partner, Crystal New Robe, and his children: Sydnie (David), Peyton, Jaida, Ariel, and Jesse Jr. He was also a proud grandfather to Hazel and Martin.

He is also survived by his father, Wayne E. "Bo" (Susan) Racine; stepfather, Terry Tatsey his siblings: Wayne (Lorinda) Racine, Shaun (Tierra) Kipp, Latrice (Darryl) Tatsey, Mary (Dusty) Racine, Shavonne (Ivan) Red Horn, Brittany Racine, Tinelle Tatsey, Tara Tatsey, Ashley Gilham; his grandparents Diane Marceau and Patrick Calf Looking, aunties, Patricia (Wilford) Calf Looking, Misty Calf Looking, Jewel (Kevin) Lahr; uncles, John (Janice) Calf Looking, Kevin (Myrna) Racine, Chris Calf Looking; and his many nieces and nephews.

Jesse was preceded in death by his beloved mother Catherine Ann "Cassie" Calf Looking, grandmother Barbara Christensen, grandfather Abel Racine, and uncle Titus Calf Looking.

Jesse will be remembered for his loyalty, laughter, fierce dedication to his family and people, and the pride he took in everything he did - from firefighting and coaching, to fatherhood and friendship.