Richard was born December 20, 1954 in Gordon, Nebraska to David Swallow and Margaret Red Shirt Swallow. Richard lived in Wounded Knee, SD with his family. Richard attended school in; Porcupine, Sioux Falls, and Pine Ridge, SD before finally attaining his GED. Richard met Ethel “Bonnie” Bear Killer in high school and married her in 1980.

 

Richard’s life was one of service to others. He was; Substance Abuse counselor at the Main Artery in Long Beach CA. Richard entered the ministry and continued thereafter. He became an Oglala Sioux Tribal Public Safety Officer and was ordained into both; the Native American Church in July 1981 by Priest Emerson Spider SR and into Orchard Valley Ministries in Wichita,KS by Rev. Bob McKinney in April  of 1981.

 

Richard was trained for working the developmentally challenged and became a wildland firefighter. He started his own store/garage in Porcupine –‘Swallow Tipi Grounds Store’. He was requested to move to Chadron NE to minister while at the Chadron Native American Center. He started the ‘Triple S’ Mission from his own home to all those in need.

 

In 1990 Richard became a Sun Dance leader. Six years later Richard’s vision, interpreted by Leonard Crow Dog, was that he was to lead – Richard was designated as Chief of the Standing Buffalo Clan by his father. His Lakota name, given by Crow Dog is“Otiota yuha mani”- he who walks with the foundations. For 16 years he researched the Holy Bible along with observing the Lakota beliefs and traditions, finding parallels and combining both teachings into one spiritual practice.

 

Richard is survived by wife Ethel “Bonnie” Swallow of Wounded Knee, brothers - David, Tim and Leo Swallow; Children – Brian Swallow of Chadron NE, Richard (Linda) Swallow JR of Porcupine SD, Twins Paul and Patrick Swallow of Rapid City SD and Seattle WA, Roland Swallow of Tahoe NV, Rebecca (Scott) Biernacki of Chadron NE, Colette Swallow of Chadron NE, and John Swallow of Chadron NE.

 

Grandchildren are; Courtney Hostedeler, Tyler Swallow, Adrian Swallow, Malachi Swallow, Lavina Patton, Jeremy Swallow. Great grandchildren are; Hope Hostedeler, Faith Hostedeler, and Joshua Swallow. Bernice White Hawk adopted Richard as a son in 1983 from Manderson SD. Adopted sister is Amy Kindler from Des Moines IA. Adopted daughter is Corinne Sierra from Rapid City SD. Adopted uncle Bill Wagner from Park City UT.Adopted brothers are; John Sergant from Cherry Valley CA and Mel Rossman from Wounded Knee SD.

 

Richard was preceded in death by both of his parents, sisters - Bernice ‘Blonde’ (Swallow) Tail and his adopted sister Phyllis Mesteth.

 

A two-night wake service began at 3:00 PM, Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Porcupine School in Porcupine, South Dakota.

 

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Porcupine School Gym in Porcupine, with Rev. Don Mink and Rev. Linda Able officiating. Traditional Lakota Services were provided by Mr. David Swallow, Jr., and Mr. Richard Tail. Burial Services followed at the Swallow Family Cemetery, Porcupine. The Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge were in charge of arrangements