Claine Raining Bird
Claine Raining Bird (Napew Ka Nanaskomot) “he who gives thanks” passed away on March 13, 2026 in Poplar, MT. Claine was born on August 4th, 1989 to Clara Raining Bird and Phillip Johnston in Havre, MT.
He attended the Rocky Boy Celebration at 2 days old and from then on was meant for the outdoors.
Claine attended school in Wolf Point from Kindergarten to 6th grade then transferred out to Frontier Elementary where he met his lifelong best friend Skyler. He graduated from the 8th grade in 2004 and later attended WPHS, graduating in 2008 with his class. While in school Claine participated in Wolves Basketball and cross country. He enjoyed the few years he got to play with his older brother Joe even attending the state tournament in Great falls one year with the Wolf Point Wolves.
Claine attended Dawson Community College where he got to experience life on his own for the first time with his three friends Skyler, Joey and Mike Bisbee.
Shortly after returning home from college Claine welcomed the light of his life, his beautiful daughter Leighton, whom he loved with all his heart.
He then went on to live in Billings, MT. for a stint where he worked as a cook at second shift, St. Johns Lutheran home, and Famous Daves. Even finding a job in flooring and concrete with his dear friend Pawal.
Over the years Claine worked at MD’s, Cenex West, Just Dine It, Wolf Point Schools, the Elks Club, and Cattlemens Cut.
Claine had a true talent in the kitchen and took great joy in feeding people he loved. He was an avid Yankees fan who loved anything baseball, you could often find him watching a game with his dad on any given day come spring and summer. He enjoyed anything that had to do with the outdoors such as grilling on the blackstone, camping, and especially fishing with his baby brother Parker.
Music was a large part of Claine’s life and will continue to bring family and friends joy when they hear the tunes of LED ZEPPLIN, AC/DC, PINK FLOYD, LYNARD SKYNARD. He was a true old soul. He taught himself how to play “Stairway to Heaven”. The many times we heard the first five chords of that song has to be in the millions.
Claine was a silly goose and always liked to tease and joke. When he was younger he wished to grow up to be a vet detective like Ace Ventura although he found cooking to be his passion. He will always be remembered for his cooking skills everywhere he worked, best known for how well he could sear a steak or cook a prime.
A special thanks to his former bosses for nourishing the chef in him - Marlene Turner, De Hanson, Jan Wemmer, Diane DeWitt, Pawel Kolodziejski.
Claine is survived by his daughter Leighton Loverty Rose Raining Bird, his two moms Clara Raining Bird and Ona Windchief, his dad Chris Windchief, sisters Lacey Johnston, Secret Johnston, Marit Windchief Gibbs (Smiley); brothers Parker Johnston (Jenuine), Wayne Johnston; Auntie mom Sarelle Escarcega (Tom Jr.), Joseph Raining Bird (Cicely), Theron Raining Bird, Colleen Johnston, Curt Johnston; special Auntie Bri Mayeda (Will) and Grandma Pat Stenne.
Claine is preceded in death by his father Philip Johnston, brother Joseph Johnston, grandpas Harold Johnston and Joseph Raining Bird Sr., grandmas Wilma Johnston and Lucille Raining Bird, uncles Doyle Raining Bird, Willard Raining Bird, Derek Johnston, Spud Johnston and Auntie Preppi Turner.
Claine had many special nieces and nephews, lots of cousins and plenty of relatives all too numerous to name.
A prayer service will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20th at the Freida Fourstar Community Center in Frazer. A funeral service will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st . Burial will follow at Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery.
