The legend himself, Ted (Theodore) Bordeaux, known as Popeye, started his journey to the stars Tuesday, July 19th, 2022. Born in 1930 on the Rosebud Reservation in Swift Bear community, before running water or cars were common on the reservation, Ted was a boarding school survivor who attended St. Francis Indian School and stayed fluent in both Lakotiyapi and English. He Moved to Ft. Pierre, then Minneapolis, MN, Box Elder, SD, then back home to the Swift Bear Community and built himself a home. Well known by many as a musician and artist, Ted rocked and rolled and honkeytonked his way all over Indian Country, with a music career spanning more than 70 years, jamming with country and western music legends. He received an Honorary Doctorate from SGU in Music and was inducted into the South Dakota Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame for his natural, self-taught talent in the steel guitar, electric bass, and any other instrument he touched. He was also a skilled Ironworker, building much of the Minneapolis skyline for 35 years without missing a day of work. He spent his retirement starting in 1991 creating steel sculptures, and building the Mission skatepark well into his 80s. Kola to all, the stories of Popeye will continue to be told for the next 7 generations and beyond.

Survived by his very close brother, Lakota way, Lionel Bordeaux; his previous wife Micki Bordeaux, his children Robin Bordeaux, Melody Whiteman, Tera Sweet, Lisa Smith-Inman, Todd Bordeaux, and LoneDog (Travis) Bordeaux; his 20 takojas; and all of his relations. Preceded in death by sons Jake (Jerald) Bordeaux and David Bordeaux, 1st wife Katie Marie Adams, and 2nd wife Patty Highland.

Ted’s services will be as follows: family visitation will take place at the Swift Bear Community Center Thursday and Friday. Traditional prayer services begin on Saturday at 5PM, open to the public with meal to follow. Traditional funeral services will begin on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 1PM with meal to follow. Ted will forever be remembered as Rosebud’s own Siouxperman. Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine, NE was entrusted with the arrangements.