BROWNING — In Browning, the Blackfeet community and Montana law enforcement officers gathered to remember one of their own.
Blackfeet law enforcement services officer Velden Calica died unexpectedly earlier this month.
Departments from across the state honored Calica's memory with a procession in Browning.
Calica, 39 years old, attended the University of Montana and Blackfeet Community College.
He worked as a case manager for many years, according to his Linkedin profile, before becoming an officer with Blackfeet law enforcement services.
He was with them for more than two years.
Those who knew Calica said he will be remembered as a community leader...and mentor.
People have been sharing their condolences and memories of Calica on Facebook; here is a sample:
- KBWG Radio : "We lost a DJ today, Bear Braids, Velden Calica had a wicked sense of humor and a love of rock n roll"
- Pikuni Press : A mentor to many, a friend to all who knew him, a loving family man, a father, a brother and a son. When Velden walked into the room, the whole place lit up."
- Glacier Youth Football Association : "You inspired and touched everyone u came in contact with, you was a man that most want to be and strive to be."
A GoFundMe account has been created for people to donate in order to help the family with final expenses; the page creator, Sheri Blue, wrote: "Any donations would be appreciated for funeral expenses, a headstone, and any other unforeseen expenses for his wife, children, & grandchildren." Click here if you would like to contribute .
