Bruce Lafountain

Bruce Ambrose Ojaanimakwa’am “Rolling Thunder” LaFountain, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, began his spirit journey on September 11, 2024. He passed away in his home studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Bruce was born on March 14, 1961 in Compton, California to Fred and Stella (Poitra) LaFountain. He was the fifth of 10 children, growing up on the shore of Fish Lake on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota. Bruce served in the Army driving tanks in Germany. He received an Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and pistol marksman distinction. After his honorable discharge, he joined his older brother Presley, a stone sculptor, in Colorado, picking up a chisel himself and learning to carve. The two brothers eventually moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, grew their families, and had very successful artistic careers for decades to come. Bruce and Presley shared a deep bond, forged by both blood and their twin paths as visionary artists. 

Bruce’s talent, skill, charm and personality brought him accolades, recognition, awards, museums, galleries, collectors, friendships and fans. His art took him to amazing places and introduced him to tribal chairmen, CEOs, celebrities, high rollers, and respected artists. His fondest memories, though, were the ones that took him home to Fish Lake, riding their horse Big Red, eating bullets and bangs, and being surrounded by family.

Bruce was a true icon. His charisma was undeniable and infectious. Everyone who knew him loved him and many people have said he was the most interesting person they’d ever met. He had so many legendary stories. His fearless sense of adventure fueled his vision, creativity, and imagination. He showed no mercy tackling a twelve-foot block of marble; sheer force, diamond blades, grinders, and perseverance released the spirit within the stone and his mind’s eye, creating a legacy beyond a lifetime. Although he lived the kind of life most men only dream of, his last year was spent napping in the sun and walking with his newest grandchild.

Bruce will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, family, friends and those who were moved and inspired by his incredible body of work. He is survived by his daughter Eve (Jon Almaraz) LaFountain and her mother MarLyn LaFountain, his sons Brian (Brooke) Goff and Dylan Andra LaFountain, grandsons Zev Almaraz, Dakota McMillen and Raylan Goff, granddaughters Bree Keplin, Bryn Keplin, and Madysen Goff, sisters Sheila (Ken) Davis, Dana (Ricky) Thomas, Michelle (Tracy W.) LaFountain, brothers Perry (Judy) LaFountain, Alfred LaFountain Jr., and Stuart (Teri) LaFountain, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bruce’s family brought him home to the Turtle Mountains after his spirit fire. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and M. Stella LaFountain, daughter Janelle Falcon, brother Presley LaFountain, and sisters April LaFountain and Janelle LaFountain. 

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 23, 2024 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, and he was laid to rest at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Belcourt, ND. Military honors provided by Lilley-Dionne Post 262 and the VFW. 

Casket Bearers were Dylan Andra LaFountain, Jonathan Almaraz, Roderick Peltier, Ryan LaFountain, Eric Trottier, Houston LaFountain, Jeremy Laducer, Waylon Keplin, Keon Laducer, and Tate Laducer.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Brian Goff, Saige LaFountain, Perry LaFountain, Ken L. Davis, Rick Thomas, Alfred LaFountain, Stuart LaFountain, and Zev Ziigwan Almaraz. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Santa Fe, New Mexico.