Lawrence Albert "Wayne" Crue

Lawrence Albert (Wayne) Crue, “Qwahadee” (Antelope) beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, passed into the spirit world and began his journey to the ancestors on March 26, 2022. 

Wayne was born on May 15, 1987 in Pocatello, Idaho.  In his younger years, while his mother attended the University of Illinois, he lived in the Midwest.  It was there that at a very young age, he became an advocate for Native issues with organizations, the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media and the American Indian Movement.  He became a youth spokesman at a very young age, and became very close to mentors Dennis Banks and Clyde Bellecourt.

Wayne was also a Sun Dancer, and a strong believer and follower of tradition.  He would go annually to Pipestone, Minnesota for ceremonies.  He was a pipe holder, and carried that belief wherever he went.

Eventually, his parents moved to Fort Hall to be close to Wayne’s tribal family and culture.  And, following this move, he won over the heart of his wife, Shaneesha, the love of his life.  His personality was charming and so likeable that he quickly made numerous life-long friends in the area. He had such a big heart and would not hesitate to help others in need.  He touched a lot of people’s hearts in a good way.

He also enjoyed dancing, he was a champion grass dancer, and had won a championship at the largest powwow in North America.  He was well known by many in the various powwow circuits throughout the United States and Canada.  From there, he also supported dance troupes organized to present to the public.

Wayne also loved the outdoors of Idaho, hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was an Aqua-culturist  biologist and worked for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Wildlife department and believed in protecting Treaty Rights and the pristine lands and waters of Idaho.  His energy, his spirit, and place in the Tribes will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his mother, Dr. Cyd Crue; biological parents Verlo Hootchew and Jackie Hayes; loving wife, Shaneesha; his children; many paternal/maternal aunts and uncles; the Abrahamson, George, and Baldwin families, along with his numerous Tendoy, Racehorse & Osborne relatives, and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Lane Crue; his grandparents Dr. Benjamin L. Crue and Beverly Mallyon, grandparents Albert F.Unnerstall and Sylvia C. Matthews; Boyd Hootchew and Gelika Tendoy Romero, uncles, and others.

Traditional home viewing will begin at 11 am at his home on 159 Edmo Road, Monday, March 28, 2022.  On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, traditional services will be held at 6 p.m. at his home. A Sunrise Ceremony will take place on Wednesday morning, March 30, 2022 at his residence. Traditional burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the Gibson Cemetery on Ferry Butte Road in Fort Hall, Idaho. Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.

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