11/19/2025
Albert Howard "Greek" Culbertson
Albert âGreekâ Howard Culbertson entered the Spirit World on Saturday November 15th at 86 years old, leaving behind a legacy built on love, quiet strength, and the kind of presence that shaped generations.
Born on February 17, 1939, to Flora Gladue and Howard Culbertson, he earned the nickname âGreekâ before he was even out of diapersâwhen an uncle joked that he âdidnât look like an Indian baby,â and the name simply stuck. From Poplar to Wolf Point to Colorado and countless places in between, everyone knew him as Greek. Greek was a proud descendant of Alexander Culbertson and Natawista.
He grew up in the Poplar Public School system, never missing a single day of school from elementary through high school. He excelled in sportsâfootball, baseball, trackâbut basketball was where he shined. He was such a phenomenal athlete that he earned a scholarship offer to Rocky Mountain College, but he chose Haskell Indian College after meeting his wife, Phyllis Pond. They married in Lawrence, Kansas, beginning their family journey together.
Greek and Phyllis lived briefly in Kansas City before returning home to Montana, where they welcomed their childrenâAlbert âBuzzâ, Kay, and Janet. Work was hard to come by in the 1960s, especially on the reservation, so Greek did whatever he couldâselling cars, working oil rigs, even serving as a Tribal policeman for a day. A natural builder at heart, he eventually found his calling helping Tribal members construct their own homes. Many of those homes still stand today.
In 1966, he left for Denver to find more stable work as a carpenter. It was one of the hardest decisions of his life, leaving his young family behind temporarilyâbut in true Greek fashion, his actions proved his love. He worked tirelessly, driving home to Wolf Point through the night on weekends, only to turn around and make it back to Colorado before Monday morning. Eventually, he moved the family to Littleton and built the life he dreamed of.
His talent and work ethic carried him far. He became a foreman, then started his own subcontracting crew, and eventually went into partnership to form Kobey Culbertson Construction, one of Denverâs premier homebuilding companies. Greek was proud of the work he didânot because it brought prestige, but because it gave people places to call home. One of his dreams was to build quality homes for Tribal members, and he fulfilled that dream when he designed and built a home for his brother
Greek carried his athletic spirit with him throughout his entire life. Even into his later years, staying active was a priority. He was known for his long daily walks, his commitment to the gym, and took pride in keeping his body and mind strong and healthy. His discipline and energy were inspiringâhe never stopped moving, never stopped taking care of himself, and never stopped living with the same quiet determination he had as a young athlete.
Greek had many close friends, and he never hesitated to travel to visit them, always making an effort to stay connected. Most days, you could find him at the local McDonaldâs, enjoying coffee and conversation with his buddies. He loved reminiscing about his childhood and sharing funny stories about his beloved sisters, for whom he would do anything. He even had a room at his sister Carol Leeâs home, dropping by unexpectedâa surprise she always cherished. He shared a special bond with his brother-in-law Mike, and the two could spend hours on the phone reminiscing about old times and the many âold timersâ they both knew.â
He cared deeply about his countless friends and family and spoke about them endlessly. Greek was the quiet, steady presence who spoke softly but whose actions were larger than life. He was the guy who took the grandkids to 7-Eleven and let them load up on candy, the one who showed up with his entire tool chest when all you needed was a little help. He was always one of the first to the hospital to welcome a newborn, and his love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren was immeasurable. He had that special bond where you could sit together, barely say anything, and somehow say everything. Though he has journeyed on, he leaves a legacy of strength, quiet wisdom, and love that we will carry with us always.
In his recent years, Greek shared his life with his partner, Burgunda Probert, whose companionship brought him great joy. Together they traveled often, especially throughout Europe, and he developed a special love for Italy, Germany, and the beaches of Normandy. Their time together enriched his final chapter with adventure, comfort, and care.
He is preceded in death by his parents Flora and Howard; sisters LouAnn, Glorene, Zelma; brother Doddie; former wife Phyllis Pond Culbertson; adopted sister Helen Youpee Ricker; his in-laws Camilla âMillieâ and Jimmy Pond; brothers-in-law Scotty Azure, Leland, Alan, Kenny, and Jerry Pond, and Warren Albertson; great-grandchildren Jusina âLittleâ Millie and Nathanial Bennett Holm; and niece Gail LaRose Henderson.
He is survived by his children Albert (Buzz) Culbertson, Kay Culbertson (Jim Roberts), and Janet Frederick (Adam); and by his loving partner Burgunda Probert. He is also survived by his sisters Jacque Sandoval, Sandra Albertson, and Carol Lee Azure; sisters-in-law Sharon LaRose (Eric) and Charlene Culbertson; and brother-in-law Mike Pond (Wanda). His grandchildren are Aaron and Albert Culbertson; Jennifer and Camilla Falcon; James II âTrevorâ Roberts; and Ricky and Lauren Ansay. His great-grandchildren are Kayla and Alana Price; Sadona and Dessie Holm; Rvfo and Suwesuwe Culbertson; Mika Culbertson; Raffael Ansay; and Levi and Jett Dormond.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the guestbook below.
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