Saul Black Weasel
courtesy photo
Saul Black Weasel
PABLO — Saul Joel Black Weasel, his Blackfeet name was Omahk Okohtok, “Big Rock,” was born on June 20, 2002, in Great Falls. He was the first child of Ashley Gervais and Joshua Black Weasel.Saul came into the world as a preemie, only weighing 4 pounds, barely fitting into his tiny diapers. By the time he was 5 months old he weighed 25 pounds and was remembered by all as a happy, chubby baby with rolls on top of his rolls. Saul was the oldest of eight children including his siblings, Sydney, Brynnlee, Jennika, Tamryn, Joss, Ryesynn, and Jadyn. He also had many cousins and friends that he considered brothers and sisters as well.
Saul called many places home. He lived in Browning until he was 5- years-old, graduating from HeadStart and setting his sights on bigger things. He moved west with his mom and lived in Missoula, Pablo and Polson, but he also enjoyed spending much time back in Browning with his dad, always considering it “home.” He attended school on both sides of the mountains, from elementary to high school, making many friends wherever he went. He graduated from Ronan Middle School in 2016. He went on to make a big impact at Ronan High School, playing sports and focusing particularly on basketball, he graduated in May of 2020.
Not wasting any time, Saul enrolled as a freshman at Salish Kootenai College in the Highway Construction program. He continued to accomplish his goals as fast as he could set them. Saul was OSHA certified, CPR certified, and a recent licensed driver. He had just earned his Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate in November 2020, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and earning a place on the Registrar’s List. Saul had just recently completed the necessary CDL permit requirements and was scheduled to begin driving trucks with SKC’s Highway Construction program.
Saul’s heart beamed with the love he had for his family. He often stressed about the need to get into shape as he had six sisters to protect and a brother to provide guidance to. He loved his grandparents deeply, and created many, many fond memories with them. He often said how he couldn’t wait for the day when he could take care of them all. He loved his dad dearly. When Saul was born, Josh gave him the very best parts of him so that Saul would never forget who he was and where he came from.
Being his mother’s only son, he was a mama’s boy for sure! One of his most recent text messages said, “I’m lonely, I’m going to come to the house.” He would then snuggle with his baby sister Jadyn and on occasion, his mom would roll over to find Saul snuggled next to her in bed as well! A big, 6-foot-2-inch-tall baby she said. Saul was a lucky one, also having the love of his step-mother, Angel. Together their love for Saul was endless. There wasn’t a single thing that his family wouldn’t do for him. Having the love and support from all of those that loved him shined brightly through Saul with each and every success and accomplishment.
Saul’s first love was Sanaa Casey, they always managed to find their way to each other despite the distance between them. He once said, she was “home” to him and when they were together, there was nowhere else he’d rather be. She was the reason for that big cheesy smile that would almost make his eyes close. We will miss that forever.
Saul was all things genuine and kind. The impact that he made in all of those he encountered, with his amazing personality and good heart, was huge. The void he leaves in our lives is even bigger. He had dreams, ambition and goals as big as the sky! There’s not a single doubt that Saul wouldn’t have attained everything he would have set out to do.
Saul Joel Black Weasel was born on June 20, 2002, he died on Jan. 23, 2021, the victim of a car crash. He was 18 years old; a blessing to all. And when tomorrow starts without him, we’ll carry him in our hearts forever.
Saul is survived by his mother, Ashley Gervais; his father, Joshua Black Weasel; his step-mother, Angel Black Weasel; his siblings, Sydney, Brynnlee, Jennika, Tamryn, Joss, Ryesynn, and Jadyn; his grandparents, Cheryl Gervais, Roger Black Weasel and Sheri Black Weasel.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Rodney “Fish” Gervais and his maternal uncles, Leroy and John Gervais.
Wake services were held on both the Flathead and Blackfeet reservations. Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Roy Wolf Tail at Church on the Rock. Saul was buried in the Blackweasel Family Cemetery located in Durham, Montana, on Feb. 1, 2021.
