Ray Hillenbrand walks on

 

RAPID CITY – Prairie Edge has been a long time staple of downtown Rapid City and its owner, Ray Hillenbrand has made his journey this past Friday at the age of 84.

Known for his benevolent spirit and quiet philanthropy, Hillenbrand has been supporting the Native American art community for many years through Prairie Edge. Hundreds of artists have made a living through the purchasing and selling of their pieces in the historic building in downtown Rapid City.

Over the years, Hillenbrand has supported, through his anonymous donations, the efforts of many community building organizations. His care for Rapid City and the people, Native and non-Native American alike, made giving of his time and energy an easy task. Financially, Hillenbrand is responsible for improving the lives of many through his support and generosity.

Hillenbrand has been well-respected and admired by many business leaders across the region. His dedication to keeping Native American culture vibrant and current has been the desired goal of many similar businesses that have come and gone over the years. The business owner always felt it was important to use the works of traditional leaders and culture bearers. The works of many great master artists in their genre can be found in Prairie Edge to this day, and will continue for many generations.

The owner of Prairie Edge was never one to bask in the glory of his work, but preferred to encourage others by giving them a handshake and a few words of encouragement. Downtown Rapid City will not be the same without the quiet gentleman pacing across the busy streets during the rush hour. Many people did not recognize him as they passed by, and Hillenbrand preferred it that way. His humility will be missed by his staff and friends.

For nearly the last two years, Hillenbrand has very proud that his business was the host of the local hit TV show, Oyate Today. During filming, the Prairie Edge owner would engage in conversations with the host and producers of the show. Although a big fan of the show, he never wanted to be on Oyate Today because that was not who he was. He avoided that type of recognition.

Newspaper publisher Tim Giago said of Ray, “I’ve known Ray for more than 30 years. More than once I asked him if we could do a story on him and Prairie Edge, but each time he declined. He told me he just didn’t want to make a big deal of what he was doing because it wasn’t a job, it was the love of his life.”

Oyate Today visited with artists and employees at Prairie Edge. The general consensus was that he would be missed. Hillenbrand walking around the various areas of the building and giving handshakes gave his employees encouragement that was reflected to visitors and patrons of the store.

Frank Nightpipe, 46, has been with Prairie Edge for eleven years. Nightpipe is a top salesperson for the store and had a close relationship with Hillenbrand over the years. During business hours, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe member could be seen talking with tourists and giving cultural background and historical information regarding the various pieces of art and clothing in the stores.

“Every time Ray would walk through the store, he would say hi to all the employees. He knew all the employees by name,” said Nightpipe. “He was always interested in what I was doing. I like to read, so he would always ask what book I was reading and what it was about.”

This connection to his staff, although brief, always made them feel special and like they are part of a great team, according to Nightpipe.

“Ray has been great with his artists. He created Prairie Edge as a venue for Native artists, but also to advance the culture. That way people are aware that we (Native Americans) are here; without him there would not be a Prairie Edge,” said Nightpipe. He goes on to say that the artist and the business owner worked together over the years to create a story for a local and tourist audience.

The store has been ever-changing over the years. Artists have come and gone, and their work continues to have a voice in the community. This relationship between artist and owner has never been about finances, but rather the story told within those pieces of art. Art from Prairie Edge can be found in all corners of the continent and all around the world.

Nightpipe said he will greatly miss his Hillenbrand, as will the many employees, past and present. Visitation for Ray Hillenbrand will be at Blessed Sacrament Church from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, and a Christian Wake Service will be at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Christian Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. and Internment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. The public is welcome to attend.

The passing of Ray Hillenbrand is the passing of a generation of great leadership, quality citizenship and unspoken humility. He made relations between Native Americans and non-Native Americans better each day he lived.

(Contact Native Sun News Today Correspondent Richie Richards at richie4175@gmail.com)

 

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