The Crow Tribe of Montana laid its late former chairman, Carl Venne, to rest on Thursday.

Thousands of people attended the service at the Apsaalooke Center in Crow Agency. Tribal, state and federal leaders paid tribute to a man they said had a great vision for his tribe's future.

"He was a man who treated everybody equally," sad former chairman Richard Real Bird, The Billings Gazette reported.. "He respected the leadership of other nations, other tribes, the state of Montana and the United States of America."

"To me, Carl was many things," said Sen. Max Baucus (D). "He was a statesman, leader, veteran, adviser and tireless advocate for the Crow nation. Most importantly, Carl was my friend."

Venne died on Sunday at the age of 62.

Get the Story:
Dignitaries praise Venne as Crow leader is laid to rest (The Billings Gazette 2/20)
Crow Tribal Chairman Funeral (KULR8 2/19)
More than 1,000 mourn Crow Tribal Chairman Carl Venne (AP 2/19)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Carl Venne a leader for Crow education (2/19)
Jodi Rave: Carl Venne a man with 'great vision' (2/17)
Secretary Salazar statement on Carl Venne's passing (2/17)
Heart illness led to death of Crow chair Carl Venne (2/17)