The foundation of our family has been shaken and our hearts broken with the loss of our beloved dad Clifton Ray Cheek Jr. He was truly the best dad anyone could have, he was our rock, and strength. Dad was born November 4, 1967 at Poplar Hospital to our grandpa Clifton Ray Cheek Sr. and grandma Susan Beverly Melbourne-Cheek. Dad was the youngest in his family, he was welcomed home by his big sisters; Linda Melbourne (Todd McClammy), Charlene Cheek and Donna (Errol) Yellow Hammer. His Dakota name is House as Day (Anpetu kin Tipi) was given to him by his uncle, Chief Leonard Crow Dog (Joanne).
Dad was only 51 years old when he passed away at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana, due to a long battle with heart disease and other health complications. Dad met and married mom, Angela Snell-Cheek when he was 19 years old. The love they shared was sincerely heartwarming and enduring. Throughout their 30 years of life together, they held each other up during tough and trying times. They had 3 children; Angeline Faith Cheek, Casey Ray Cheek and Laurel Leigh Cheek. Dad was over joyed at the birth of his two grandchildren Cale Ray and Celine Rose Cheek.
Dad’s education consisted of attending Brockton School. His employment history consists working for A & S Industries, short-term jobs through Tero, one of which was Seismographing, Big Sky Greenhouse in Laurel and later became self-employed by buying and selling Echinacea Roots.
Like many young men, he liked sports and participated in basketball. But he grew up to become a true outdoors man who loved hunting and fishing. Throughout the years, his love for hunting and fishing allowed him to spend time with his many hunting buddies and relatives, it also allowed him to be a great provider to his family and relatives. He came from a generation that provided and cared for others by giving deer or wild game to those in need.
He also came from an inspiring generation that valued family and relatives. He grew up with many first cousins that were like brothers and sisters. His auntie’s and uncles were also important and helped instill the value and importance of family. Some of them have passed on, but he loved them all, so we want to share all their names with you because they were all important to him. Dad’s aunts and uncles: Rebecca Clark, Wilma “Peggy” Melbourne, Faye Melbourne, Thelma Melbourne, Martha Melbourne, Thomas “Turby” Melbourne Jr., Samson Melbourne, Don Cheek and Joyce Cheek-Otto.
Dad’s cousins/brothers and sisters are: Gary “James” Melbourne (Alice), Tom (Linda) Clark Sr., David (Joanne) Clark, Bonnie (Vince) Gundlock, John (Gwen) Clark, William Clark Sr., Joyce (Russ) Parker, Robin (Merilee) Clark, Kelly Melbourne, Vera (Matt) Big Talk, Beverly Bird, Doris “Duckie” Bird (William Boyd), Edmund Bird, Thelma Bird, Sandra Melbourne, Cheryl Melbourne, Lyle Melbourne, Richard Melbourne, Phoebe Melbourne, Theresa Sun Rhodes, and Gerald Melbourne.
Dad also sincerely loved all his nieces and nephews, again some have passed on, but we are still going to mention everyone because dad planned a lot of family events to get them together: Thomas “Greeny” Jerome, Martha Kearns, Marlene Failing, Michael Failing, Johnnie McClammy, William “Tolly” McClammy, Eric Sherman, Andrew Sherman, Bronson Charboneau, Alexis Charboneau, Jahn Charboneau, Cameron Cheek, Misty Rose Yellow Hammer, Myron Yellow Hammer and Traci Yellow Hammer. Throughout Dad and mom’s life they took care of several other nieces, nephews and grandchildren; Misty & Michael Thomas, Jalene Faye Chase, Derris Longtree, Robert “Bubbz” Azure, Carol Burshia, Zacharia & Russell Eder Jr.
Dad came from a huge family, we always teased him that he was related to over half of the reservation. Many relatives too numerous to mention are from; Jones, Fast Horse, Melbourne, Warbonnet, White Hawk, Longee, Crow Dog, Walking Eagle, Martin and Black Dog families. We are sincerely sorry if we left off any names, dad’s passing has been a tremendously devastating shock to our family.
Catholic burial services will be held beginning at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar with a Rosary Monday, May 7, 2018 at 7:00 pm and Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Dad will be laid to rest among his relatives at Riverside Catholic Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.