Ga Ni Gabi “Chosen One”, his English name Walter E. Clark, age 76, passed away on May 2, 2017 at NEMHS Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point. Walter was born on March 13, 1941 in Poplar, MT and was the 6th child of Walter and Nellie Clark. The reason he was the youngest was because they finally got a good one.
When he was 16 years old he left home to try to get a better life than the one he had, by getting an education. His best friend Bill Jackson “Gee” and dad went to Haskell. They signed up and were on their way. He was there for 3 ½ years and graduated with a Masonry Degree. Dad relocated to Oakland, CA as a bricklayer. Then Uncle Sam drafted him into the Army, where he served for 2 years. When he got out he came home and hooked up (married) June Daniels. He later worked in a steel mill for 3 years and moved back home where he worked at the Tribal Court as a Clerk of Court and later as an Associate Justice. In 1979, he was elected to serve on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board and served a total of 28 years on the Fort Peck Tribal Council. While on the council he was the Land Chairman and full supported buying land for the Fort Peck Tribes land base. He was on the Montana Reserve Water Rights Compact Negotiator. He was one of the Negotiator for the Salazar vs Cobell in Washington, DC. He was the Flag Bearer for Red Bottom Celebration for many years, at one time they had 28 drums. He served on the Frazer School Board for many years. He was a Medicine Lodge Society Leader and Name Giver.
Walter is survived by his wife June of 51 years; children Kristine Clark, Ervin Clark, Kimberly (Charles) Johnson and Richard Clark; grandchildren Kristofer Clark, Mabel Clark, Steven Bearcub, Michael & Stephanie Bearcub, KC & Eden Johnson, Bradley & Dani Clark, Linnea Clark, Brett Clark, Katelyn Clark, adopted grandchildren Cher (Leon) Desjarlais, Santio DeHerrera, Eloisa DeHerrera, Hunter Archambault, Quincee Clark, Sioux Ella and Shaylene Moffit, Daniel DeHerrera and Brandon DeHerrera; great-grandchildren Elliyah Clark, Kameron Clark, Brylee Bearcub, Brayden Bearcub, Bailey Bearcub, Brody Bearcub, Jessa Bearcub, Brooklyn Bearcub, Abel Johnson, Isaiah Johnson, Malyna Escarcega, adopted grandchildren, Calvin Adams and Cayana Adams and Luna Bird in Ground, Nakoa Heavy Runner and Beefy Archambeault, adopted children Amy and James DeHerrera, Gale Headdress, Shari Daniels, Ronnie (Ruth) Jackson, Mary (Verle) Follette, Coleen Clark, Resa Todd, Diane & Diego Wetsit-Hoy,Toni Henderson, Lori & Donovan Archambault, Debbie His Horse’s Thunder, Loren Lewis, Harold Wetsit; nephew Marty Reum and all his Medicine Lodge Family; adopted brothers and sisters Ken (Sylvia) Ryan, Larry (Edna) Wetsit, Butch Bell, JoJo Miller, Richard Jackson, Jim Shanley; extended family Ackerman, Menz, Windy Boy, Daniels, Bighorn, Spang. Dad had many people who would call him dad, uncle, grandpa, papa. Our apologies if we forgot anyone for he had a huge family.
Preceded in death by his great-grandson Aaron Johnson, his parents Walter and Nellie Clark, his siblings, Calvin Clark, Wm Ernie Clark, Donald “Duck” Clark, Bernadine Wallace, Rita Track, his nephew Laramie “Fooge” Wallace and Lanelle Wallace.
Dad, we love you and you will be missed very much.
“If you’re reading this, I must be gone. I wish you all well and good health, I love each and every one of you and all I ask is that you love each other.”
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Our prayers are with the family
Herman Red Elk and Family says
Herman Red Elk family and kids send condolences to the family June and the kids he was a good friend of mine
Jessica taylor says
Prayers to the family
Jessica Mason-Cantrell says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May God’s spirit be with you during this time of loss
Yvonne & Caleb Shields says
I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF LONG TIME TRIBAL LEADER WALTER CLARKLEAVING THIS WORLD TO BE WITH HIS RELATIONS IN THE SPIRIT WORLD. WE WILL MISS YOU MY FRIEND AND OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY. I WAS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO VISIT WITH YOU ON OUR VISIT BACK HOME THE MIDDLE OF MAY SO AM NOW THINKING BACK ALL THOSE YEARS WE SERVED TOGETHER ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THOSE MEMORIES MY FRIEND, HAVE A GOOD JOURNEY.
Tyrus Follet says
Condolences to Clark Family,Walter was a good man! Sending prayer of peace and comfort!
kevin k rasor says
my condolences to the family
Judy Rodriguez says
Safe journey Uncle..
I can see you now running to all the family waiting for you.. no more pain, no more suffering.
Growing up we had our ups n downs but you were
always my Uncle Ervin (Walter was my Grandpa)!!!!!
Remember I told you long time ago I would have the last word ..so there!!! Lol.. R.I.P. ??
Linda Azure says
Condolences to the Clark family. God bless you always.Take care.
Debra Mason says
June&Family,Im so sorry for Uncle Walter’s passing.I’ll always remember him with his beautiful smile &how he liked to tease.God comfort all of you at this time.
simon looking elk says
I am sad about Walter leaving us. Many memories came back about the times I spent with Walter. I will be praying for courage, strength and comfort during these difficult time. I will miss you-all at the presbytery meeting in Frazer. I have a funeral to take care of at our church in Porcupine, sd. I hope to see this summer.
Robert & Terry McAnally says
Many thoughts and prayers to my Uncle Walter’s family. We will grieve Uncle’s passing to the other side camp, but will always celebrate his life and the good times we had together. Wakan Tanka Niya Wa’ste. Aho.
Crystal Eagle says
My thoughts and prayers are with you ALL!!
May the Creator bring you peace.?
Crystal Eagle says
Thoughts and prayers for you ALL.
May the Creator being you peace.?
Crystal Eagle says
Thoughts and prayers for you ALL.
May the Creator bring you peace.?
Karl Eder says
Sorry for your loss June and family, Walter was a good man and I enjoyed seeing you guys at all the powwows.
Walter served many years with my dad Ray K. and were good friends!! They are in the spirit world now with all our relatives!!! But still will miss seeing them!!!
Michele says
Condolence June and children. Walter will be missed. Liked to laugh and tease. Thinking and praying for you during this sad time in your ives
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to the family, June I pray that the Lord will give you strength for you to walk at this time . I was telling my son the other day I remember when you Walter got together you and Walter were over visiting at Sissy Levays. It seems like it was just yesterday but it was over 50 years ago.
Maria Ryan says
Condolences to Walter’s family. Walter was such a nice man, he always had a smile on his face and nothing but kind words.
Roxanne Gourneau says
Rest In Peace Walter, I have many fond memories of you over the years as we served our tribe. Prayers for his family and special intentions to his beloved wife June
Matt Runs Through/Patt Iron Cloud says
May our Creator bless you, our beloved And most Honorable Councilman Walter Ervin Clark, on your journey to the land our Ancestors. You have changed history on our homeland by serving our people so selflessly for over 30 years and more. Thank you for being a good role model, a great husband and father, a wonderful Grandpa. You were our friend on Mother Earth and you will still be our Kona in Heaven. May you know how many of our people mourn your passing. You are rich in love and you gave it freely. It was wonderful to see you and sing and pray for you. May God our Creator bring comfort to your grieving wife June and all your beautiful babies. You will certainly be missed by all. Love ❤️Matt and Patt
Raine Adams & Norma Dionne says
We the Adams and Norma Dionne Family send our Condolences to the Walter Clark Family, when I seen him at the clinic I thanked him for all the work he has done for the people when he was on the council. His family members have followed in his foot steps by serving and helping people on our reservation in Tribal Government positions. They have shown kindness and compassion for others. Another thing I notices was the laughter that brought smiles to many people as he would joke around. Walter will be missed but his legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren adopted family, all relatives and lodge family . We thank the Clark family for the love the creator has given them to pass one. There Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle whatever title he held made an impact in this life.
chris bauer says
my deepest condolences to June, my bro Richard Clark and the Clark family. He will be missed by many! Was an honor to have known such an honorable man. His smile and humor will also be missed, much respect , prayers and blessings to you all!
Anita Trice says
My deepest condolences to the family friends of Uncle Walter Clark. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Neil Trahant says
Condolences from your cousins in Idaho. Walter will be missed. We were glad we got a chance to visit last summer. Neil Trahant and family
Curley Youpee says
We extend our deepest sympathies to June and the family. Walter always greeted us with something to laugh about.
Farewell Kola, our discussions to examine Western behaviors on the lives and cultural expressions of the ethnically defined or identified will truly be missed.
Doksa, ake waunkte.
Wayne & Evetta Two Bulls says
The passing of Uncle Walter has left a void in all our lives. He will be missed dearly. Prayers for comfort and strength during this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace Uncle.
Shannon Gonzalez says
June, Kim, Christine and family. Bernie and I send our sincere condolences for the loss of Walter. We enjoyed visiting you guys whenever we’d run into you at Albertsons. Walter would tell Bernie we gotta stop meeting like this! Ha I loved to watch you two together. Such a great love. We will pray for you all in the long days ahead.
Rhonda Mason says
I will miss seeing you around Walter. You and June always had a smile and nice greeting whenever I saw you. I know you will be looking down from heaven Walter and watching out for everyone, especially June. I always admired you two soul mates.❤️?God bless.
Frank S says
I was surprised to come home and hear of walters passing. he is still with us with a big smile and jokes. he always made time to talk to everyone that wanted infomation and he was dedicated to increasing our land acerage.
Kathy Rae Eder says
My love and support to June and family; there’s definitely a quorum in heaven with all the past coucilmembers who waited on Wallters arrival for their next meeting of the wiser ones. Our hearts are saddened but we can rejoice for our dads no longer have pain or suffering but health n wealth in Jesus presence Praise the Lord. We shall all meet again?? Praise God?
James Wilson and Rosella Sky Arrow says
Many blessing for the Family of Walter Clark. We will miss you Walter, rest in peace. May the Great Spirit watch over your wife June and all your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ake wancinyakinkta.
Spike Bighorn says
I send my heartfelt condolences to June and her family on Walter’s passing. He was a respected leader of our tribe, and was a tireless advocate for protecting the tribe’s most valuable asset – it’s land. It was an honor to serve with him on the Tribal Executive Board, and learned a lot from him during our time as elected officials. He will be missed….
Gay & Brian Pennington says
June and Family You have my Condolences of Walter, I got to know both of you thou Bob’s Market and Avon. Walter always have a smile on his face and would always give me a bad time at the store and we would always visit before he left. June and family you have my prayers & my Deepest Sympathy. P.S. Kim I’ll always be there for you and My friendship. God Bless you all. I’ll miss your dad giving me a hard time…… Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the Clark family. Walter was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time
Florence Garcia says
I’m sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. I pray for the family, especially June, at this time.
mary follette and family says
thank you for taking me as your daughter it was an honor, you were one of the kindest men around. your presence will be deeply missed. R.I.P. love you. prayers for mom June.
liana says
i wish you were still here grandpa i miss it when we used to come to your house and run down the road from your dogs love you gramps love you:(
Yacinta Jacobs says
Yacinta and Donald Jacobs send condolences and prayers to the family.