Clifford John Country, affectionately known as “Duta” as a young boy, passed away April 25, 2020 in Poplar MT.
Clifford was born in Poplar to Bonnie Clincher and Jeff Country, Sisseton SD on May 20th 1982. Bonnie later married Herman Red Elk, who helped raised him from a young age.
Clifford attended Poplar Schools. He grew up with Alan Hoke across the street. They could always be seen together and when the hoop went up, many games were played between all his childhood friends, including Dorrance (Bodoo) ComesLast, Darren Red Boy and Tony “Tones” Shields II, Brandon Big Leggins and many others. Clifford spent a summer in Laurel and grew close with cousins Verle Clincher and Louis Montclair. Clifford transferred to Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD, graduating in 2001. He made lifelong friendships that continued to this day. After graduating, Clifford attended Job Corp in Nemo South Dakota. He studied trades in masonry and culinary arts.
Upon returning home, a group of friends started Rez Life Ent around 2003. Clifford joined the group around 2005. This was an important part of his life and they made many songs and videos, some that can be seen on youtube. The group consisted of best friend and brothers Chaz Dillon, “Chaz D”, Casey Weston, Paul Atkinson (Wazetta), James Culbertson (Jimmy C), BJ Johnson (Benzo), Vern Red Elk and Milo Whitetail (Siouxicide) and Dorrance (Bodoo) Comes Last.
Clifford worked at Tribal Express, Commodity Foods, Faith Lutheran Home and lastly at Agland West, with the “Swagland Crew.” Thank you to the “Swagland Crew” for going above and beyond for Clifford, we will not forget it as you all became his “family.”
In 2014 Clifford met Kay Weston and they welcomed “his love” Carolann Lenore Country on February 05, 2016. Clifford loved Kays son Lucas Fast Horse as his son, enjoying getting him ready for school and into the school building. He was proud to do this.
There was never a kinder soul. Clifford never got mad. Always the one who calmed us down. He didn’t let things that happened in life harden his heart. Clifford loved to cruise, hangout with friends and family, jamming to good tunes. In his later days he was always hanging with his best friend and brother, Zack Dionne. The Last Place Champ, Big Spliff, dat illest, we will miss you. There will never be another you.
Clifford is survived by his daughter, Carolann Country; Kay Weston and Lucus FastHorse of Wolf Point MT; Brothers, Vern( Adrian&Joseph) Red Elk, Miles City MT and Randy(Hazel) Red Elk of Wolf Point, Jesse Country of WA and John Country, Sisseton SD; Sisters, Charley (Lee) Red Elk-Snell of Glasgow, Carly Clincher, Wolf Point and Lynn Country of Grand Forks ND; Aunts, Marian(Bruce) Montclair of Poplar, Barbara Salinda of Laurel MT, Annabelle Weston of Pine Ridge SD and Ilona Jo Mathews of Wolf Point; Uncles, Stephen James Clincher and Barry Beach and Bradley Beach of Billings MT, Francis Country Jr of Sisseton SD; Grandmother, Roberta “Bobbie Clincher of Laurel MT; Cousins, Jo’e Youngman, Robin Youngman, Kristofer Boyd, Marise Headdress, Louis, Silas and John Montclair, Ronetta, Verle (Aleih) of Kentucky, and Declan Clincher and families, Ashly Payne and Christian Clincher, Sydney Salinda of Hawthorne Ca. Leann, Lisa and Vicky Perry and families, Alexandria(Azmae) Longee, Kacie(Alan&Taliana) Youngman, Rumiko, Dana, Muriko and Zo’e Mireau, Kylee, Kody, Kalen and Eli Stump. Extended family Weston, Kelly, Hollow Horn, Duboise, Longee and Perry and many throughout Montana and South Dakota. We also remember his special Red Elk Family throughout the US, Valerie, Marlon (Gaye), Derrick, Evi and all the others he loved.
Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Clincher Red Elk and Jeff Country; Paternal Grandparents, Francis and Ester Country; Maternal Grandparents, Mercy and Colonel Macdonald and Silas Clincher; Aunts, Carol Clincher, Nancy Clincher; Uncle, Victor Perry; Cousins, Thomas Montclair and Josephine Youngman; and the main sitter growing up, Faye Perry. Also, Grandma Lenore Red Elk; and Uncle, Loren Red Elk. We apologize if anyone was left out.
In an effort to abide with the social distancing requests, we are asking that only family and close friends attend the viewing and graveside services.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Charley J Snell says
Why u my brother I wish this was all a dream. I will watch over Carolann n lucus n i will tell Carolann about u. Tell mom hi for me. This hurts so freaking much.
Raine Adams says
It was so nice to read Cliff’s brother Charley, step up and say he would watch over cliff’s pride and Joy, Carolann Country. Cliff loved his daughter even before she came into the world, he was the first to feed her and watch over her on the day she was born. He did not get much sleep at the hospital because he was either holding his daughter, kissing her, or walking her around the room, an rocking her back and forth, or changing her diapher. Cliff loved her brother Lucas Fast Horse and always made sure he was never left out. He and Kay would take them to special places out of town to have fun. Carolann loved her daddy so much. Carolann loved it when he would pick her up and hold her in the air as he whispered, “my lovey.” I am so thankful she had that love and joy from Cliff. Cliff always made time, made some many memories with Carol Ann, Lucas and Kay. Cliff, always told them he (loved them) on a daily basis. At Carol Ann’s big events like the holidays or her birthday, he was always there taking pictures or putting together a toy. He always cooked for her birthdays and the holidays. He loved to cook and enjoyed having family and friends over to eat. We never left without him saying take some food home. He had a knack for to keep people laughing. We all have our own memories of him. One of the his co-workers Connie, worked with him at Cenex, shared memories on how she would talk with Cliff and tell him how much Jesus loved him. She took a track on GOD’S love for him and gave it to him to read. Connie and others prayed for Cliff. Cliff will be missed by people whose lives were impacted by him because of his caring and kindness for others. I am thankful I was able to see and share the love between this man Cliff and his (Lovey) daughter. I am also thankful that my sister Norma and I were able to experience the love he shared his Carol Ann, Lucas Fast Horse and his love Kay. I am thrilled to know that Cliff left this world and stepped into paradise with Jesus who welcomed him home. Cliff is also with his heavenly family, and ‘”All those who journeyed to eternity before him.” My condolences to his family, relatives and friends. Thank you Char for calling your niece Carol Ann Saturday night! When I brought her over Saturday night she came in an went to her grandma Norma and hugged her and said, “My daddy died’ they both hugged and cried.
Suzanne Turnbull says
I’m so sorry. My payers are with the family. Be at peace Clifford.
Zach Dionne says
Clifford was a good man and had a heart of gold, always in a chill mood and joking around. I’m going to miss our time we’d cruise for hours and talk about all kinds of crazy stuff. He loved his daughter my niece Carol Ann with a passion. If I didn’t know how to cook a certain dish I could always rely on Cliff to give me pointers. Fly high my brother you will truly be missed by many.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Sending prayers of comfort and strength as you gather to say farewell. Memories are the healing balm that Creator gives to us – cherish the memories.
Brandon Big Leggins SR says
Hey brother, I know you’re in a good place with the grandfathers, love you homie BBL Sr
Darlyn Grainger says
So Sorry for your loss
Patt Iron Cloud Runs Through says
God blessed you with such a beautiful Mommy. She came now to take you home. We are all happy for you. We know you are happy too dear nephew. We are so very sad. We love you and we will miss you until we are all together on One Fine Day. Auntie Patt 😭🙏🏼❤️💔
Gay Pennington says
Sorry for the loss. I got too no Clifford and he always had a smile on his face. He was quiet but we always got him to laugh. Clifford tell your mom Bonnie hi from me as I miss my visits with her. Your mom and Marion always made sure I was okay and happy. You will be miss by everyone and my deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace. From Gay (Paulson) Pennington
Traci LeVay-Holt says
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
scott taylor says
To Cliff’s family and friends…..I only knew Cliff from him working at Ag-land west….but knew him as a kind soul…and we could both give as well as take it…loved to tease
Cliff….just to get him to laugh…gonna miss him….God bless…..Scott Taylor