Clifford Joseph Small, Wolf Old Man, Ho’nehene’hovse, of Lame Deer, Montana journeyed to the next camp on August 12, 2023. He was 78 years young.
Cliff was a remarkable man who lived life to its fullest.
He grew up on the tail-end of the old horse days, when training & riding your best horses was esteemed. He was an accomplished horse trainer and learned from some of the best in the area: his dad, Horace Small, Gilbert Whitedirt, Clinton, Ralph & Ivan Small, Tom & Matthew Wooden Legs, Lloyd Littlebird, to name just a few. He also learned “horse medicine” from folks like McManus, New Guinea, Charles Sitting Man, etc.
Cliff was a throw-back to the old ways: he enjoyed the independence of living off the land. He was a great hunter and always provided meat for the family. Cliff said the best way to hunt was to go horseback, take a bedroll and camp out in the hills. He trained horses so that he could shoot from the saddle. He’d often take another horse with him to pack in the meat.
In his younger years, Cliff loved to dance and do the “twist” in his jeans, western shirt, and boots. He and Lloyd Littlebird used to ride their horses to local bars to “give the girls a twirl”.
Like many of his generation, Cliff was a hard worker. He was a “Multi-tasker”, doing diverse jobs to bring money in for his family while raising livestock and building a ranch. Even in retirement, he became a snow-plow operator. He loved his trucks, 4 wheelers, snow mobiles, motorcycles, etc. He was a talented self-taught mechanic who kept them all running.
We will miss him and Octa bringing their special dishes to the family gatherings; and the many humorous stories he shared with the family.
The job he disliked the most he said was being a policeman, because he had to arrest his friends. Cliff completed his training as an iron worker in Indiana and later as an Operator in Heavy Equipment. He traveled and lived in various states for work and always went where the union sent him. Sometimes he said he’d drive all night to get to his new worksite and sleep in his truck for a few hours before working an all-day shift.
Cliff worked 33 years in the Colstrip coal mines. He operated just about every type of heavy equipment at Western Energy and Peabody. He was proud of the fact that he operated the most expensive and largest coal haulers there. He received numerous safety awards. Cliff strongly supported the unions and advocated for workers’ rights to good health care and retirement. He set the example for getting to work an hour early and was proud to be a reliable worker who got things done.
Cliff was a Sundancer, and his painters were Alec Brady, Elmer Fighting Bear, Bill Tallbull, and Aaron Whiteman. His mother’s younger brother Matthew Wooden Legs Sr. Sundanced with him during his first time. His grandmother Alice Red Cloud camped and supported them. This was the time when the Cheyenne ceremonies were conducted in the Cheyenne language and he said that you really had to closely listen and learn. He often spoke about how much he appreciated the Cheyenne ways and hoped they remained strong for future generations.
Clifford Joseph Small was married to Octa Pearl Small and they shared a deep and abiding love. Together, they raised their son Brandon and daughter Alisha, along with Octa’s children: Tony, Jenell, Missy, Ramah, James, Lyle, Karla, and Fonda. Clifford is survived by his eldest daughter, Shannon Small Thomas; Alicia; Jenell; Missy; Ramah; Karla; Fonda; and sons Brandon (Jennie); Mervin; Eli; Tony; James; Lyle.
Clifford was preceded in death by his wife Octa Pearl, his parents Horace and Mabel Small, his sons Clifford “Sonny” Small Jr, Michael Small Foote, Quentin Small, Barbara Small Braided Hair, and Qlympia June Small.
Clifford was the eldest son of Horace and Mabel Wooden Legs Small and is survived by his sisters: Georgiann (Bruce) Kellum; Jennie LaFranier; Wanda; Carla; Gail (Joe Rodriguez); and Geri: his brothers Clayton (Maha); Horace Jr. (Ava Lee).
Extended families include Woodenlegs, Spotted Elk, Small, Rondeau, Whitewolf, Little Eagle, Two Bulls.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday August 14, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Alison Bixby Memorial Gardens
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday August 14, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday August 15, 2023
Alison Bixby Memorial Gardens
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Share
Aster Berhane says
My deepest condolences to all the family. He has been very resilient tough soul. Very kind and great sense of humor. It was an honor to have him as a patient.
Jenell Martinez says
Cliff was my stepdad and my friend. We shared the love of my mom Octa. They’re both together again smiling and laughing. I will miss Cliff tremendously. He was a very hard worker and enjoyed the lottery . Eternal rest grant unto ClIf, oh Lord. May the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Karen Kostner says
Clifford was my brother-in-law. I loved spending time with him and with Octa. He always had a funny story to tell, loved to tease and made everyone feel welcome in his home. Prayers and blessings to his family.
Clara Harris says
Clifford will be missed at the Catholic church . He would plow early in the morning before mass..also he would plow my drive way . Jesus, our Lord and savior will welcome you with open arm’s ALSO your mom and dad, and especially Otca.
Yvonne Becker says
My sincere condolences go out to Clifford’s family, extended family, and friends. I worked for a few years at the mine with Clifford. Whenever he came in the office or I would meet him at the gas stations, he always greeted me with his warm smile. His son Brandyn replaced the roof on my house in Forsyth. May he rest in peace with his wife Octa. He was a man of many talents, loved by all who knew him.
Kevin Donnelly says
I don’t know him but he sounds like an excellent person that would have been an enjoyment to have had for a friend. May God be with his family
Gail Small says
Thank you each one of you, for your kind condolences to Cliff’s family. We appreciate it!
Gail Small says
Thank you, each one of you, for your kind condolences to Cliff’s family. We appreciate it!
IUOE Local 400 Board, Members and Staff says
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family during this most difficult time