Donald Edwin “Nick” Parker (93)
August 25, 1928 – October 30, 2021
Vóhkee’ėse – Crooked Nose
Donald “Nick” Parker, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend, passed on due to complications of a massive stroke. His children were blessed to be by his side, and he was taken care of by the excellent palliative team at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Nick was born in Lame Deer at the old clinic, the site of today’s police station. His early years were spent up Logging Creek where his father, Alvin Oscar Parker and mother, Mildred Edna Osborn homesteaded a small ranch. The log cabin he and his six siblings grew up in had no electricity or indoor plumbing. The creek that ran nearby served as a refrigerator, and they of course dug a root cellar. Nick was the youngest serving member of his siblings: Clyde, Verda, Shirley, Lyle “Chink”, Vera May, and Ernest.
Nick could build or do anything. His hard working reputation began when he and his brothers fought Reservation forest fires. They would grab a shovel, hop on their horses and always got to the fire before anyone else. He said that a camp was set up to feed the fire fighters, but the brothers slept on the ground and were unpaid volunteers. Nick worked on a U.S. survey crew in the summer of 1945, was a quick learner and almost went off to school in Helena when his boss offered to pay for his schooling.
In the 30s times were always tough, so Nick spent a lot of time living with different relatives. He was sent to St. Labre School, attended the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School in Busby, and was even sent to live with a brother in Pullman, WA where he also worked in a dairy. When WWII started, he lied about his age in order to be hired at an aluminum plant in Spokane, WA. He thought it was the least he could do for the war effort since he was declared 4F. He had a crooked arm from being bucked off a horse as a child that was not set properly. He remembered one doctor who had him carry around a 5 gallon bucket of cement in an effort to straighten out that arm, to no avail. After he was released from the aluminum plant because he could not produce a birth certificate, he returned to Lame Deer. Tom and Liz Aikens took him in which enabled him to continue his schooling. He skipped a few grades along the way and flourished at Colstrip High School participating in everything from drama to football, basketball and was a state finisher as a pole vaulter. He is a proud member of the 1948 All-Class Six-Man Football State Championship team, currently in the process of being inducted into the Indian Hall of Fame. Nick was offered a scholarship to play football for the University of Montana, but declined.
Nick graduated Colstrip in 1948 and married his High School sweetheart, Margaret Trube. He took a job with Foley Brothers and worked at the mine in Colstrip from 1947-1958. He also helped support his young family by playing drums in a dance band, and as a referee for high school football and basketball games. He was hired by the Northern Pacific RR and assisted in the closing of the mine until operations halted. He then began a long tenure with the construction company Wickens Brothers until 1981. Due to his tenacity in life and learning Nick always rose quickly to leadership positions. As members of a close-knit construction family, many memories were mad as they traveled from job to job, producing long-time friends in Winifred, Lewistown, on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, in all places across MT.
In 1984 he and wife Marg decided to move back to their Rosebud County roots and started their own construction company, Partners Inc. Nick worked with Morning Star Enterprises for a year, did a job in Glacier Park for the US Department of the Interior, and also designed a scaffolding system to repair Hungry Horse Dam. They completed work for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Montana State Highways, BIA, and the Public Health Service. A true imagineer, Nick also designed an efficient mound septic system that enabled tribal members to build their homes at a lower cost.
As a retiree Nick loved gardening, growing fruit trees, collecting antiques, and has 100s of items on display in the Winifred Museum which includes everything from a milk and pop bottle collection, to guns, and tools. He loved going to garage sales and was always on the hunt for a good hammer. Nick also donated the use and operation of his machinery and labor for many community projects that were headed by the Chamber of Commerce such as the picnic area by Chief Dull Knife College, as well as helping the Everything Beautiful Thrift Store and more recently, the Circle of Life Youth Lodge in Muddy Cluster.
Nick was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, grandson Deryl Swanz, his parents and siblings.
Nick is survived by his five children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren:
1st born: Bob (Susan, deceased) their son Scott, with kids-Emera, Salem, Talon & Tyr; Bob’s daughter Sabrina and her daughter Aslin.
2nd born: Bill (Natalie) children Megan, Nickolas and Adam (Raul Martinez).
3rd born: Karen (Dennis Duty) their children Brooke, daughters Harper and Sawyer; Ashley (Ryan Dunn) son Cannon, step-children Braylon, and Grace; daughter Alysha (Steven Valentine) and their kids Olivia, Hailey and Noah.
4th born: Susan Swanz, her son Ben (his boys Layne & Thomas), and the last grandson, Parker Justin.
Gene (Joy) Culver, a son adopted in the Indian way, (their daughters Medina and Monique).
Nick considered everyone a friend, and could strike up a conversation on any topic, with anyone. He was a true story-teller and is already dearly missed.
We would like to express a special thank you to the Northern Cheyenne Service Unit Emergency Team, and all the Indian Health Service staff that took such good care of him throughout the years, and to the staff at Shoulderblade Complex. Nick really enjoyed getting meals and seeing everyone there.
Anyone wishing to donate a memorial in Dad’s name may send it to the Lame Deer Boys and Girls Club or to the Circle of Life Youth Lodge at Muddy Cluster.
Service Schedule
Luncheon
11:00 AM
Saturday November 6, 2021
Circle of Life Lutheran Church
Muddy Cluster, Montana 59043
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday November 6, 2021
Circle of Life Lutheran Church
Muddy Cluster, Montana 59043
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Carol Bailey says
Nick will be missed by a lot of people , including our family.
Skeeter and Berta Conner says
We loved Grandpa Parker!! I’m sure going to miss his visits and hugs!! Grandpa Parker always had the best stories!! Susan Ben and Parker we are so sad to hear about the passing of such a great man!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time!!
J.B says
Never a dull moment with this cowboy!! You truly are going to be missed around here. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with you Mr. Parker. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
SHELLY HOLUM says
sending prayers to all of the family
Aryn Kaline says
Aww..Bless his heart. He was such a nice kind man. Gonna miss his friendly hellos.
Molly Bailey Barta says
Nick was one of my dad’s oldest, most loyal friends. He will
Be missed. Sending love and prayers to the family.
Sable Kerzmann says
Nick was one of my dearest patients and golf enthusiasts. We would visit anytime we saw one another. He was very proud to be the oldest Cheyenne man living- my Grandpa was the oldest until his passing in Sept 2020. Nick was a genuine, kind-hearted and positive soul. He definitely made the world, and our reservation, a better place. Our prayers are with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved more than life itself. He will be dearly missed!!
BOB SMALLWOLF says
WE AT THE COUNCIL CARE SO MUCH WE WILL JUST PUT A COPY AND PASTE CANNED MESSAGE EVERY TIME. BASICALLY COMES DOWN TO LAZINESS. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF A LOVED ONE.
Ataloa and Ron Burman says
Mr.Parker,was always kinds to is He,also shared his vegatables from his garden.He ,always had a kind word for everyone.Thank-You for being our Friend Nick Parker, you will be missed in our Hearts.
Bonnie Bigback says
My most sincere sympathies for all of Nick’s family. you’ve all lost so many so close together in time. This grand old man was so filled with the love of life and and such jubilant kindness to all he met, he never neglected to make one feel they were a part of his circle of family life. I and my family can count ourselves blessed to have known and felt this love and acceptance by both Nick and his beloved wife Marg over the years. What wonderful community service both have given. We will all be able to continue to reap the benefits and warm memories they bestowed upon us. His was a life well lived.
Deryl &Tracee Raymond-Waples says
Sending our condolences and prayers to the family during this difficult time. Nick was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF DONALD “NICK” EDWIN PARKER AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
George and Georgia Bement says
We are so sorry for everyone’s loss, Nick was such a awesome man who we loved dearly ,always such a giving man if he seen you always came over to visit and see how everything was, awesome man inside and out , everyone will miss him on the NCR and wherever else he went RIP Nick we loved you
Dick and Jan Littlebear says
Nick, the first time I met you, you greeted and talked to me as if you’d known me all of our lives. I was always impressed by how welcoming and good-natured you were. I’m sure you’re going to meet again with ol’ friends at the next camp but you’re going to be missed in this one.
Nėstsenėve’eevȧhootoo’e. Netaašėpėheveasėhoo’ohtse.
Diane Spotted Elk says
Such a kind man.
Journey well Mr. Parker.
Prayers for your family and those dear to you.
Setovaatse & Kitty Medicine Bull says
I always enjoyed his running commentary from the bench behind us during basketball games. Humorous and truthful. His stories will be missed. Condolences to the Parker family
Debby & Arnie Bends says
Nick you made your journey before we could get those fruit trees planted. But after all you did warn us that you were 93 and wouldn’t be with us forever! Wish we could have used your expert green thumb❤️! We will miss our visits at the Colstrip sports events and of course seeing you walk around the clinic to get your steps in. Heaven gained a wonderful storyteller and gentleman. You will be missed🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼.
Sue Parker says
You brought a lot of joy to people, Nick. Rest In Peace with Marg.
Ryan Parker says
Nick is the last in the old line of Parkers. And it’s fitting because he spent his 93 years living an eventful and amazing life. I’ll miss our conversations, cousin.
Michael Speelman and Family says
Nick “The Swed” was always good to work for i helped finish his home he and Marg I’ve in . Nick was always good for a humorous story or two. I enjoyed our last visit this past summer. RIP my dear friend.
Prayers and Condolences to the Family.
Tom & Robin Nansel says
Nick will be missed! He was always smiling, always had a story or a joke to tell, and so much knowledge to share! He lived a wonderful life and leaves an amazing legacy! Sending our prayers to the Parker family.
Kathy LaDuke says
Nick, I will always remember you….your heart was the biggest, your hugs were always the best!! Basketball in Colstrip will not be the same….hugs to all of your family!!
Emma Harris says
Nick was a kind soul. My brother Baptiste worked for him on several projects and always had high regards for him. He expected a days work for a days pay but would always help you out in a pinch. He was a good person who helped out when needed. Journey well Nick, you deserve to rest and be reunited with Marge.
Geri Small says
Condolences to to the PARKER FAMILY. Nic was always willing to help out and always had a great story. Fly high my Friend💙
Cindra Standing Elk says
Seidel and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends… peace and strength ❤️🙏
Irene and Ken Nelson says
Nick had the biggest smile and loved to visit. He truly was a blessing to many. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Duane Cole says
I will miss you my friend! From the first time I met you many years ago, I always enjoyed our talks, and your wisdom of so many different things! Rest In Peace. Prayers to your family.
marcus belgarde says
I only talked to Nick a few times but he was a very great man to have met in lame deer MT. sorry for the loss of a wonderful man.
Jim Warneke says
I have many great memories of Nick and his family. We were with you on wickens const . Call me at 406 853 8894
Silver Little Eagle says
Nick will be missed by the staff and elders at the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Program
Shirley Skinner says
We were shocked and saddened by Nick’s death, as I am sure many were. I was so happy to have had a visit with him just about 2 weeks prior to his death. Nick was truly one of a kind and he will be missed by many. RIP Nick and prayers and condolences to your family!
Vern and Dana Petersen says
Our condolences to Nick’s entire family. I have so many memories from the construction days with both Nick and the boys. I enjoyed the chance meeting with Nick and Bill in Billings which was the last time I had the privilege of visiting with him. May God be with you all in your time of grief.
Donna Limpy Gonzales says
Condolences to the family, Corinne, Betty and I enjoyed our lunches and playing afternoon bingo with him at the Shoulder blade Complex
He always was a joy to be around from Corinne Limpy Washer, Betty Limpy Williams, Donna Lmpy Gonzales
Carl Somers says
I always enjoyed my visits to the Parker cabins. I marveled at how Grandpa Nic could grow such great gardens!!! Grandpa Nic was such a wealth of history too! I only have positive memories as I am sure so many of you out there have of him too. Blessings to Bob, Bill Susan and all the rest.
Carl M. Somers
Luke Altenhofen says
He was quite the character, and I always enjoyed our visits. I will always remember him fondly. May his family take solace in knowing he was a great man.
nancy Osborne says
Our dear friend and cousin who our lives passed in a unique situation of living next door to his daughter Karen. we had the best memories of a dear couple who just fit our style. Miss you . May we all meet again in eternal rest. love, Lee and Nancy