Our Beloved, Hubert “Rocky” Bearchum Jr., Ho’honaa’e “Rock” began his journey to the other camp on August 20, 2019. Rocky was born to Herbert “Happy Herb” Bearchum- O’kohomoxxhaahketa and Marie Fighting Bear-Nova’e on March 12, 1969. His “confident and courageous “personality was noticed immediately. At the age of 10 months he became a big brother to Tyrone, and they were more like twins. They were inseparable and Rocky made sure his brother was always safe. They kept Marie on her toes with all the mischief and curiosity adventures. Their loving mom dressed them alike so that she could find them easily.
In his early years He found his lifetime brothers when the family lived in Lame Deer at Westside housing when it was first built and when he attended Lame Deer Public School up to Jr High. He excelled and received awards in football as a quarterback, basketball, track, boxing, and Happy Herb’s Jr. champion Fancy Dancer. He attended all his high school years at Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Ore. where he gained a forever loving family, and graduated with his twin, Tyrone, in 1989. He excelled in Basketball as a point guard as he loved to RUNandGUN. Rocky was well known for his “break dancing” abilities and traveled to many places to accept and win a challenge. His father moved the family to the Ashland Flats (Happy Flats). During his high school summers, he spent time with his Birney Village relatives and Rabbit Town family. His adopted mom Henrietta Bear always had a place for him at her home and he gained more brothers and sisters. He attended Chief Dull Knife College and graduated from Career College of Northern Nevada with a level 2 Welding certificate and was employed with East Ridge Construction. His jobs included firefighter, laborer, roofer, casino and construction worker. There were times that he traveled for his jobs usually with his brother, Frank Two Bulls.
He was a talented artist who learned some of his skills while watching and helping his dad, Happy, design and paint crosses for families and billboard signs for the Tribe and programs. Football season was a favorite time. He looked forward to watching his favorite NFL team- the Denver Broncos and his favorite college team-the Oregon Ducks. He liked to tease his family through messenger when his teams won and theirs lost. His heart and soul were his Children, he loved each one with a passion and when his grandchildren came into his life, he said “I didn’t know how much more a person could love beyond their own kids, then my grandchildren came.” He was so overwhelmed with love to be a “Grandpa” even for the ones he didn’t get an opportunity to meet or hold in person. His saying was “I’m not old, I’m classic” His “Rock Pile” brought so much pride, love and joy for him. In his last days, he wanted to be around for them, but we know he felt comfort and peace that his many brothers & sisters will be looking out for his wife, children and grandchildren. He expressed appreciation for the men who became a dad and cared for his children. Many people shared how he became an instant friend because of his kindhearted nature, his big smile and infectious laugh. Happy liked to tease Rocky that it was going to take a special kind of woman to love him, understand him, and accept his ways. He was blessed to find her, and they became man and wife. Thank you, Angela, for your love and care of Rocky.
He is preceded in death by his beloved sons Atrael Bearchum and Romeo Bearchum Rowland, Niece Valarie C. Bearchum, Father and Mother, Herb and Marie Bearchum,, his paternal grandmother Anne Red Cherries, paternal grandfather Frank Bearchum Sr. with whom he made weekly visits, Maternal grandparents Herbert and Margaret Fighting Bear, grandmothers/moms, Freda Standing Elk and Nancy Sandcrane. Brothers Byron Bearchum, Preston Little Mouth, Forrest Sandcrane-Old Man. Sisters Debra and Candace Bearchum, Ernestine Little Mouth, Nancy Washington. Nephews, Amos and Conja Bearchum Whiteman. Uncles, Wallace, Frank, Jr, and Robert Bearchum Sr., Vann Ryan Sr., Robert “Bobby” Fighting Bear. Aunties Kay, Nathal and Serena Fighting Bear.
He is survived by his wife Angela, whom he affectionately called his “one and only”. His Children, Sheelene (Gary) Simple, Chantel (Marcos) Carmona, Noveko Bearchum Rowland, Cross (Talissa), Taibree (Clint), and Mishayne Bearchum, Rae-Lynn (Adam, Sr.) Aguilar. His precious Grandchildren: Bliss, Mahlyka, Antonio, Emilliana, Romeo, Roah, Vayah, Aniyah, Baby on the way (Cross & Talissa), Tyrel, Charles, Aiden, Adam Jr., 3 on the way, and Kyzar.. His brother, Tyrone ((Sonja) and children Byron, Tyrone Jr., Shaelee, His Sister, Libby(Barry) and nieces and nephews: Shantel(Shawn), Rickey, Rex(Christian), Barry Jr., Danielle(Adrian), and Cheyenne(Chris). His “Baby Sis”, Berta(Micah) and nieces and nephews: Shania, Tyren, Jada(Sam), Sharee(Alyas), Traven, and Jacelyn. Nephews, Aiyanna Dunn, Nako Kunu, Kenji, and Damien. Sisters’ Grandchildren, Micah, Shilah, Shayna, Camilla, Ariella, Anthony, Caysen, Clarielle, Braxton, and Serena. Auntie/Moms Patty Old Man, Dolly Sandcrane, Susie Cain, Charlene Yellow Fox. Uncles, Roy Sr, Ronnie, and William “Billy” (Mary) Fighting Bear, Alec(Cassandra) Sandcrane.
The Families, Bearchum, Red Cherries, Fighting Bear, Standing Elk, Red Neck, Sandcrane, Strange Owl, Pine, Bellymule, Shoulderblade, Magpie, Spotted Eagle, Sooktis, Elk Shoulder, WoodenThigh, Bighead, Bement, RunsAbove, Chavez, Harris, American Horse, Foote, Lonebear, Weaselbear, Little Old Man, King, Little Bird, Chemawa Indian School Family, He considered so many as family,we are so sorry if we missed anyone.
Thank you to the Drs., Nurses and hospice care workers of Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Reno, Nev. He is now reunited with Dad, Mom, Sons and all the relatives at the other camp.
“When Tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an Angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand; The Angel said my place was ready. In Heaven far above. And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates. I felt so much at home, for God looked at me, smiled at me and told me ‘Welcome Home!’ So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart. For when you think of me, I’m right there in your heart” This is not goodbye, we will meet again someday. (unknown)
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday September 3, 2019
St. Labre Catholic Church
St. Labre, Montana 59003
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 3, 2019
Bearchum Family Cemetery
Ashland, Montana 59003
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ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF HUBERT “ROCKY” BEARCHUM, JR. AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Jason Standing Elk says
Prayers and condolences. Many memories of rock in our younger days.
Ron & Cyndi Craig says
Prayers and our deepest condolences to you lil brother and the family . Your friendship & memories will always be in our hearts Rock.
Samantha Killsnight & Family says
Our Thoughts and Prayers to the family
Zoey says
I lived with the family for sometime. Im James jr Soldierwolfs girlfriend. He will be missed by many. I know that he was always there to talk when i needed, and always a hard worker, he loved Angela with all his heart and i wish her well and strength. RIP Rocky
Andrita Harris says
My Deepest Condolences to Bearchum Family. So Sorry for your loss, Tyrone and Cross. Rocky was a good friend.
Nahko Bearchum says
Rest in power uncle Rocky!! Glad I got to meet you a few times in this life, see you on the other side family. Give my dad Byron a big hug for me.
Eugene Blackbear says
Condolences to our Northern relatives, Bearchum Families! Cedar and Prayers.
E blackbear, Watonga, Ok.
Gaylene Page says
Rest in Paradise good friend. Condolences to the family.
Williamette Rising Sun says
My deepest condolences to Rocky’s family!
We had many good times!
Love you cuz!
Until we meet again…R.I.P.
Ben Bearchum says
Condolences and prayers for the family.
Manny Bighead says
Love you Rock ur always going to be missed by me laughter and teasing was and still is our nature. Much Love Rockhound.