Ricky (Rick) James Robinson, Vooheheve, “Dull Knife”, age 61, was surrounded by family and friends, when he went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Rick was born on June 26, 1956, the seventh child of Cornelius Clayton “Bee” and Stella Joan Robinson of Lame Deer, Montana. In his early years, Rick’s older sisters remember cuddling him as he stared up at them with his beautiful blue eyes. Rick’s other siblings recall him spending most of his childhood, playing with his brothers, sisters, cousins and friends, fishing at Lame Deer Creek, hiking around Clay and Ice Cream Hills and ice skating in downtown Lame Deer before the family moved to their ranch home in Ashland.
At an early age Rick showed his love for animals of all sorts and we learned to put up with whatever he brought in from outside. One of his most outstanding pets was a tiny fawn whose mother had been shot. He fed and raised his pet that often was seen sitting with the kids and watching TV. His hardest time was when he had to take it out into the hills to turn it loose to become an adult and he hoped with all his heart it would grow and be happy.
Showing his early leadership skills, Rick would convince his brothers and cousins on a long, hot summer’s day of stacking hay to jump in the pick-up, roll up the windows and crank up the heat. He’d then drive the crew through the fields to Tongue River, throw open the door and hurl himself off the embankment into the cool water below. All the brothers and cousins would follow suit.
Rick was a good student at St. Labre Indian School. In addition to his academics he also played high school basketball, football, and ran track. His strength was running short distance at lightning speed. However, Rick’s real passion was music. He played guitar and sang. He and his friends would perform at their high school assemblies and pep rallies.
After high school Rick and his friends formed a band called the Renegades. With his friends, Rick sang and played guitar at local hot spots, resulting in an avid group of fans that followed them around from gig to gig. But, it was his pipefitting apprenticeship in Colstrip that paid the bills.
Rick attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. It was here that he met Shirl Pinto on the track field. Shirl remembers saying hi to him, but Rick was too shy to reply. They each walked separate directions before looking back and “checking one another out”; which was both embarrassing and funny. Shortly into their romance, Rick drove to New Mexico to ask Shirl’s dad for her hand in marriage. The two were wed on April 29, 1981 and returned to Lame Deer to build their careers and family.
Faith played a significant role in Rick’s life. His siblings recall Rick was always searching and once he discovered his faith, he found what he’d been looking for. Rick’s devotion to God and the church gave him direction and purpose. From that point forward he dedicated himself to a life of service. Rick had a strong listening ear, a gentle hug, a playful smile (especially when he knew he’d pulled one over on you), a wealth of jokes, and strong convictions about politics (which always invited lively debate). A significant part of his identity was revealed when he brought the Boys and Girls Club to the Northern Cheyenne Nation.
When Rick decided to run for Tribal Council he truly believed that if he were elected he was supposed to use his time to benefit Tribal members. He decided the longest and best benefit would be to help our youth and so he worked hard to bring about the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Through it our children not only played but they were taught various skills and games and they were fed and they were loved. They learned they had potential and how to achieve it, but most of all they had fun. His efforts were so successful he was asked to other Reservations to help them start their own Clubs. What he did and what is being carried on now will benefit our Tribe for the rest of their lives.
Of all his accomplishments, his greatest are his children: Terrell Luke Robinson (affectionately called Shoobs) and Nizhoni Reka Robinson (affectionately called Plums). Terrell and Nizhoni recall one of their favorite moments was when they were little and their dad would return home from work. They’d make him go to the other side of the house just so they could run full force into his arms and fill him with hugs and kisses. They continued to fill his cup with love. Rick beamed with pride when Nizhoni graduated from Rocky Mountain College and when Terrell married Madonna Real Bird and blessed Rick with grandchildren, Whitney and Reese.
He is preceded in death by so many of his beloved relatives we have no room to print their names but he loved them dearly, most especially his parents, C.C. “Hun hom” (Bee) Robinson, Stella Joan Parker Robinson, his sister, Mary Lou Whitecrane, and brother, Larry Dean Robinson.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings: Vonda (Francis) Limpy, Sandy (Zane) Spang, Boyd (Julie), Rodney (Jennifer), Gerry (Connie), Major (Michelle), and Carl (Tammy) Robinson, paternal Aunt Juanita TT Lonebear, mother in law, Emma Rose Pinto from Vanderwagon, New Mexico.
Reservation families are so large and ours also contain Lakota and Chippewa Cree bloodlines. We will attempt to include all family surnames but I believe he looked at the Northern Cheyenne Tribe as his family – as do us all: Harris, Limpy, Spang. Beartusk, Parker, LaRance, Lone Bear, Fraser, Rowland, White Crane, Tallwhiteman, Yellowfox, Rochelle, Howie, are some of the many family names Rick shared. In this time of grief we may have missed some names but please know you are in our hearts.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Saturday May 12, 2018
Boys and Girls Club
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Service
Saturday May 12, 2018
The Robinson Family Cemetery
Ashland , Montana 59003
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Shirley Skinner says
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you Shirl and family. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers since I first found out he was not doing well. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I have known Rick for many years, and he was honestly one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. He is going to be missed by so many people. He was truly well loved. RIP Rick until we all see you again on the other side.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Deepest Condolences & Prayers to Rick’s children, family & our Community. Rick did so much for our people and youth. I cherished his friendship and was a dear family friend as he took my sons under his wings and became their mentor. He & John Keuffer saved my sons from a lot of peer pressure and introduced them to the Matt Light Foundation, which Matt was the New England Patriot Football player at the time. Very humbling to have them experience what Rick & John did for my sons. I will forever be grateful to them both. Rick would check in with me often to see how my sons were doing and was there for us when Lloyd Jr. got into his wreck. Very thankful for his presence in our sorrow of pain at the time when he visited Lloyd in the hospital all the months he was there. I will miss him so much and know we’re not the only ones. So sorry for his children and other loved ones. Heartbreaking and total shock but he’s not hurting no more. He was a Great Man and a big loss to our people. RIP Rick
Mark Beals says
Rick was a great man and friend.
Gail Small says
Our classmate of many years, Ricky Robinson, fly with the angels! We had some great times! My love and prayers to Shirl and the family. Rick did foundational work for our community. When he was the Director of the Boys & Girls Club, one early morning visit he asked me to walk with him behind the building and showed me some precious little Cheyenne Children who were sleeping in old abandoned cars. Rick was on a mission to give them a better life, a real voice in their future. He put signs up around the Reservation urging people to vote in all the elections as one way to get their voices heard. Journey well buddy from a life well-lived!
Jim and Rita Alderman & Family says
What sad news to hear. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. It’s hard to find words except the sense of loss runs deep. We went to school together at St Labre, worked together many years as pipe fitters and remained friends and in contact until he left Lame Deer. Hope to see you on the other side Our Final Home, Dear Cousin
Rocky & Carol Plympton (Wimer ) says
I am so sorry to hear of Ricky’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time. May God hold you all very closely.
Diane White and Family says
Sending our deepest condolences and you will be in our prayers. Our hearts are heavy and sad to lose one of our most dedicated and caring cheyenne community member who put his heart in helping our people. Rick will be missed by many. Shirl you n your family will be in our prayers for strength and peace.
Dee Macdonald says
208 Ayres Natural Bridge Rd
Ivan Posey says
Rick was a kind and caring man. He helped us in establishing our Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe in 1995 and we remained brothers ever since. We would occasionally meet in Billings and catch up on what we was both doing. he called me regularly last summer while I was hospitalized and his calls uplifted me. I know he has eternal life and rewarded for all the good things he did for others. I’m blessed to have had him be apart of my life…I’ll miss him. My prayers for his family and friends and to all those whose lives he touched.
Angel Lei says
My heart goes out to all his Family and friends. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Albert LaRance says
My fondest memory is 20 years ago at the boys and girls club, every morning Rick and I would meet in his office to pray. The presence of the Lord would be so strong at times as we prayed and worshiped the Lord! Give
Jesus a hug for me Rick!
irvin farr says
Rick always seem to have a smirk and a story, when i would see him. Last summer we had our last laugh together at the battle field cafe by crow agency. I walked up to him and started talking and he couldn”t figure out who i was. Have a good journey cuz..
Ryan Parker says
I’ll miss you, Rick.
Emily Evans says
Prayers for peace and comfort ?
Mary Leedom/Peppers family says
Much love and prayers to the family. You will be greatly missed. God Bless.
John Keuffer says
I’ve cried too much since his passing that I choose to think of how joyous he is in the arms of our Lord. He desired to be close To Christ while on earth and now he is.
He was my friend since 1997 when I drove 20 kids to Cincinnati to meet him and the B&G club and took back 10 kids to Cincinnati. We worked and talked regularly on effort to help kids and his heart was massive!
I love you brother from another mother! Even when you told people my name was “Walking Eagle” – too full of you know what to fly! I’m gonna miss our weekly talks.
Enjoy your going home and leave the lights on for me brother.
John Keuffer
Kendra Keuffer
Grace Keuffer
Kathy Harris says
Such fond memories of Ricky, Ronnie….and all the BOYZ @ St Labre…they were all the class of 1974…..very good athletes, good students, good cousins…..also had the privilege of working with Rick @ the NC Boys and Girls Club…..he was such a good person to work with…..he had compassion and empathy for the children…..I was so proud to be a part of this program….gone too soon Rick…..say hello to all our precious loved ones……travel well I know you are sitting right there with Jesus…..
Lynwood madrigal says
Travel well my friend was a great boss and a great leader. Going to miss you.
Judy Harris (Tallwhiteman) says
Deepest condolences. Rick was well-loved by so many, including me. Whenever I saw him we had so much to talk about and catch up on and never enough time to do it. Journey well and Rest In Peace, Cousin.
Darlene Wooden Legs says
Prayers for your family at this time
Walter c. Fleming says
I was just today looking at the St. Labre Mission yearbooks from the 1970s and remembering fondly the Robinson clan and trading comic books. Travel well, Ricky. Our condolences to all the Robinson families.
Cierra says
Even though he did not meet me I’m still going to miss him a lot. Give him a hug up there and please watch over me and my family, love you grandpa.
Mary Gilluly says
I met Rick many years ago when I worked at The Family Tree in Billings and he was looking for ways to assist the parents of the children he cared for so much. We had many conversations in his office of mine, always trying to come up with solutions. He found it in giving of himself and loving “his” kids by expanding the club and offering so much to his community as well as to the kids. A man of deep faith and unwavering commitment –that was Rick to me. Condolences to his family, and Godspeed, Rick.
Reno Charette says
It’s painful to say good bye to a childhood friend that I graduated from high school with. He left way to soon. I believe his work for his people and the lives he helped improve will make him a legend. I pray that his family will feel comfort in knowing that our entire state will mourn the passing of their father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather. Blessings to all that mourn him.
Beverly Stiller and Family says
I was very fortunate to work with Rick in the early years of the Boys & Girls Club, he was always looking for another way to help our youth and was fun to work with. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Love and prayers to you all!
Suzanne Eder says
Rick was such a gentle and kind soul. My Mom Beth Ann just adored him and he always held a special place in our hearts. He will be missed greatly. I was so proud to have known him and called him family.
Hank & kitte Coffin says
To all the Robinson family: GOD help all of you in your time of grieving Rick’s passing. Our family will miss him much. He’d become part of our family over the last few years.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
We are so very sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap you in his arms to comfort you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Veronika M. Boggess says
Rick became friends with Andy and me several years ago. It’s hard to believe he was called to heaven so early in his life. Now, he and Andy can sit and talk for hours about the things they used to talk about. My deepest condolences to Rick’s close and extended family.
Jeanette L. Charboneau says
Sorry to hear about Ricky, he was on speed dial to many CPO’s in the BGC circle. He will be truely missed. Grandfathers and grandmother give strength to Ricks family and watch over them. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom D. Trusler jr says
Rick was a positive influence for the community. He believed in his work and was passionate. That was very inspiring and refreshing for me at an age I was searching for my own direction.
Rest well my friend.
John Groom says
My condolences to the Family. I will miss you. Blessed are the Angels in Heaven. Say Hello to Deany
Lisa and Tim Brock says
I’m saddened by the loss of Rick Robinson. He made a huge impact in the lives of many boys and girls in Lame Deer, Montana. He was a world changer and his efforts reached to many areas of the world. We were recipients of his hospitality when we brought groups of youths and groups of adults from Cornerstone Assembly of God in Chesterfield, Virginia on many mission trips to serve the Boys and Girl Clubs and to teach the Elijah house prayer ministry principles to the people of Lame Deer. As in all mission trips we have had the honor to attend and bless the people, we always recieve/are blessed so much more by their cultures, their hospitality, and their love of Jesus. Rick was one of those people who work tirelessly to make us feel at home, even though we were there to serve them! One of those serving moments when my husband was cooking hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill, a little girl at the Club came up to me and saw the word HOPE on my bright yellow t-shirt, she pointed at each letter and said I know what that word means, It means Help Our People Eat!! I hugged her and said your right sweetheart and then had a good laugh/cry! We will miss him as we do all the people of Lame Deer and now he is receiving the reward that God has for His “good and faithful” servant. FLy with Christ, Rick, We love you. Our prayers are with the family, Shirl, Nizhoni, TL and all the people of Lame Deer.
Marilynn Miller says
Rick and I were in Leadership Montana together and remained friends for the ensuing 10 years. He was the soul of kindness and caring. We sparred about our different political views, but always greeted each other with a warm hug in true friendship. I enjoyed our occasional long talks over coffee, during which we created a nonjudgmental gracious space for one another to share what was in our hearts. I will miss him very much. Rest In Peace, friend.
Dennis and Bonnie Beardontwalk says
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO RICK’S FAMILY. DENNIS HAS ALOT OF FOND MEMORIES GROWING UP WITH HIM. PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH AND COMFORT AS YOU GRIEVE THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
Broadway Dance Studio, Inc says
We believe Rick was sent to us to fulfill a mission this past few months that would only have happened with his leadership and love for children and music. Rick came to buy a car from us and before he left we had agreed to work together to form a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization for a “Kids Love to Dance” Program. Since he knew all about how to form the organization and we had the dance studio and the teacher Miss Chelsea, we had the perfect partnership. Rick took us 3 girls through a crash course and was so impressed with how we got our act together so quickly and efficiently…I told him it was because he was such a good teacher and leader! Because of Rick’s leadership and inspiration, we now have 6 sponsors and 8 sponsored dancers in a very short period of a couple months! The program is compelling and inspired by Rick Robinson and we will surely be adding his name to our We (heart) Our Sponsors wall in loving memory of Rick Robinson. Whenever we need inspiration, we will remember Rick and continue this legacy he helped us to achieve as one of his last great missions, what a privilege we had to meet him and be blessed with his kind giving spirit for us, our dancers and our Lord. He is surely in Paradise embraced with all the love he gave coming back one hundred fold, please remember the organization he founded with mother; Sherri Steilen and twin daughters and teachers: Chelsea and Mercede Nelson: Broadway Dance Studio, Inc in Billings, MT a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed to provide children the opportunity to dance!
Andrita Harris says
Our deepest sympathy to Robinson Family,
Prayers are with you all
Andrita, Dorothy, Billy, Dylan and Tegan (late Lee Harris)
Roberta Bement says
My deepest condolences to your family in your time if sorrow…..Rick was an awesome man. I just recently got reacquainted with him thru the LIFE SOURCE CHURCH in which we were both members, we had a great visit about family and he explained to me how we were related, visited about God and his life’s mission….that particular visit was truly arranged by God…Thank you Rick for your kind, reassuring pieces of advice. Rest in Paradise cousin.
John Bedford says
Rick’s endlessly caring spirit defined his life. What a wonderful legacy and memory to leave behind. Rick your gentle spirit will be missed. I’m not saying goodbye because I know I will see you in heaven too. I can only imagine how many jewels will be in your heavenly crowns. They were well earned.
(1 Corinthians 9: 24-25)
Blessing of peace and love to your family and many friends.
Leslie Messer, Class of 2008, Leadership MT says
To the Family and Friends of Rick Robinson,
I had the privilege of meeting Rick in 2007-2008 when we participated in the Leadership Montana training course together. I was immediately struck by Rick’s humor and his zest for life. Over that year, Rick demonstrated his leadership and passion for giving back to those less fortunate.
The friendship Rick shared with our class of 2008 is one that I will treasure for the remainder of my life. He left a lasting, positive, impression of compassion and truth.
I am so deeply sorry to hear of his passing, and will add my prayers for blessings and peace for you all.
Mike Marnin says
I first met Rick in Colstrip in the early eighties while we both worked for Bechtel building Units 3-4, even though we only interacted a few times he left a memorable impression on me with his spirit filled positivism and an ability to connect with people. When I joined the Mission of Boys & Girls Clubs in 1999 I was fortunate to learn a LOT from Rick who was a leader for Indian Country in the Movement. He shared many insights with me on life on the Rez and that knowledge was very valuable during my service in Indian Country. He had a gift to bridge the life he grew up in with many people beyond Indian Country including top leaders in Boys & Girls Clubs, Congress and donors. I will miss Rick but know I will see him in Heaven.
William C Light says
I had the honor to work with Rick when my son and I started a great adventure known as the Vohokase Camp that continues to this day. Had it not been for Rick and his wonderful family, our launch at Crazy Head would have failed miserably. I treasure those memories and especially my time with Rick. We shared many stories over the years, and I learned much from Rick. He earned my respect and I will miss his gentle spirit. Peace be with you friend.
Tessa Ruth (Spang) says
Goodbye my dear sweet Uncle, you showed me so much love whenever I saw you! I truly believe I’ll see you again one day and get to hug you. You will forever be missed by me. Love you so much.
Pastor Rhea Goes Ahead says
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Robinson family in the loss of a great man, Rick Robinson. He was a blessing to the Crow Pastoral Commission on the Crow Reservation since November 5, 2013. He was instrumental in establishing a non-profit for the Commission and provided his expertise and training to the board. He attended many of our meetings on Tuesdays at the Father’s House in Crow Agency and he said he enjoyed our time of prayer at the end of each meeting. He was a very knowledgeable and humble man. We are all saddened by his sudden departure from this life but we know our loss is heaven’s gain. The pastors/ministers from various churches he impacted who were on the committee are Pastors Duane & Anita Bull Chief, Larry Little Owl, Sr., Joseph Bear Cloud & John Bullinsight, Crow Agency; Gary & Pinky Bird, Linda Birdinground & Kirby Bromley, Lodge Grass; Jay & Marilyn Simpson & Sharon Stands, Pryor; Eugene Deputy, St. Xavier; Hugo Whiteclay, Blacklodge; Lionel Bull Chief, Hardin; & Rhea Goes Ahead, Billings
ROBERT J. LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF RICK ROBINSON, THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH AT THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
GEORGIA Ann Burns says
Sending prayers of comfort for Rick’s family. He left a powerful legacy in all he did for the youth , and was instrumental in starting the “Boys and Girls” club!
He is now sitting at the fathers table, with those who have passed before him!!!
May God be with all the family!!!
Jim Stevenson says
Rick was an accomplished pipefitter and genuinely a good person. I enjoyed his humor and kind demeanor. Jim Stevenson
Gerald Shernan says
I first met Rick when I came to Montana in 1995. I was attracted to his good heart, strong, gentle nature, and his wonderful spirit. We became good friends right away. I will miss him and will always remember him. I know his spirit will live on in his children, his family, and the Boys and Girls Club in Lame Deer and with those he helped to start in other places. He made his mark on the world and made it a better place. I hold all of you, his family, in my heart, in my mind, and in my prayers. Blessings to all of you.
Bo & Gary Lyon says
Carl, Tammy & family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Rick’s family as well as the whole Robinson family and extensions of family. Our hearts go out to you during this time of loss and future days of grief. May the happy memories get you through and may the Lord bless you all with His warmth and comfort. Prayers, hugs and love!
Bo & Gary Lyon
(Tammy’s aunt & uncle)
Anne Lane says
Prayers to Rick’ s family. I remember him as a funny, good hearted guy. A wonderful gentle soul. Have a Blessed journey Ricky, you have left quite a legacy for your many friends and family. …Annie
virginia tranel says
Rick’s family has so much to be proud of in him. We met him in 1972 when we moved our family to Ashland where my husband, Ned, worked. Rick befriended our oldest son, Dan, who was 15 then and a ‘white kid’ struggling for acceptance. They played guitars together and sang. Rick’s aspirations were always to help his people. Our family admired him. He was a gentle, kind, intelligent person. My condolences to his family. Virginia Tranel
Rivers Robinson says
I will miss you dearly but uncle.
RiversRobinson says
Uncle,just uncle