Obituary - John Rodrick "Rick" Sunchild Jr., Kah-kihiw-kwah-nehw (He Has Eagle Feathers)

John Rodrick "Rick" Sunchild Jr., Kah-kihiw-kwah-nehw (He Has Eagle Feathers), passed away due to natural causes at Northern Montana Hospital Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Wake services began at 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2021, and continued until his funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Burial followed in the Rocky Boy Cemetery.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Rick's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

Rick was born on a cold winter day on the 26th of December, 1959, to John "Roddy" Sunchild Sr. and Florence Stump Sunchild. He liked to consider himself THE best Christmas present, yet always said he was cheated out of presents having been born the day after Christmas. Rick was born and raised in the traditional way of life, being his Faith, the Pipe, Sweetgrass, Ceremonies, and carried himself in a humble way. He always had a gentle word, a bright smile, and a handshake for all.

Rick attended Box Elder High School, excelling in football throughout his high school years. It was during this time he met and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mona Azure Sunchild. Together they shared 41 years of growing, learning, laughter, and love with their beloved children, Allie (Cody) Mattfeldt and John Sunchild III, and grandbabies Calen and Caleb.

Rick was most happy when surrounded by family, most especially his Nosim 1 and Nosim 2, who were the light of his life.

He enjoyed his home and took pride in knowing that his yard was voted "Best Yard in Haystack." We will continue this for him.

In the fall of 1986, he began his 35-year tenure with the Rocky Boy School District, and was still a part of the staff. He was a part of initiating the beginning of the high school football program, where he was a coach for many, many years. He was a proud Star fan and loved being a part of the students' lives. Rick had pride in his career as an influential coach, and loving and caring teacher. He was also a mentor, brother, uncle, father, husband, and most importantly, a spiritual leader.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, John "Roddy" Sunchild Sr .; mother, Florence Stump Sunchild; uncles Rocky Stump, John Stump, Douglas Stump, Clifford Stump, Pete Stump, Donald Stump, Jim Stump, Fred Stump, Pat Stump, and Ned Sunchild; and aunties Flora Stump Big Knife and Dorothy Small.

He is survived by his wife, Mona Azure Sunchild; two children, Allie (Cody) Mattfeldt and John Sunchild III; grandbabies, Calen and Caleb; siblings, Pete, Laurie, and Lisa; auntie-moms Patsy Gopher, Helen Parker, Irene Mitchell and Zellah Nault; uncle-dads Bruce Sunchild and Dan Wieden, and cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.