FAREWELL TO A GOOD MAN AND FRIEND.

Howard Wilkinson, Sr., "Matse Nuuba" , age 70. Husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, was born April 13, 1945. He was the son of Helen (Wolf) and John Wilkinson, Sr. His grandparents were Lilly and Daniel Wolf, and Margaret and Ernest Wilkinson, Sr.

Howard graduated from White Shield High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp on March 10, 1966. Three fourths of his enlistment was served in Viet-Nam. He was wounded in combat, but did not talk about it, he later recovered and was honorably discharged as a Corporal on 8 March 1968.

He married Delores Deane, June 19, 1970 in Washburn, ND. He became a police officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He completed training in Rozewell, New Mexico. He worked for the BIA Law Enforcement for over 20 years. He transferred into the police department for the Three Affiliated Tribes . He retired in December 22, 2004.

All his life, Howard was dedicated to his work and set high standards of performance. He respected and got along well with co-workers and most people he met. He presented himself well, was caring and positive in his attitude. He received many commendations and awards for quality performance.

While pursuing his police career, he raised cattle and horses. He was a horseman from a young age and continued to ride. For a period of time he furnished top bucking stock for local and state rodeos. One of his broncs made it to the National Finals.
He sponsored and held a sanctioned NDRA rodeo and RoughRider Rodeo in his own backyard. He built the White Shield rural arena himself with friends and cowboy neighbors. He became a Transport Driver for the Kidney Dialysis Program in New Town, ND until he became ill.
He was the President of the White Shield Spirit Riders, an organization dedicated to anti-drug and alcohol activities for youth in the community. It includes horseback riders, wagon rides, picnics, parades and participation at Minot State Fair, Fourth of July, United Tribes, speaker sessions and all types of holiday activities.

His tribal culture was very important to him. He also embraced the Sundance "way of life". He loved his family, always willing to help out relatives and persons who needed a "helping hand".

He joined a Veterans Service Support Group in Minot, ND, and was a member of American Legion Post 253 of White Shield and V.F.W. of New Town, ND.

After a long illness, he entered the Spirit World on October 31, 2015. He is survived by his wife Delores (Deane) Wilkinson and his children: Diane (Bill) McLaughlin, Tillie Wilkinson and Howard "Joey" Wilkinson, Jr. all of White Shield, ND. Brothers: Arnold Wilkinson, Harden, Montana and Gerald White, Sr., White Shield, ND. Sisters: Theresa Price, White Shield, ND, and Gloria Wilkinson, Houston, TX. Step sons: James (Theresa) White Bear, Keller, TX; Jeffrey (Tammy) White Bear, San Manuel, TX. Step daughters: Bernadette (Rick) White Bear-Hall, White Shield, ND; Marti (Terry) Stevenson, Bismarck, ND; Kathryn White Bear, White Shield, ND; Sharon White Bear, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren: Denise, Shauna, Pamela, Wacey, Mathew, Michael, Alicia, Cody, Jacob, Dani, Wilbur, Sean, Mick Adrienne. Great-grand children: Hunter, Kennedy, Winrey, Elias, Marisa and Drayden.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Helen (Wolf) Wilkinson, brothers: Richard "Dicky" Wilkinson, Tilmer Wilkinson, and John Wilkinson, Jr. Sisters: Beverly Ebarb and Bernice Morningstar.

Viewing: 03 Nov, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Thompson Funeral Home, Garrison ND .
Wake: 03 Nov, 2015 at 5:00 pm Ralph Wells Complex, White Shield ND
Funeral Services: 04 Nov, 2015 at 11:00 Ralph Wells Complex, White Shield, ND
Officiating: Father Roger Synek
Military Honors: Young Hawk/Bear Post 253
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, White Shield