Clifford Wilson

Clifford “Kippy” Gene “Biidway Giishig,” which means Rolling Thunder, Wilson, 63, of Cass Lake, died Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Cass Lake Indian Health Service Hospital in Cass Lake.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Cass Lake, with the Rev. George Ross and Spiritual Leader Allen Hardy officiating. The wake began Monday, May 23, and will continue until the service. Burial will be in Prince of Peace Cemetery in Cass Lake. Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker is assisting the family with arrangements.

Pallbearers will include Scott Whitebird, Joe Wilson Sr., Ben White Sr., Ron “Gonzo” Harrison, Robert “Bob” Goggleye Sr., Jason Brown and Sheldon Brown.

He was born July 2, 1947, to Benjamin and Delia (Williams) Wilson in Cass Lake. He grew up and attended school in Cass Lake. After high school, he attended Brainerd Technical College for small engine repair. In his younger years, he logged for a private company. He also worked as a technician at the Mineo Detox Center in Cass Lake, where he met and worked with his wife, Gloria. He was a driver for the Leech Lake Health Department.

He enjoyed spending time and playing tag with his grandchildren, gambling, deer hunting and admiring classic cars with his son Joel.

He is survived by his wife; sons, Joel Ortley, Kippy Wilson and Joseph Fairbanks, all of Cass Lake; daughter, Michelle Ortley of Cass Lake; brother, Gary Wilson of Cass Lake; sisters, Veda Harrison and Lois White, both of Cass Lake; an aunt; special friend and the mother of his children Joel and Michelle, Joanne Ortley; and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers; Bobby Wilson and Delmer Staples; two nephews; two uncles and five aunts.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.northernpeace.com.