Clifford George Howard, Jr.

Clifford George Howard, Jr. “Awishtoyaa” which means Blacksmith, 62, of Boy River, began his spiritual journey on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.

Clifford enjoyed hunting, netting and harvesting. He appreciated the natural world and spent time outdoor as much as he could. Clifford spent time fixing, painting and renovating his home and always kept busy with odd jobs. He was a wonderful cook who loved preparing meals for his family and friends. He loved being a grandpa and was raising his special grandson Elijah. Clifford would spend as much time with all his grandchildren as possible.

He was born on January 25, 1950 in Winnebago, NE the son of Clifford and Shirley Howard.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Wayne Howard and John Howard, one sister; Christine Howard.

He is survived by his significant other; Myrna Whitebird of Boy River, son; Jason (Coree Sargent) Swan of Cass Lake, daughters; Willow (Michael Reyes Sr.) Howard of Cass Lake, Kate Whitebird of Boy River, Elise (Richard Dahl) Howard of Bena, and Amelia Howard of Boy River, brothers; Loren Howard of Cass Lake, sisters; Mary Howard of Minneapolis, Vikki Howard of Bemidji, and Lorie Howard of Cass Lake, 12 grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

A wake service for Clifford will begin at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2012 and continue until the 10:00 a.m. service on Thursday, December 12, all at the New Battle Point Community Center. Spiritual leader will be Steve Jackson. Pallbearers for Clifford will be; Kenneth Whitebird, Loren Howard, L.J. Howard, Jr., Jason Swan, Ervin Swan, Michael Reyes and Richard Dahl. Honorary pallbearers will be all his grandchildren.

Arrangements entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be given at http://www.northernpeace.com