Richard N. Cavanaugh

Richard N. “Cowboy” Cavanaugh, 55 of Grand Forks, ND formerly of Fort Totten, ND died on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at his home in Grand Forks. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten. Fr. Charles Leute, O.P. will celebrate the Mass assisted by Deacon Tony McDonald and burial will be in St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Crow Hill, ND. Military Honors will be accorded by the VFW Post #6547 of Fort Totten. A Wake and Rosary Service will be held on Monday, March 7, 2005 at the Fort Totten Recreation Center beginning at 5:00 p.m. with the Rosary at 8:00 p.m. Music will be by the EagleTail Singers. Serving as Active Pallbearers will be: Howard Cavanaugh, Jesse Cavanaugh, Myron Lambert, Bernard “Stormy” Rainbow, Waylon Smith, Robert Longie, Leigh Jeanotte and Carl McKay. Honorary Pallbearers: Jake Thompson, Leon Cavanaugh, Doug Nilep, Dacia Lamrose, Grover Fallis, Rocky Littlewind, Quentin Alberts, Tessie Brown, Joann Smith, Charles and Ernestine Foote, Nathan Smith, Myrna Demarce, Butch Cavanaugh, Hank Cavanaugh, George Cavanaugh, Paul Henry Cavanaugh, Charles Lambert, Bert Robertson, Mark Robertson, Rose Merrick, Richard Thomas, Marilyn Thomas, Sam Merrick, April St. Pierre, Janice McKay, Ed Brownshield, Vance Gillette, Austin Gillette, Norbert Fournier, Michael Smith, Bob Charboneau, Daniel Cavanaugh Sr., Ronnie Foote, Butch Felix, Andrew Morin Sr., Celeste Herman, Shawn Jeanotte, Kari Jeanotte, Loni Jeanotte, Sean and Patty Lambert, Phillip John Young, Bruce McKay, all members of the VFW Post #6547 and all of Cowboys’ many friends made throughout his life. Richard Norman Cavanaugh was born on April 14, 1949 at Fort Totten, the son of Richard M. and Norma (Lambert) Cavanaugh. He attended school at the Little Flower School in St. Michael, ND and as a young boy his mentor was Fr. Timothy the priest from Fort Totten. He then attended Stephen High School in Stephen, South Dakota graduating in 1968. While in high school he played drums in the band and also played high school basketball and participated in track. Cowboy joined the United States Army on April 29, 1969 and served his country during the Vietnam War with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and 25th Division. Then as a Specialist 4th Grade with the 1st Calvary Division he was honorably discharged from active duty on April 6, 1971 and was with the US Army Reserve until April 28, 1975. While serving in Vietnam, Cowboy received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medal and also the Army Commendation and Air Medal. He returned to North Dakota and worked for the Spirit Lake Tribe Manpower Programs as a bookkeeper for 7 years, as a Spirit Lake Tribal Officer and later for the Little Hoop Community College as a bookkeeper. In 1986, Cowboy graduated from the Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. He returned to Fort Totten and worked at Paul’s Grocery, and was last employed with the Spirit Lake Casino with the drop team and as a slot attendant. Cowboy enjoyed playing Bingo with his friends but he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. In his early years, he played with a band in the Fort Totten area and also was on a bowling league and softball league. Cowboy was a member of the Fort Totten VFW Post #6547. Cowboy thought very highly of his family. His girls and grandchildren meant the world to him. Cowboy was a patient, loving and understanding dad. He especially enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren. Cowboy was always willing to lend a helping hand. His kind and gentle ways will be missed dearly. Cowboy was never one to speak down about others. His joking mannerism, laugh and smile will be in his family’s hearts always. Cowboy, beloved dad, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, in our hearts is where you will remain. REST IN PEACE. Cowboy is survived by his Daughters: Mary F. Cavanaugh (Robert Longie) Michelle F. Cavanaugh (Waylon Smith) all of St. Michael Mother: Norma Rainbow, Fort Totten Grandchildren: Natasha, Chelsea and Frank Longie Montoya and Hallie Smith all of St. Michael Four Brothers: Howard Cavanaugh, Julius Rainbow Jr., Bernard “Stormy” Rainbow, and Myron Lambert Seven Sisters: Janice Adele Cavanaugh (Vincent Shaw), Martina “Candy” (Mark) Robertson, Margaret Cavanaugh, Connie Rainbow (Ronnie McKay), Tammy (Richard) Littlewind, Bernadette “Angel” (Daryl) Bergrud and Sharon Rainbow Adopted Sisters: Jane Lamrose and Myra Pearson Aunts: Lorraine Robertson, Pamela Rainbow and Charlotte Rickford Uncles: Vernon Lambert, Charles Lambert and Michael OneBear Godchildren: Lynn and Caitlan Cavanaugh Special Nephews: Steven “Dane” Cavanaugh, Russell Cavanaugh and Tyler Rainbow Many Nieces and Nephews also survive Preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Charles and Grace Lambert, George Cavanaugh and Agnes Hopkins; special grandmother, Mary Emma Gourd; brothers, Rudy and Russell Cavanaugh and Victor Rainbow; sister, Allura Karen Rainbow; godchild, Clara Cavanaugh