Clayton Joseph Rainbow

In the Spirit of Clayton Joseph Rainbow “Duck”, “Si ha Ki Cuna” (Used His Foot). As explained by Grandmother Hermina McKay. This name was Grandfather Joe’s name given to him by a Great Grandfather that killed his enemy by kicking his foot to his enemy’s throat. Duck really liked the name, because he had the choice of others too, but he wanted to have Grandpa Joe’s name and Grandmother Hermina gave his name to Duck. Traditional Dancer and Eagle Whistle Carrier: Shortly before Grandfather Joe Rainbow, Sr. passed away he passed his Eagle Whistle on to Duck through mother Cecelia Rainbow. Duck was a true Dakota Man coming from a family that lived the Dakota way of life. He was a traditional dancer traveling with his family to Pow-Wow’s throughout the summer. Clayton was very passionate about issues he believed in and would not hesitate to speak to whoever was in tribal office about his concerns. Clayton Joseph Rainbow (Duck) joined his ancestors in the Spirit World on Friday, June 18th, 2010 from Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND. At his side was his life’s partner Pam of 31 years and his sister cousin, Cheryl Cloud. Clayton Joseph Rainbow, better known to all as “Duck” was born on October 9th, 1942 to Cecelia Rainbow-Abraham-Waanatan and Patrick White. Clayton was raised in the Fort Totten Community. He attended grade school at the Wahpeton Boarding School and graduated from the Flandreau Indian School, South Dakota in 1962. While at Flandreau, Clayton excelled in sports and became a Basketball and Track Star, earning many honors, awards and recognition for his athletic abilities. Upon graduation, Clayton went on relocation in San Jose, California, then changed his course and went to welding school in Portland, Oregon. Clayton lived and worked in the Portland area for 18 years. It was there his daughter Sherrie was born. Clayton retruned home to Fort Totten, where he lived the rest of his life. He was employed at Sioux Manufacturing for a number of years and later at Dakota Tribal Industries and as the Enrollment Clerk for the Tribe and eventually retired. In September, 1978, Clayton met his life’s partner, wife and best friend, Pamela Hopkins. Together, they raised their children, teaching them their culture and traditions and making sure they were “always there” for their children. Duck was a very kind-hearted man, and never spoke badly of anyone. He loved to joke and tease people, often times giving “nicknames”. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his old western movies and sports, especially basketball, Four Winds basketball, and tried to never miss a game. He and his “Over the Hill Gang”, Carl “The Fonz” Walkingeagle, Vincent “Baggy Pants” Greyhorn, Andrew “If he’s done cooking” Morin, Kenny “Happy Feet” Dunn, Dean “If he has a permission slip” Dauphanais and Wayne “Checking out the cheerleaders” Trottier Sr. They met at the games, sharing stories, jokes, teasing, eating popcorn, drinking sodas and everything else they should not be eating. Duck had many fond memories of his times with his buddies and spoke well of each of them. Duck was very proud of being a “Grandpa”. He loved all of his Grandchildren so very much. He spoke of them often and always jokingly saying he was always “broke” because he couldn’t say “No” to them. He always wanted them with him and around him. Clayton lived, learned and loved his life, enjoying it to the fullest. He had many, many friends, far and near. He will be truly missed by all. And to us, Clayton “Duck” was a “True Dakota Warrior”. Clayton is survived by his partner of thirty one years, Pam Rainbow; daughters, Cecelia Faye Rainbow and Sherrie Lynn Rainbow White; son, Arthur Michael Carmona; adopted brother, Ralph Peoples; sisters, Birdie Greyeyes and Suzie Rainbow; brother cousins, Mickey Rush, Gary Rush, Jr. American Horse, Waylon American Horse, Bobby Rainbow Sr., Delbert Cloud, Clayton Ayutapi, Dallas Dogskin, Wilfred “Spike” Wolf Necklace, Verdel “Butch” Wolf Necklace and Jarvis Wolf Necklace; sister cousins, Cheryl Porky Cloud, Sugar Rush Pretends Eagle, Marlys Rush Grotberg, Glenda Cookie Rush, Alverta Hooda Chopper, Ione Elk, Lavetta Martin, Cheryl American Horse, Mona American Horse, Debbie Wolf Necklace, Robin Wolf Necklace and Artie Wolf Necklace; aunt, Serphine Dogskin Wolf Necklace; grandmothers, Lillian Shaw and Hermina McKay; Active Pall Bearers: Art Carmona, Brian Thunder, Clifton Rainbow, Chance Rush, Mickey Rush and Leo Pretends Eagle. Honorary Pall Bearers: Andrew (Brenda) Morin, Sr., Vincent (Belva) Greyhorn Sr., Dean (Sonta) Dauphanais, Kenny (Florestine) Dunn, Carl (Barbara) Walkingeagle, Wayne Trottier Sr., all the Clint Keo grandchildren, Carmona grandchildren, Brooke Kiepp, his many friends, relatives and Pow-Wow buddies. Wake Services: Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 at his home in Fort Totten. Leaving for his home at 4:00 p.m. from the Wal-Mart parking lot. Burial: Thursday, June 24th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Cemetery, rural Fort Totten, ND. Feed and give-away will be at Duck’s home following the burial. Singers: Frank Hapa, Rhythm Riders, Gilligan Island Singers, Delbert Cloud, Pete Belgarde, Jr. and Tim Cottonwood. Services conducted by: Jr. American Horse A Special Thank You to the Doctors, Nurses and Aides who attended to his care at the Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND. A very Special Thank You to Sister Cousin Cheryl Cloud who was there and supported Pam at the end. We will never forget you. We love you very much.