Robert James Old Rock

Robert James Old Rock, 01/16/1952 ~ 10/27/2020 To all my family, foes or the neighborly yet morbid and nosey North Dakotans: Weary of reading obituaries noting someone’s courageous battle with death, Robert James Old Rock, aka Hoksina e’snana (the only son), wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors’ orders and raising hell for more than six decades. He enjoyed booze, guns, cars and tormenting his Dakota People to be their better selves until the day he died, October 27th, 2020. If life was a painters brush he painted as a master. Father ‘Pops’, confidante to many and friend. Sometimes a beacon, a contrary warrior of dark to light, thank you for being unedited, authentic, broken and brilliant too brutal in all your analysis. An unrelenting social poet, an examiner to the point of annoyance, he will always be a champion for the individual and the voiceless masses. He understood and respected the struggle of human turmoil. Classically, he’d laugh and challenge you, revel in your mistakes but be your own champion—Our Maker smiles when his people overcome impossibilities, prejudices and, thus, proving the spirit of determination. Very much a product of the 50’s and 60’s, music and a lived-life was one and the same. Ballads of all sorts were a prelude to either a story or a shared moment. Spirit, a sense of occasion was never far in his company; even if it was a late night cruise with tales of good times, bittersweet recollections and lessons learned along the upper Missouri. Above all, he would marvel at being allowed to know his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He simply didn’t expect to live this long. An elders love is special. It is like seeing and hearing laughter tomorrow and beyond. Dad, grandpa and friend: somewhere over there you ride a paint bareback, between the creeks and the little log home. You are whole again. You are once again part of the infinite. Preceded by, family & new life: Parents: Leonard Old Rock 1925-1997; Irene Brown Yankton 1928-1991. Siblings: Agnes Diserly (deceased), Wilma Old Rock (deceased), Carmen Old Rock (deceased), Darren Yankton, Leonard Old Rock Jr., Nancy Old Rock Bauer, Lorna Old Rock, Abraham Old Rock (deceased). Children: Orion Gillette, Shilo Jade Old Rock, Irene ‘Fawn’ Old Rock-Sullivan, Maza Old Rock. Grandchildren, ‘his little tribe:’ Selena Jade Old Rock, Orion Old Rock, Moon River Old Rock, Jaylon Little Wind & Dylon Little Wind; Great Grandson: Wićanhpi-Hehanpi (Night Star) Old Rock ‘Chompy.’ And, all others not named but known in heart. * per covid & his wishes the funeral proceedings will be held privately.