Jeremy D. Stiffarm
POLSON — Our beloved son and brother, Jeremy Douglas Stiffarm, 29, died on April 27, 2005, at his residence in Spokane.
Jeremy was born to Karen Friedlander McCuistion and Steve Stiffarm in Missoula on May 7, 1975. As a relative or friend, Jeremy graced our lives with his content, easy going demeanor. Since the day he was born, he brought absolute joy to everyone he knew and he became the nucleus of his comrades. With a heart of gold and a beaming smile, everyone was always assured a good chuckle when in his presence.
Jeremy was employed for the past five years at the Northern Quest Casino in Spokane. He enjoyed hunting, hiking and camping with his brother and mentor, Daniel, along with his uncles and cousins. Each fall, Jeremy gathered with his family in the aboriginal homelands to harvest game and wood for the family homes. He abided by many Kootenai traditions, which led him to become a Crazy Dog (Indian Warrior). He performed a full tour of duty with the U.S. Navy during Desert Strike after graduating from Ronan High School in 1993. His proudest achievement was being "the World's Greatest Uncle" to his niece Justyne and nephew Marcus. Jeremy took great pride in tending to his sister's kids.
He is already missed by his numerous family and friends who loved to look into the biggest eyes that housed his tender loving soul.
Jeremy leaves behind his mother Karen (Dee-Dee) Friedlander and her husband, Mike McCuistion of Otis Orchards, Wash.; his father, Steven Daniel Stiffarm of Poplar; sisters Rhonda Rae Dee Stiffarm (Jimmy) and Michelle McCuistion of Spokane; brothers, Daniel Allen (Rachel) Stiffarm of Porter Corners, N.Y., and Jesse James McCuistion of Otis Orchards; grandparents, Kenneth and Margaret Friedlander of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and Esther Hannon of Spokane; great-grandmother, Adeline Mathias of Dayton; nieces Justyne Patrick, Phoebe Stiffarm and Laniya Milus; nephews Evan and Marcus Stiffarm (the light of his life); aunts and uncles Debbie (Darrell) Arp and Cindie (Dennis) Wells, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from throughout the Kootenai and Gros Ventre Cree Nations.
Jeremy is now at peace with his paternal grandparents, Pete and Ruby Stiffarm; great-grandfather, Alec Lefthand; Uncle Duane Edward Albert best friend, Duane Boy Chief and his cockatiel, Bob. Funeral Mass was celebrated April 30 at the Kootenai Community Center in Elmo. Interment followed at the Dayton Cemetery.
The crossbearer was Daniel Stiffarm, U.S. Navy. Pallbearers were Asa Prewett, U.S. Army, Belgrade; J.D. Peterson, Spokane; Eric Stiffarm, USMC on behalf of Wes Stiffarm, Havre; Ambrose Bessette on behalf of Ted Bessette, U.S. Army, Omak, Wash; Seth Ironcloud on behalf of the late Dave Ironcloud, U.S. Army; and Jason Louie, Royal Canadian Army, on behalf of the Ktunaxa Nation.
Military rites were provided by the Naval Reserve Honor Guard, Helena, the Polson VFW Post, and the Ktunaxa Crazy Dog Society, North America.
Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.