Clifford Armond Matt
Clifford Armond Matt, 75, lifetime resident of St. Ignatius and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, went to join his ancestors peacefully while surrounded by his loved ones on Dec. 18, 2007, due to complications from surgery.
Born on May 26, 1932, Clifford lived a life full of family and friends, and all who were blessed to share his life with him loved him deeply.
The oldest of 12 children, Clifford devoted his life to the people around him.
He attended boarding school in Pierre, S.D., and Chemewa, Ore., and graduated from St. Ignatius High School where he met his best friend and love of his life.
He married Charlene Tellier at age 21 and the couple made their home in St. Ignatius.
Following that, he entered the Army in the 2nd Infantry Division and was stationed at Fort Carson, Fort Lewis and in Alaska. Returning home to Montana, Clifford started working in construction, and later with the BIA roads program at the Dixon Agency. He continued to work for the BIA for the next 44 years, retiring at the age of 70 from the Flathead Irrigation Project.
Clifford loved being in the mountains hunting and cutting wood, working outside, tending to his garden, watching sports and westerns, and spending time with his friends and family. He especially loved the game of baseball and was a pitcher in a men's semi-pro league when he was younger. A great storyteller, he was always making the people around him laugh; and he loved to visit. Clifford is the pillar of a strong family who are all very close. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Armenia and Louis "Sonny" Matt; son Craig Matt; and grandson Anthony Howlett.
He is survived by his wife Charlene Tellier Matt, with whom he was happily married for 53 years; children, Clayton (Yolanda) Matt of Pablo, Ronda (Kevin) Howlett of Arlee, and Cort Matt of Missoula; grandchildren Caato and Crystal Matt, Daniel and Sierra Howlett, Bradie Ann Matt; great-grandchildren Macao Jackson and Trushaun Matt; siblings Helen (Gene) Leishman, Thelma (Wyman) McDonald, Merle (Diane) Matt, Ronnie (Andrea) Matt, Joyce (Ernie) Wallen, Edith (Sam) Morigeau, Zilia (Bob) Lewis, Bonita "Bunny" (H.B.) Wilder, Janice (Tom) Shea, Marlene (Tom) Roberts, Penny (Willie) Kipp, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.