Charles Joseph Bear

On September 26, 1973, Charlie and Pat Bear were blessed with a handsome baby boy, Charles

"Chuck" Joseph Bear. Chuck was his moma's world and she lived her life for him. When she left this world, Chuck's heart went with her.

Chuck lived most of his life in Hays and attended school at Hays-Lodge Pole School. He attended Flandreau Indian School for his freshman and sophomore years but graduated from Hays-Lodge Pole High School in 1991. He played football and basketball for the HLP Thunderbirds.

He was a hard worker and worked in many places for different companies. He worked for Dateline Drilling, Jack & Son Paving, North Pacific Tree Thinning, and Fort Belknap Casino to name a few. Chuck also was an avid wood hawker and very skilled at repairing chainsaws. His greatest joy was being in the mountains, his second home, and that was when he was happiest.

One of his favorite sayings was "Yee, make it dusty!"

Chuck had a big heart and a personality to match. Once you met him, you remained his friend for life. He often opened his home to people in need of a place to stay. He had a special place in his heart for our community's kids, and he was 'Uncle Chuck" to many.

Chuck accomplished many things, but he was very proud of a documentary he was in called Twahe. He added typical Indian humor to the film, which added to the realism of the film. He even left the rez to attend the film festival in Missoula where the documentary played.

Chuck leaves a legacy full of love, kindness, loyalty, and humor. He was a very charismatic person who inspired people to be their best. Chuck was loved because he loved.

He is survived by his father, Charlie Bear; his cat, Samson; his brothers, Sheldon Doney, Joe Werk, and Joe Castillo; numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is also survived by numerous friends and kids that love him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pat Bear; his sister, Patty; his grandmothers, Birdie Mae Shortman and Erma Bear; his grandfathers, Joseph Shortman and Benny Bear, his cat, Pancake, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Joseph Bear, please visit our floral store.