John Strike Sr.

John R. Strike, age 90, Fort Belknap’s Oldest Assiniboine Elder, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and tradition.

John R. was born on September 25, 1935, in Fort Belknap, MT to Newton and Mildred (Enemy Boy) Strike. He spent his childhood in Fort Belknap, where his roots in family and culture were deeply planted.

In 1954 he joined the Air Force serving 4 years of active duty. After his service, he moved to California to attend welding trade school. He moved back to Fort Belknap and worked as a janitor for the Fort Belknap tribe, then in 1984 he began working for the Fort Belknap College as the Physical Plant Manager aka Aaniiih Nakoda College for 34 years and later retired in 2017.

On September 28th, 1991, he finally married the love of his life Margaret (Wing) Strike. Together they built a life of love, faith, and devotion. He enjoyed attending church, working, riding horses, and spending time with his grandchildren. He had 7 siblings; 5 sisters, 2 brothers, 6 children; 2 sons, and 4 daughters throughout his lifetime.

He sun danced for 4 years and was a pipecarrier. He enjoyed attending powwows and was a well-known traditional dancer. He was a very well-known runner around the state of Montana, and he inspired a lot of young and old people to run and walk. He was a huge Harlem Wildcat Basketball fan. His unwavering support was felt not only by his family and friends, but also by the coaches. His presence in the stands is deeply missed. Hobbies he enjoyed were visiting and teasing everyone, firefighting, singing gospel music, running, and dancing. He was a strong believer in his traditional ways and retired bull rider. He was also loved by all who met him.

He is survived by daughter Rochelle “Rocky” Strike, Terri Strike, Cindy Weeks, Lorraine Strike, son John Strike Jr., sister Diane Larsen, adopted grandchildren Marian Knight and Christopher Strike, adopted children Perry Lilly, Harlan and Mary Mount, Anna and Tracy Ching “King, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret Strike, parents Newton and Mildred Strike, son Joseph Strike, daughter Michelle Speakthunder, granddaughters Janika Doney, Sheryce Longknife, grandson Dakota “Horse” Gray Boy, 6 siblings; Raymond Strike, Leon “Duke” King, Adele Luna, Sophie Dominiquez, Bernice Cerda, Catherine Maestas, and I apologize if I left anyone out.

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