Charles E. "Chuckie" Clinkenbeard

Charles E. “Chuckie” Clinkenbeard passed away in the loving arms of his friends and family on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at St. Patrick Hospital, due to complications from sepsis.  Chuckie lived and loved in a way that made everyone he came in contact with feel blessed. The impact he had on those around him was immeasurable. He was not the kind of man to tell you what you wanted to hear, but what you needed to hear, yet in a way that left no sting because it was always backed by love. He was generous with his worldly belongings and his love, but most of all, he was generous with his time. Despite suffering enormous medical challenges, he never complained or felt sorry for himself. Instead, he focused on what he could do for others. This world was a better place with him in it.

He was born on November 10, 1975 to Gwen (Neal) and Chuck Clinkenbeard.  The family moved to Arlee, Montana in 1991, and then to Plains, Montana in 1993. He married the absolute love of his life, Kerrie Welty on August 19, 1995. Those of us who were privileged enough to know them as a couple, knew that we were witnessing something very rare. Their love for each other was forever new and yet timeless.  They had 3 wonderful children together, Terra 19, Stephen 15, and Bridger 8. One never questioned how proud he was of his wife and kids, they were his world.

Chuckie guided hunters for a number of years, and then went to work for MRL in 2004.  He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed anything and everything outside, including hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, barbequing, and managing his little hive of honeybees.  He loved music, banjo and bluegrass in particular, and had an amazing voice. He had a banner hunting year in 2013, bagging his bull elk, mule deer buck, turkey, lion and a trophy black bear, all while on 4 liters of oxygen. God was smiling on him, and he deserved it.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Dora Neal, Dorothy Herring, and Charlie Clinkenbeard.  He is survived by his wife Kerrie, his children Terra, Stephen and Bridger. His father, Chuck (Leanne)Clinkenbeard, his mother Gwen (David) LaJeunesse , his sister Coby (Matt) Kelly, his brothers Jesse and Justin Clinkenbeard, and numerous nieces and a nephew.

God called home a true angel. Chuckie committed many great acts of love here on earth. Many people were privileged to call him friend. He was not the kind of man that would like us to dwell in sadness. He would want each and every one of us to live our days as if they were our last, to treat each other with love and respect, and to carry on his legacy of brightening this world we live in through humor. He left us all way too soon. He will be greatly missed.

Services will be held Saturday July 26^th at 4:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God church in Plains, Montana.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains, MT.