Stephen Gray Hawk Sr., age 90, after a long lived, achieving life, passed away peacefully with his family by his side in the Poplar Hospital.
Stephen Gray Hawk, Sr., was born on July 26, 1930 to Benjamin Gray Hawk Sr. and Josephine Kidder. “Stevie” as most of us would know him, was born in Wolf Point, Montana but raised in Poplar. Throughout his years he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Quite a story most of us would hear if you knew him. After his service for the U.S., Stevie made his way back to Poplar, Montana where he met the love of his life, Edna Snell, whom he married on June 20, 1955 and started a family. Throughout his years with Edna he had several children to their union: Steven Jr., Josie, Maude, Kenneth, Patty and Barbara.
Stephen was well known for his career in law enforcement. Starting out in the early seventies. He was a tribal police officer for a number of years. He left this for a job with the Fort Peck Tribes, but that just didn’t satisfy his cravings for serving the community. He returned starting out as a Juvenile Officer in the eighties and eventually becoming lead Juvenile Officer, becoming director of this job. As many knew, “Run, Stevie Gray Hawk’s coming.” As he was well known by the juveniles during that time.
In 1991, William “Bill” Beck, needed help in starting the Poplar Police Department. He called on Stephen to help. He accepted and was appointed as Police Chief to the department. After months of hard work he formed the department into a 24 hour a day, several man force. During this time he was also active in achieving for the youth. He created “We Care For Kids” during this time and was also known as “Grandpa” throughout the reservation. Steve was also a strong supporter of veterans and their affairs. He would also provide vocal support for the local parades by announcing the floats and even MC’d during the Wild West Day including some Pow-wows.
In his spare time he would enjoy working on electronics, even started a small business for local repair. He enjoyed spending time on yard work, volunteering or helping out wherever he was needed. Sharing many stories with those who would lend an ear.
He was always a kind, caring individual who always had a story to tell, a hand to lend and a joke to make you laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Edna; children: Josie, Barbara, Kenneth, and Maude; granddaughter, Miranda Martinez; great-granddaughter, Felony Swan; brother, Benji Gray Hawk, Sr., and nephews, Leonard Boxer and Lawrence “Chiefy” Boxer.
He is survived by his children: Steven (Judy) Gray Hawk and their sons Mouse, Dennis and Bryan; Patricia (Jim) Martinez and her daughter Hannah Martinez; Maude’s children Josie, Chelsea, Tory, Bari and Parker; great-grandson, Austin Burshia; nephews Tote, Brad, Benji Jr., Justin, Jason, Lenny and Terry; nieces Mary Ellen, Jolene and daughter Elisha and Melda Gray Hawk; sisters-in-law, Rose Mary Morsett and Agnes Ward; sister, Ida Cantrell and the rest of the Cantrell family. If any family was left out, please forgive us, as he was from a large family and it was not meant intentionally.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Burial with Military Honors will be at 2:30 p.m. in Poplar City Cemetery.
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Chief you finally at rest now.
God speed
Donald Lee Boyd says
R.I.P. Grandpa Stephen Gray Hawk PD55 Was Nice Knowing You And Your Laugh And Jokes..
Denise (Nielsen) Trenidad says
Remembering Stevie and family fondly. May our Father bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Elden G Anaquod says
🇺🇲 Mr. Stephen Gray Hawk 🇺🇸
Poplar, Montana, USA 🇺🇲
Grandpa_
You now take your deserved rest, may the Lord bless the journey. We will miss you, RIP.
Your adpoted Canadian 🇨🇦 family,
Elden Anaquod, Tanya Asdohonk
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 🇨🇦
Virgil cantrell says
Rip.Brother. My your wings glide you to the havens as we all know you’ll br watching over all of us! Lovr an miss yoo!!
Kenny 82 says
Rest In Peace 55, you were a good mentor and a great friend. To Steve’s family; I loved this man, huge heart and always had a kind word, I’ll miss him indeed!!!!
Iva Grainger says
My condolences to the Gray Hawk family! May peace be with you throughout this difficult time!
Robert and Terry McAnally says
Our condolences to Stevie’s family and close friends. He was a friend to all.
Jean Archdale says
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone, Stevie will always be remembered to me as the Poplar city police department. Job well done Officer Greyhawk
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Going to miss you Uncle and your teasing me when you saw me – you could always make me laugh. Say Hi to my dad and all the rest of our crazy crew up in Heaven. You did good here on Earth. Love you very much.
Dick Britzman says
My thought and prayers go out to the family. Stevie was one law enforcement officer I worked with that I could never forget. I haven’t seen him in years- but often thought of him.. RIP !