Richard “Dickie” Grinnell, Jr., 55, of Mandaree, ND, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017 at his home from natural causes surrounded by his family.

Richard Joseph Grinnell, Jr. “Dickie” was born on February 20, 1961 in Minot, North Dakota to the late Richard Grinnell, Sr. and the late Phyllis (Lincoln) Irwin. His parents divorced when he was very young and his mother re-married the late Dreke Irwin who happily helped his mom raise Dickie.

Dickie was an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes and a child of the Prairie Chicken Clan and a member of the Prairie Chicken Clan.

Dickie received his education at the Twin Buttes Elementary School and Mandaree High School, from where he graduated in May 1979. Following graduation Dickie enrolled at UTTC, Bismarck, North Dakota and received his certificate in Building Trades after completing his coursework in May 1980.

Dickie was a hard worker and enjoyed the positions he was hired for. His parents instilled in him a strong work-ethic as a young man, which he carried with him his entire life.

After completing his education, Dickie entered the workforce as a seismographer and loved the work as it gave him the chance to be outdoors and pitch-in to the family expenses. Dickie then went on to work for the Mandaree School in the kitchen department and as a carpenter. No task was too big or too small for Dickie as he could be found sporting his trademark “bibs and headband” He also worked at the Four Bears Casino and Lodge at its inception as a security officer. He was quickly promoted to supervisor soon after. He seemed a perfect match for this job as his size and huge smile made all those he came across feel at ease.

Dickie lived most of his life in Mandaree with the love of his life and lifetime companion, Bonnie Hunts Along. For over 30 years they watched their family grow.

Holidays and birthdays meant a lot to Dickie and looked forward to having a “house full of family”. It was always a happy time to share these events with him along with many of his nieces and nephews and listen to the stories and jokes each family member had to share with each other.

As a young man, Dickie enjoyed hunting and fishing and walking the hills. Dickie and his partners loved fishing at the old “Lost Bridge” area, Surveyors Crossing, McKenzie Bay and Elmer’s Point. When they weren’t fishing, Dickie and his partners would walk around the hills hunting for deer. Even if they didn’t get anything, they were happy to just be outside to enjoy the view and “hanging out”.

Dickie was a very kind-hearted, generous man and always spoke with a soft voice. He loved his family very much and was proud of his grandchildren. Dickie spent a lot of time traveling to be with his grandchildren and to attend their school activities. Dickie will be greatly missed by his family as he would call or text them every day checking on how they were doing. His door was always open to those who wanted to visit.

Dickie is survived by his soulmate Bonnie Hunts Along, children Levi Grinnell, Mandaree, ND and Marissa (Kelly) Mason, Devils Lake, ND; Aunt Josephine (Grinnell) Paetz, Minot, ND; Sisters Ann Grinnell, Lorraine (Mike) Howe and Merle (Donald) Young Bird, all of Mandaree, ND; Grandchildren Max Grinnell, Mandaree, ND; Quentin, Kelly Jr., Kara and Kyrie Mason, Devils Lake, ND; Daysin and Adrianna
Grinnell, Devils Lake, ND; Special friends Lorna Hunts Along and Julie Wolf, Mandaree, ND; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Dickie was preceded in death by his parents, step-father; Brothers Gary Grinnell, Allen Irwin, Monte Irwin, adopted brother Terry Mason; Sister Josephine Grinnell, Mary Grinnell, Stephanie Irwin; Maternal Grandparents Sam and Maria (Medicine Stone) Lincoln and Paternal Grandparents George and Maggie (Old Dog) Grinnell; nephews Terrill Howe, Miles Howe, Dwight Irwin and Jason Guimont.