By HDN Staff
ROCKY BOY Robert Vance Blatt, 52, died at his home in Rocky Boy after a lengthy illness with cancer.
Wake services began Thursday evening and run through tonight at Rocky Boy Catholic Church. Rosary will be 7 p.m. today at the church. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Rocky Boy Catholic Church, with Fr. Pete Guthneck officiating. Cremation will follow funeral services.
Robert was born May 4, 1949, to Sheldon and Christine (Saddler) Blatt at Fort Belknap. He was raised in Chinook and Rocky Boy. He attended schools at Chinook, Box Elder, Stone Child College at Rocky Boy, Haskell Indian at Lawrence, Kan., and Montana Tech at Butte.
On Oct. 19, 1978, he married Christine Bernard at Havre
Robert worked numerous places, most notably Halliburton Oil Service Company for 14 years, in which he was able to travel throughout the world. He also worked for the Chippewa Cree Tribe as director for the department of natural resources at Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation until illness prevailed. He enjoyed working and expanding his career education. In 1999, Robert completed his associate of arts at Stone Child College in liberal arts and was selected valedictorian of his graduating class.
Robert boxed for the Chinook Boxing Club and coached for Rocky Boy and Butte boxing clubs. He also was president of the U.S.A. Boxing of Montana Chapter from 1993 to 1995.
Robert enjoyed gambling, playing Keno machines, being with his family, watching television, laughing, playing pool and joking with friends. His greatest enjoyment was boxing.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Richard "Dick" Han in 1998; sisters, Tina Blatt in 1999 and Faydene Blatt in 1982.
Survivors include his mother, Christine Han of Rocky Boy; father, Sheldon Blatt of Florence, Ariz.; wife, Christine Bernard Blatt of Rocky Boy; daughters, Priscilla, Dawn and Gabriella of Rocky Boy, and Tanya Schmockel and Rose Windy Boy, both of Box Elder; son, William "Shag" Blatt of Rocky Boy; brothers, Kenny Blatt St. Marks, Floyd St. Marks, Frank "Willie" Saddler and Frances Saddler, all of Rocky Boy, Donald Blatt of Helena and Trent Blatt of Chinook; adopted brother, Vernon The Boy of Rocky Boy; sisters, Shannon Brockie of Hays, Tiffany Blatt of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kememe Blatt of Rocky Boy; five grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home in Havre.
