Ernest Robert Cheeka Jr.

February 7, 1939 - October 24, 2011

Ernest Robert Cheeka Jr., known as 'Kolchote', passed away October 24, 2011, at st. Charles Hospital in Bend, OR. Kolchote was born in Neah Bay, Washington, on February 7, 1939, to Ernest Robert Cheeka SR. and Joyce (Simmonds) Cheeka.

Kolchote graduated from Neah Bay High School, and attended both Olympic College and U.C. Berkley. he served in the US Marine Corps from February 25, 1958, to February 24, 1964. He was a Radio Tech and Repairman, received the Good Conduct Metal, and the M-1 Rifle Marksmanship Badge-Sharpshooter. he served during the Vietnam War in Company A 3rd battalion, 1st Marine Division, FMF, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton.

Mr. Cheeka worked as a Radio Electronics tech at Boeing; was a clerk for the State of Washington; a traditional carver and artist; and worked in medical transportation. He also was employed by the Small Tribes Organization of Western Washington and jacinda & Gramps Pie Company.

Mr. Cheeka married Marchita Joyce Holden on October 13, 1962, in Olympia, Washington. Ernie was an accomplished Indian artist; fisherman, and loved to build things. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and dog owner. He gracefully brought his education and cultural knowledge together by serving on the original Makah Whaling Commission, establishing the Native American Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11481 in Neah Bay, building Shaker churches, long houses, other community buildings, and contributing as his mother. Joyce Simmonds Cheeka, did to the Chief Seattle Club. He fought for Indian rights, and was a proud but humble man that did things quietly because they needed to be done, never recognition.

As life slowed down for him, he could usually be found in Spray, Oregon's local hangout having coffee, baking pies for community fund raisers, or riding in his convertible with his dog, lady, as his co-pilot.

Ernie is survived by his special friend, Bobbie; his dog Lady; his son Ernest Robert Cheeka and his wife, Eir Questa Cheeka; daughters Valerie Jodene Cheeka and Tor parker; brother Cecil Phillip Cheeka and wife Christine McGee Cheeka; sister Lucetta Cheeka Lister; grandchildren Jacinda Kolette Cheeka, Kimberly Jodene Cheeka, Thomas Jesse Cheeka, Paul Ramon Parker Jr., Rachel Marie Parker, Steven Richard Parker and Christopher Arnold Beau Parker; great-grandchildren Tyrone lee Chambers, David Lee Chambers Jr. Makyah Jayden Chambers, Klarissa Butler, Lexi Cole Cheeka, Cameron Notthan Loungayan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Harry Robert Cheeka, Alma Joyce Trettevick, Julie Dorothy James, Ernestine Roberta Barton; his wife Marchita Joyce Holden Cheeka; and granddaughter Beverly Joyce Parker.

Arrangements under the direction of Harper Ridgeview Funeral Chapel, Port Angeles, WA.