Stanley James Bluff Sr. was born April 24,1942 to Annie and Solomon Bluff in Newport, Washington. He passed away July 22. He grew up on the Kalispel Indian Reservation and attended Cusick school, graduating in 1960. Stan was married to his beautiful wife Eula Jean McDonald for over 62 years. They raised six children Chet (Glen), Monte (Susan), JR (Ladonna), Anna (Chuck), Debbie (Billy), and Jolene (Rob). He leaves behind his baby brother George Bluff, 24 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Stan was preceded in death by his wife Jean Bluff, his parents and siblings Leo, Pat, Louise, Sophie, Angeline, Louie, Ignace, Davis and Madeline.

He was a standout athlete at Cusick that carried over into his adult life playing softball for various teams in the county. His pitching and hitting talents made him a hero to many young people who came out to watch.

Stan worked in many jobs from Kaiser in Castroville, California, to the U.S.

Forest Service in Usk, Pend Oreille County as a heavy equipment operator, and finally retiring from the BIA in forestry. His final chapter placed him in the Kalispel Tribe’s Language Program working diligently to revitalize the Kalispel language that he spoke fluently.

He served his community in many ways, Kalispel Tribal Council, spiritual and cultural leader, education and child welfare advocacy. Stan was present for many historical events with the Kalispel Tribe. He applied to get the buffalo, he stood with the Kootenai Tribe in Idaho during their declaration of war against the U.S. government, and he was instrumental in getting the Northern Quest Casino started. He continued to act as a tribal leader in many aspects.

He attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on the Kalispel Reservation. He travelled with his Mom, providing prayers and songs in the neighboring reservations. His devotion to the catholic faith was the foundation of his life.

Stan travelled many miles to watch his kids and grandkids and great-grandkids play sports at Cusick, Wellpinit and Inchelium and in Spokane and Cheney.

Dad was an avid supporter for all of these teams, supporting them by paying entry fees, buying Indian tacos, or squares on a board, and even paying the Kalispel Teams to work around his house. He witnessed both the 2005 Cusick Girls basketball team and the 2022 Cusick boys basketball team win the Washington State B titles. Stan has not missed a State B basketball tournament since 1975, alongside so many Cusick Panther alumni.