to Welcome to Welcome
Letter From
Little Bighorn National Monument Supervisor
(read at Cliff Nelson Memorial Service in Seeley Lake, Montana)
On behalf of the National Park Service and fellow staff members at Little
Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, we are deeply saddened at the tragic
loss of Clifford L. Nelson.
Cliff was a dear friend, and touched the lives of all who were privileged
to have known him. He was an expert on the Battle of the Little Bighorn,
and dedicated his summers to that "Compelling Story," and battleground
above the Little Bighorn River.
He began as a seasonal ranger here in 1968. His fascination and love for
the Battle of the Little Bighorn found Cliff spending endless summer breaks
from school working as a seasonal Park Ranger/Interpreter, presenting talks
to the visiting public. He always personalized the great tragedy that occurred
here, recognizing the sacrifices of not only the Seventh Cavalry but also
the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors who fought in the battle back in 1876.
He was an outstanding "Story Teller," and loved to present talks
on the many "Compelling Stories" surrounding the Battle of the
Little Bighorn.
Cliff was very proud to represent the National Park Service during the many
years he worked at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. He enjoyed
working with the public and was always eager to share his knowledge of the
Battle of the Little Bighorn with thousands of visitors each year.
Cliff would take time to help his fellow employees, and was very well respected
by all those who knew and worked with him. His dedication to his work responsibilities
and to serving the visiting public made Cliff the ideal role model for a
National Park Service Ranger. He was eager to return as a seasonal ranger
once again next season!
Little Bighorn Battlefield, fellow staff, and the countless thousands of
visitors whose lives he touched, were blessed by his presence.