Roland 'Rocky' Antoine Jr.

WHITE PINE, Mich. - Roland "Rocky" Antoine Jr., 60, of White Pine, passed away Friday morning, Sept. 16, 2016, surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness.

Rocky was born on May 30, 1956, in Wakefield, a son of Elaine (Powell) and Roland Antoine Sr. He grew up in Ramsay. In 1972, his family moved to White Pine, and he attended White Pine High School and graduated in 1974.

For two years, Rocky proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a military police officer.

Following his honorable discharge, he traveled the country working as a welder. Rocky lived in Seattle, Rhode Island and the Florida Keys.

He returned to the area and worked at the Copper Range mine in White Pine for 10 years and then moved to Elko, Nev., where he worked at the Newmont Gold Mine for 15 years.

Rocky was an Elder tribal member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Manistee, and he was intensely proud of his Native American heritage. He was a long-time member of White Pine American Legion Nonesuch Post 462.

Rocky truly loved spending time with his dear family and friends. He took great pleasure in riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed countless hours outside reading Western books. Rocky was known for his signature blue and white polka dot hat, his ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone and his friendly smile and quick wit that seemed to light up any room he entered.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rocky is survived by his sons, Chad Hamm-Antoine and Brandon Hamm; his daughter-in-law, Erika; a granddaughter, Faith; four brothers, Jake, Jeff, Mike and Steve (Joan); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, in 2000, and his mother, in 2001.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. (CDT) at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield.

Visitation will continue on Friday, Sept. 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. EDT, at St. Jude Catholic Church in White Pine, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Jacobus, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of the Ontonagon County Veterans Association.

Luncheon will be served at the church following the military service.

Rite of Committal will be held Friday at 2 p.m. (CDT) at Marenisco Cemetery. Interment will follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.