Robert “Robby” Timothy Cavanaugh Sr. was born to Robert “Hank” Henry Cavanaugh and Betty “Doll” Smith on July 10, 1975, in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He passed away on February 24, 2026, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, surrounded by his loving family.

Robby attended school in Devils Lake and at Four Winds, graduating with the Four Winds Class of 1993.

In his youth, he spent his summers in Montana with his Uncle Terry Alex. He attended powwows and Sundance ceremonies. During Sundance, he received his first name, “Fire Keeper,” for helping with the sacred fire. He completed his four years of Sundance by the age of 14. He later received his second name, Ḣoka Zi, meaning “Yellow Badger,” at Sundance as well.

Robby loved the Native American Church way of life. He grew up attending meetings with Grandma Morgan and family. He taught himself how to bead, make fans, and create many other crafts.

Robby joined the United States Marine Corps in 1993 at the age of 17, leaving one week before high school graduation. He turned 18 during boot camp and achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He was part of the force that provided cover for the final withdrawal of United Nations troops in Somalia during Operation United Shield. While serving, he traveled the world aboard ship. He saved his leave time so he could return home early, arriving on March 31, 1997, the same day his niece, Elizabeth (Robertson) Sali, was born. Robby was very proud to be a Marine. He was honorably discharged on May 5, 2001.

After his time in the Marines, Robby worked as a wildland firefighter. Through firefighting, he traveled across the United States. He was also part of the crews that helped recover debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia.

In 2002, he welcomed his first daughter, Renee “NayNayz” Cavanaugh, with Anna Feather. In 2006, he had his second daughter, Miara Robertson, and in 2010 he welcomed his son, Robert “Handsome” Cavanaugh Jr., both with Melanie Robertson. He loved his children very much and enjoyed watching movies and television shows with them.

Robby began working at the age of 14 at the 2 Spot Café in Devils Lake. Throughout his life, he held several jobs, but his true passion was always firefighting.

In his free time, Robby liked to have a GOOD time. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family. He loved being outdoors and appreciated nature, often pointing out different birds and animals.

Semper Fi

He is survived by: His mother, Betty “Doll” Smith; Siblings: Carla (Art) Carmona; Trent Anderson; Myra Cavanaugh; Reggie (Brittany) Cavanaugh Sr.; Ryan Cavanaugh; Dara (Abe) Smith; and Darcy Smith; Children: Renee “NayNayz” Cavanaugh; Miara (Vinson) Robertson; and Robert “Handsome” Cavanaugh Jr.; Goddaughter: Anika Cavanaugh; Aunts: Myra Pearson; Candace Volk; and Myra Quinn; Uncles: Terry Alex and Butch Cavanaugh; Grandparents: Delbert “Lefty” Cloud and Corrine Cloud; Many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: His father, Robert “Hank” Cavanaugh; Paternal grandparents, Percy and Elizabeth (Twohearts) Cavanaugh; Maternal grandparents, Harold and Elizabeth (Cloud) Morgan; Great-grandfather, Sam Cloud; Stepfather, Donnie Smith; Several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

PALLBEARERS

Terrence “Tee” Morgan ~ Austin Lamrose ~ Anthony Carmona ~ Trey Carmona ~ Zyler Charboneau ~ Reggie “Baby Reg” Cavanaugh Jr. ~ Romeo Cavanaugh ~ Vinson Littleghost

HONORARY BEARERS

All of Robby’s Family, Friends, and Military Brothers

SPECIAL THANKS

Mary Cavanaugh; Brittany Iceman and family; Dakota Health & Wellness Transportation; Grand Forks Altru ICU staff; Spirit Lake EMS; VFW Post 6547; Altru Veterans; Spirit Lake Tribal Council; Spirit Lake Casino; Kristi-Kojack and family; Mary Greene; Brian Pearson; Myra Pearson; Margo and Jeff Decoteau; Terry and Martina Morgan; Romie Cavanaugh; Chepa Cloud; Anika; Baby Reg; Jolie Cavanaugh; Jason Green; and Vanessa Cavanaugh.

Please forgive us if anyone was unintentionally omitted.

Robby’s Wake/Visitation will be Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 5:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00PM all at Fort Totten Rec. Center, Fort Totten, ND.

Friends wishing to join the procession from New Rockford to Fort Totten may gather on the St. Jerome’s road, Fort Totten, prior to 4:30PM.

A Funeral Service will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00AM at Fort Totten Rec. Center, Fort Totten, ND.

His Burial will be at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Cemetery, Fort Totten, ND.