Obituary of DUCK CHIEF – Charles Joseph

December 8, 1943 – March 12, 2010 Charlie Duck Chief (Mii Saa Ma Woh Taan – Long Time Shield) beloved husband of Floria, passed away peacefully in her arms to join his late Mother Emily and Father Rosario Duck Chief on Friday March 12th, 2010 at the age of 66 years. Along with his loving wife Floria, Charlie’s legacy will live on through his family and children Kory, Kingsley (Francine), Joe, Terrill, Emily (Nigel) and Verena; grandchildren Hunter, Gabriel, Luke, Eric, Kasia, Kestin, Talyssa, Connor, Theoron, Richard, Karalie, Savanna and Wyatt; great-granddaughter Haven Charlize. Charlie is also survived by his brothers Richard (Lorna) and Herman (Ida) and his sisters, Ann, June, Marie (Tom), Geraldine (Melvin), Jackie (Clarence), Jenny and Veronica; Aunties, Rosa Doore and Rita Frank; adopted brothers and sisters, Clifford (Janis) Manyheads, Ron (Joyce) Doore, Robert (Judy) Running Rabbit, Clement (Pauline) Doore, Stan Wigmore, Stanley (Germaine) McMaster, Delia Yellowfly, Laverna McMaster (Wayne Courchene), Jug McLeod and Al Loria. Adopted children: Doug Lamb (Duck Chief), Gary Wabenga, Anne McMaster’s Children, Blair and Vanessa Burrows, Shane, Jamie, Tim and Kirk Yellowfly. Charlie was predeceased by his parents Rosario and Emily Duck Chief; brothers Gabriel, Fraser, Arthur and Melvin; sister Adele; nephew Eddie; uncles Mark Spring Chief, Louis, Jack, Phil, Mike and Joe Running Rabbit, Anthony Scalplock and Emil Blackwater; aunties Agnes Little Youngman and Alice White Elk; mother-in-law Marina Yellowfly; father-in-law Allen Atcheynum. Charlie was well known for his sense of humour, kindness and his love for his family and friends. Charlie also showed his kindness through his work as a Child Welfare Worker and Director for over 30 years, dedicating his time and all his energies to ensure the best care for his clients and their families. Charlie was also known for his love of sports such as basketball, where he coached the Blackfoot Central Men’s team to win many championships including 4 (four) Alberta provincial championships and was one of the original organizers for the annual Blackfoot Invitational Basketball tournament. His other loves of sports included curling and golf with his late brother Melvin White who were known to tear up the courses with their skills and crazy sense of humour and their love for the 19th hole, they were also the original organizers of the now annual Siksika Open Golf tournament. Charlie was outgoing and made many friends throughout the years, who came to know him for his jokes and traditional name giving. Charlie also cherished his traditional ways as taught to him by his late mother Emily Duck Chief which prepared him to become a traditional pipe holder at a young age till his passing. Charlie was well respected by all who knew him as he was a knowledgeable individual who also taught his children, nephews and nieces to have respect, strength, humility and to be grateful for everyone and everything in their lives. Charlie will surely be missed by all who knew him and know that he fought long and hard to remain with us all regardless of the odd’s set against him, he stayed with us for 7 (seven) more cherished years after his initial diagnosis of Cancer. Rest well Dad, Pa Pon, Charlie (Mii Saa Ma Woh Taan) we love you and will miss you, you’re with your Mom now. Special Thank You to Siksika Family Services, Siksika Health Services (EMS/Fire, Home Care and Elders Lodge) and Strathmore Hospital Nurses, Dr. Thomas Gillis, Dr. Thomas Fung, Family and Friends for all their support and care for Charlie and our Family. Wake Services will be held at Sister Celine Memorial Parish Hall (Siksika Nation, Alberta) on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 2:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Siksika Nation, Alberta) on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 12:00pm. Graveside Service to follow at Crowfoot Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Charlie Duck Chief, a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation, AB by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.