Obituary of Bert Wiyaga Wizin Hotu Wildman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Âdé (father), who was called home by our Creator on December 17, 2008 at the age of 87 years with his family by his side. Âdé lived a very full life and in his early years was a competitive calf roper and steer undecorator. He received his education at the residential school in Morley. Âdé was kept at the school well after his sixteen birthday, where he was taught to seed and take care of the agricultural program. He was also one of the first Stoneys to receive a grade nine diploma. Âdé encouraged all his children and decedents to continue with their education, to maintain their independence by working hard wherever they were employed. At a very young age Bert went off the reserve to find work with the surrounding ranchers, here he gained the experience needed to succeed and made some very dear friends in the process with Copithorne, Buckley, Richards, Edges and Eckland families. He returned to the reserve to share his experience and training with his people. As a result he became one of the main founders of the economic development and agricultural program. Bert was famous for his square dance calling and was always called upon whenever social events took place. He was also well known for his knowledge and words of wisdom. To date the community leaders would often seek out Bert for this purpose. As a stockman Bert was called upon in the community for various veterinary services and was always ready and willing, regardless of the time or the circumstance. He was often asked to participate on various committees and boards. Bert was an elder for all three bands; Chiniki, Wesley and Bearspaw. In his last days Bert always enjoyed visitors and would entertain them and his family with his witty sense of humour. At the time of his passing he sat as an elder on the Tsuu Tina/Stoney Corrections Society Board of directors. Bert is survived by his sons, Arthur and Daniel (Dorothy); daughters, Margery (Barry), Jeanette, Lena (Adam), Iliena (Charles), Marjorie Holloway and family, adopted daughter Mina Lefthand and family; stepson, Keith Beaver, step-daughter Ramona Wesley, 36 grandchildren; two of whom were special to him; Seth Wildman and Bertrand Abraham; 62 great-grandchildren; sister, Tina and family; the families of his late sister, Alma Simeon; late twin sister, Lily Wesley, late cousin, Percy Wildman and cousin, Earl Wildman and family. He is also survived by extended families, Wildman, Wesley, Simeon, Twoyoungman clans, Lucy Poucette, and adopted granddaughter, Joyce Ball whom Ade named “Chinook”, the family is very grateful for her tiredless, unselfish ways of spending time with Bert and his family at this time of loss and as well as adopted son, Dr. Ellis Quarshie. Âdé was predeceased by his loving wife Sarah 1997, his parents, Dan and Leah Wildman; uncle Jacob Twoyoungman; sisters, Alma Simeon; best friend and brother in law Walter Simeon; Lydia and twin sister, Lily Wesley; brothers, Walter and Austin; sons, Marty and Gilbert; grandson, Wacey Labelle; great-granddaughter, Allison and grandfather, Daniel Wildman who Bert learned so much Nakoda and Pre Treaty history from. We apologize if we have missed anyone. Wake Services will be held at the residence Bert Wildman (Morley, AB) today, December 21, 2008. Funeral Services will be held at Morley Gymnasium (Morley, AB) on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Chiniki Cemetery (Morley, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Bert Wildman a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.