Obituary of White Eagle

Michael White Eagle passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, November 24, 2008. He was born on April 28, 1942 at the Blackfoot Hospital, and later attended the Old Sun Boarding School. While there he enjoyed participating in a variety of sports such as boxing, hockey, and gymnastics, as well as survival corps and other activities. Residential School was a very difficult time in Michael’s life. He was very humble, respectable man who was one of the last to know some of the Traditional Holy Songs. Michael married Roberta Iron Shirt, and they made Indian dolls together, including a special one for Pope John Paul. Michael began Pow-Wow singing in his teen years, and later was known as one of the “Big 4”drummers. He travelled to Saskatchewan, BC, and the United States to sing at Pow-Wows and Gatherings. Michael believed strongly in his traditional way of life. We enjoyed listening to his stories. He will be greatly missed by his daughters Micheline (Andrew), Michele (Brian), Leann (Bradley) and adopted daughter April White Eagle. He also leaves to mourn his brothers, Glen (Delphine), Donny (Jenny), Marvin (Delia), Dexter (Marie), Dion (Marsha), Rene (Laurie); adopted brothers, Paul Melting Tallow and Melvin Solway; numerous nieces and nephews, grand and great grandchildren; and extended families of Healy, Scalplock, White Elk, Sun Walk, Backfat, Medicine Traveller, Yellow Fly, Calf, Peace Maker, Brass, Black Plume, and Nepoose. The family apologizes for anyone we may have missed. Michael was predeceased by his daughter Debbie White Eagle; parents Cyril Notuseful and Josephine Peace Maker; brothers Wayne, Gerri; sisters Joyce, Loreen; grandchildren Lainey, Kyfer and Angela; auntie Mary Nepoose; uncle Mike Kipp; and grandfather Jack Kipp. Wake Services will be held at the Siksika Community Center on Monday December 1, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Siksika Community Center (Siksika Nation, AB) on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. A special thank you is extended to the staff at Siksika Elders Lodge, Siksika Home Care, Ruth Scalp Lock, Margaret Water Chief for her many prayers, Barry Yellow Fly, and Darrin Blaine. In living memory of Michael White Eagle, a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.