Obituary of Arthur Ayoungman

Arthur Ayoungman Jr. beloved husband of Louise Minde (Toto) of Strathmore, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at the age of 57 years. Arthur was born at Siksika Nation and has resided there most of his life. He attended schools at Siksika, Gleichen, Strathmore and graduated from Western Canada HS Calgary. He obtained a Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate from Keyano College. He had been a heavy equipment owner/operator and a school bus driver. He grew up on a farm and ranch and thus enjoyed horse races, chuckwagon races and rodeo. Arthur lived life to the fullest and participated in and supported many sports and cultural activities e.g. curling, hockey, coaching broom ball, playing hand games, powwows, bingo and dancing. He was a drummer with the band,” The Sundogs”. Arthur was a tipi owner at the Calgary Stampede, and during the past several years participated daily in the Grandstand Evening Performance to greet people from all over the world. He made his Cursillo in 1993. He accepted requests to do invocations in the Blackfoot language at many events. Arthur was a friend to people from all walks of life and he was respectful to everyone. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and being a kind, humble and compassionate man. Arthur is survived by his loving wife Louise, one son Arthur III (Mory and Allyssa), three daughters Melodie (Steve), Dawn and Susanne and their mother Karen. Step children include TJ, Christian, Bobby, Kenny, Cheyenna, Marty, Gordie and Reah. Grandchildren, Deannette, Kristian, Donovan, Aprilrose, Heston, Dradon, Kaidence and Honey, as well as numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. His mother Nora, two brothers Matthew (Georgina), Teddy (Lucy); five sisters, Rosella Ayoungman, Elaine (Rod) Clifton, Vivian (Phil) Beaumont, Angeline Ayoungman and Tina Ayoungman. Adopted brothers and sisters: Ed Wolfchild, Jerry, Delphine and Judy Blackhorse, Stan and Gloria Cowley, Muriel McArthur, Dolly and Peter Doenz, Floyd Olds. Arthur is also survived by the Waterchief, McMaster, Blackhorse, Peacemaker, Old Woman, Backfat, Weasel Child, Gladstone, and Sinclair families as well as other extended family members. He was predeceased by his father Rev. Arthur Ayoungman Sr. and by two brothers, Randy and Jonathan, adopted sister Violet (Suncalf) Spotted Eagle. Wake Services will be held at the Gordon Yellowfly Memorial Arbour, Siksika Nation on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will also be held at the Arbour, Siksika Nation, on Friday, October 3, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. We gratefully acknowledge the care of the emergency personnel at Rockyview (especially nurse Marie and Social Worker Violet) and the CVICU personnel at Foothills. In living memory of Arthur Ayoungman Jr., a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.