Obituary of Yellow Fly

We are saddened by the passing of our Father, Uncle, Brother, Grandfather and Elder Ken Yellow Fly on September 15, 2008, at the age of 86 years at the Strathmore Hospital after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. Ken was born on the Siksika Nation and raised on the family ranch. Ken will be remembered for his kindness, patience, generosity and love for his family. He was a member of Prairie Chicken Society, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #1, and other organizations. Ken worked around the local area with various Ranchers and employment away from Siksika. Ken participated in various sports and activities through out his life, and especially supported the Siksika Miners Hockey Team. He was a very traditional man and had great pride and respect for his dancing, especially carrying out and using the Buck Skin outfit belonging to his late father, Teddy Yellow Fly. He enjoyed playing hand games and one of Ken’s highlights was residing at the Calgary Stampede for the duration of the celebration with Ed and Marie Calf Robe and family whom he adored, especially adopted granddaughter Janice. Ken resided at the Siksika Elder’s Lodge for many years. The family would like to thank all staff for their patience and care. Ken enjoyed going out to the casino to play his card games. Ken is survived by his daughters Linda, Bernice and Betty; sons Francis and Wesley Yellow Fly; nine grandchildren; twenty nine great grandchildren; sister Virginia Medicine Traveller, brothers Arthur, Ernest, Noel Yellow Fly; numerous nieces and nephews; many traditional adopted families; numerous relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Jane and Teddy Yellow Fly; daughter Vivian Service; grandsons Jeffery and Joshua; daughter-in-law Lenora Yellow Fly; sister Emma; brothers Gordon and Percy (Cecile) Yellow Fly; sisters-in-law Teresa, Celina and Marina Yellow Fly; and his only brother-in-law Allan Medicine Traveller. Special thanks to his niece Brenda who gave her time and love to care for him. He was always asking for her as he felt secure when she was near. The family would like to thank Siksika Chief and Council, Elder’s Lodge, Home Care, doctors and nurses at Strathmore Hospital, and the community for all prayers, donations, kindness and words of encouragement and care. The family apologizes for anyone they may have missed. Wake Services will be at the Siksika Community Centre on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Siksika Community Centre on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Canon Stockton Cemetery. In living memory of Ken Yellow Fly, 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.