Obituary of Danny Laurel Simeon

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Danny Laurel Simeon, of the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Morley, Alberta, on Monday, August 13, 2007 while surrounded by family and friends at the age of 22 years old. Laurel regretfully succumbed to his injuries sustained in a tragic motor vehicle accident on July 21, 2007. Laurel was born on November 14, 1984 to Erica Stephens and late Danny Stephens. Laurel lived life to the fullest. He had a quiet personality with great sense of humour. As he was growing up, Laurel actively participated in recreational activities such as playing in minor hockey league in Banff, Alberta, Baseball, and attempted to explore his athletic capabilities in the rodeo circuit in boys steer riding. Laurel?s inner strength and self-determination led him to take part in Hockey Schools to further his athletic skills so he could excel in the sport. Laurel also enjoyed going on leisure fishing and hunting expeditions. Laurel was educated in Morley, Alberta, and was employed by the Chiniki Nation in security for a number of years. Most recently he enjoyed playing Texas Hold?em Poker. Laurel was an exceptional player at this game, which had become an activity that he especially enjoyed. He had won on numerous occasions at the professional poker tournaments held at Calgary Casinos, which were opportunities only few people could achieve. Laurel also spearheaded in organizing poker tournaments with friends at his home and homes of his friends throughout the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Laurel?s poker buddies referred to him as ?the master poker player?. Laurel was an individual who did what he enjoyed to the best of his abilities and to excel at what he enjoyed most. Laurel had an outgoing personality in a quiet and kind manner. He always had respect for people in general and had gained many friends throughout his recreational endeavours . He was known to be a generous and friendly person. He had spent many hours socializing with friends and family. Laurel had much devotion and provided unconditional love to his family. Laurel had a deep fondness of the unique richness of Stoney traditions and had pride in his Stoney identity and heritage. Laurel will be forever be remembered by his beloved mother Erica Stephens and step father Roy Rowan; companion Destiny Bird; siblings, Kerry (Jolene) Simeon, Janine Simeon, Colten Simeon, Alex Simeon, and Royce Simeon; maternal aunts, Beverly Simeon and Charlene Simeon; and maternal cousins, which are referred to as siblings in the Stoney culture, Kyle (Candace) Simeon, Kayla, Lexie, Lorene (Dwight) Simeon, Lori Kootenay, Harveen Twoyoungmen and Shawn Poucette; nephews and nieces, Winston, Grady, Kyra, Linaya, Grace and Lorette, and a special nephew Kiethan Simeon; maternal uncle Glen (Verena) Simeon; adopted sisters and brother, Rose Kootenay, Shannen Onespot, and Jerry Halkett; adopted aunt Theola Dixon; and his poker buddy, George (Kolet) Manyguns. Laurel will also be missed by his friends and extended families of the Simeon, Daniels, Young, Powderface, Fox, Crawler, House, Hunter, Snow, Rider, Twoyoungmen, Wesley families; and Nora Stevens and family and Alice (Tommy) Kaquitts. Laurel was predeceased by his beloved father Danny Stephens in 2002; maternal grandmother May Simeon in 1991; and maternal uncles and aunts, Cameron in 1978, Laurel in 1974, Darlene in 1978, Joanne in 1991, Casey Poucette in 1993; maternal cousin Daryle Simeon in 2001; and an adopted grandfather Lawrence Twoyoungmen in 2006. We apologize if we have forgotten to mention anyone. We hope you understand our light mindedness during this time of grief. Wake Services will be held at the residence Erica Stephens (Morley, AB) on Saturday, August 18, 2007 and Sunday, August 19,2007. Funeral Services will be held at Morley United Church (Morley, AB) on Monday, August 20, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kevin Hunter officiating. Graveside Service to follow at Chiniki Cemetery (Morley, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Laurel Simeon 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.