Obituary of Running Rabbit

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Joe Running Rabbit. Dad passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Annie and his loving children on Friday, August 10, 2007 at the Foothills Medical Centre at the age of 82 years. Joe was born at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary. He attended the Crowfoot Indian Residential School. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe took up carpentry and had various jobs throughout his life. He was employed with the Siksika Housing until his retirement. Joe was raised by the late Mary Jane Good Eagle and Many Fires. He married Annie on July 3, 1944 and together they raised nine children (five boys and four girls). He made his Cursillo in 1987 along with his sons, Allan and Arnold, the theme song was DeColores. Joe cherished his family of five generations very much, just being surrounded by his children and grand children made his life complete. He enjoyed our family gatherings such as barbeques, anniversaries and weddings. Joe was the biggest sports fan of all when it came to his grandchildren’s various sporting activities. Joe leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-three years Annie; his children, Allan (Josie), Arnold (Lena), Morris (Myrna), Garry (Karen), Colleen (Lionel), Joanne (Stuart), Wesley (Birdie) and Rita (Clarence); adopted children, Arnold Bish and Ron Boddy; thirty-three grandchildren; sixty-five great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. He will also be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Rosa Doore and Rita Frank; brothers, Tom (Trina) Running Rabbit, Melvin (Rena) Running Rabbit and numerous nieces and nephews; In-laws, Steve Red Old Man and Veronica (Wayne) Olds, Mary-Ann Wells, Wayne (Beverly), Larry and Clarence Leather, Angeline (Raymond) Crow Chief, Joe (Geraldine) Medicine Shield, Francis Many Bears and Harrison Bull Bear. Joe was predeceased by his parents Haughton and Frances Running Rabbit; his brothers, Mark (Louise) Spring Chief, Rosario (Emily) Duck Chief, Louis (Alice), Phil (Emma), Mike (Francis) and Jack (Mary); one sister Faith Running Rabbit. His treasured daughter Sheila Running Rabbit; adopted daughter Pauline Sitting Eagle; grandchildren, Ian and Verlyn, Ilana Montour and Dallas Running Rabbit Jr.; In-laws, Amos (Annie) Leather, Leslie Doore, Wilton Frank, Louis (Margaret) Red Old Man, George (Laura) Leather, Jean and Lilly Leather, Rosie (Adam) Solway, Christine (Wayman) McMaster, Jeanne Medicine Shield, George (Edith) Medicine Shield and Aloysius Many Bears; and extended family, Rabbit Carriers, Spring Chiefs, AYoungmans, Bear Hats, Duck Chiefs, Many Fires, Weasel Heads, Franks, Young Pines, Calfs, Plumes, Pretty Youngmans, McMasters, Medicine Shields, Old Womans, Turning Robes, Wolf Childs and Weasel Fats. The family would like to apologize if any names were missed. Wake Services will be held at the residence of Annie and Joe Running Rabbit on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 17, 2007 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Siksika, Nation at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at the Crowfoot Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The Running Rabbit’s would like to thank the Doctors and Nursing staff at the Foothills Medical Centre CCU and Unit 81 for taking care of our dad. We would also like to thank all of those who offered their support and prayers in our time of need. A special thanks goes out to Birdie Running Rabbit for always being there for dad. In living memory of Joe Running Rabbit, 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.