Obituary of Bear Chief

Francis has been called home by our Lord Jesus Christ to join his parents, sons, friends, and relatives on Friday, January 26, 2007. Francis worked as a farmer for many years. He was also employed with the Siksika Recreation Department in the seventies. At a young age he was a skilled hockey player, and was scouted by the Chicago Black Hawks in the early 1950’s. People knew him to be kind, humble, compassionate, caring, helpful, and respectful of others. He was also known for his humour and laughter. He was a hard-working man, who believed in the ethics of hard work. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren very much. Francis is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Marilyn; his children, Gerald (Martina) Bear Chief, Dale Bear Chief, Cheryl (Lee) Maguire, Roanna McMaster, Eugene Bear Chief, and Robert Bear Chief; siblings, Wallace (Teresa) Bear Chief, Clement (Teresa) Bear Chief, Donna (Roy) L’hommecourt, Arthur (Marie) Bear Chief, Joan Bear Chief, Melvin Bear Chief, Roy (Aileen) Bear Chief, Alvina Cutter, Celeste (Horace) Bull Bear, Robert (Gwendora) Bear Chief, Patsy Bear Chief, Hector Winnipeg Sr., Olivia Good Rider, Darlene Drunken Chief, Arlene (Alvin) Black Kettle, and Brian (Maureen) Drunken Chief, and Stuart Own Chief; special niece, Darlene Bull Bear-Breaker; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as the extended families of Smiths, Spotted Eagles, Stimsons, Running Rabbits, Duck Chiefs, Wolf Legs, Letourneaus, Inksters, Black Kettles, and Little Chiefs. We regret if we missed anyone else. Francis was predeceased by his loving parents, Leonard Walker and Martha Bear Chief; sons, Stuart and Francis Jr. Bear Chief; siblings, Delma Fox and Clement Drunken Chief; and grandparents, William and Minnie Bear Chief, and Mary and Joseph Black Kettle, and Joe Heavy Shield. Wake Services will be held at the Siksika Community Centre (Siksika, AB.) on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Siksika Community Centre (Siksika, AB.) on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Margaret Water Chief and Rev. Ian Gagnon officiating. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Siksika Fire and E.M.S., Strathmore Emergency, Stars Air Ambulance, and the Foothills CIC Unit. In living memory of Francis Bear Chief, a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation, Siksika, AB. by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.