Obituary of Many Bears

Pa-noh-komÚ (Al) was sent home to our Creator on Monday, December 19, 2005 at the age of 68 years. He was born and raised on Siksika Nation where he received his education and discovered his natural artistic ability at a very young age and later became recognized as a renowned artist. He gained international recognition with some of his selected original artwork chosen during the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. Pa-noh-komÚ (Al) persevered despite many challenges he faced throughout his life while maintaining his dedication and devotion to his family. He continued to support his family through his gifted talent and traveled to many art shows and exhibits across North America. His unique artistic style captures the Siksika heritage to share and to promote future Siksika generations. Pa-noh-komÚ (Al) will be forever appreciated for his generosity, kindness, wisdom, patience, courage, and most of all his love from all those he touched. He was a strong believer in the Siksika traditional way of life as his legacy will continue on through his children and grandchildren. Pa-noh-komÚ (Al) leaves behind his loving wife Frances of forty-two years; his sons and their wives, James (Crystal) and Morris (Charlene); his daughters and their husbands, Georgette (Eldrid) Medicine Shield, Francine (Jack) Medicine Shield, Alanna (Owen) Many Bears, Krista (Tyler) White, and Sarah Fleury; and his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pa-noh-komÚ (Al) also leaves behind his sisters and brother-in-law, Clara Many Bears, Teresa (James) Knowlton, his sisters-in-law, Verona (Wayne) Old Woman and Mary-Ann Wells, his brothers-in-laws, George (Edith) Medicine Shield, Joe (Geraldine) Medicine Shield, and Harrison Bull Bear. He also leaves behind his uncles, James Calf, Philip and Albert Many Bears; his aunts, Cecile Many Guns, Cecilia Many Heads and Emma Many Feathers; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He also leaves behind numerous adopted brothers and sisters across Alberta, his adopted grandchildren (Woods, McMaster, and Medicine Shield family), and his adopted daughter Aileen Runner and her family from Sarcee. Pa-noh-komÚ (Al) was predeceased by his parents, James and Alice Many Bears; his brothers, Carl, Frances and Julius Many Bears; his baby son Warren Cooper; his sister Georgina Many Bears; his aunts Teresa Yellow Fly, Annette, and Marie Many Bears, Clara Sun Walk; his uncles, Edmond Many Bears, Peter and John Calf; and his adopted mother Isabel Makinou from Hobbema, AB. Wake Services will be held at Sister Celine Memorial Parish Hall (Siksika Nation, AB) on Monday, December 26, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Cluny, AB) on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ian GagnÚ, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at Crowfoot Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank all those involved for their love and support during this difficult time. In living memory of Aloysius Many Bears, a tree will be dedicated at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.