Obituary of Morris Mckenzie Brass

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Morris Mckenzie Brass, beloved husband of Lydia of the Siksika Nation, AB on Tuesday, October 4, 2005. Morris Mckenzie Brass was born on March 16, 1936 on the Siksika Nation, AB. His parents were the Late Richard (Dick) and Emma Brass. Morris attended the Old Sun Residential School from the age of 7 to 16 years old. He left the reserve to work for Milt Ward of Arrowwood, AB for thirteen years and he developed skills to work as a farmer and rancher. A quality one would remember that would describe Morris was his love for life, culture and his family. At an early age he was taught by his parents the cultural customs, values and traditions of being responsible for several bundles. Morris was also a member of several traditional societies and was highly respected for his cultural values, traditions and teachings. He participated at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede since he was a child with his parents and later continued after their death to become a Tipi owner. Morris enjoyed the fall season because of his love for hunting. His favourite hunting places were the ‘Porcupine Hills’ and ‘Cypress Hills’. He enjoyed hunting with friends and family especially, Wallace BC, Joe Pard, Roy F., Marvin, Winston, Delbert, and Lee. Morris was a defenseman with the ‘Siksika Broncos Hockey Club’. He also had a passion for driving with his family to different places. Morris is survived by his wife Lydia; daughters, Diana (Sam), Sharon (Dwayne) Big Old Man and Candace; son Maurice; traditional adopted son Eldon (Alvina) Weasel Child; brothers, Robert and Irvine Brass; adopted brother Willie (Marie); sisters, Evelyn Weasel Head and Ruth (Wally) Majoros; aunts, Julia Wright and Ruby Doore; eight grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was referred to as “Grandpa Morris” by some of his nieces’ and nephews’ children, especially Deedre, Ainsley, Drew, Madden, Lyndon, and Mickey. Morris had unconditional love for his family and he traditionally adopted many nephews and nieces as his own. He was predeceased by his parents Richard (Dick) and Emma Brass; brothers, Jonathon and Ron Brass; sisters, Violet, Rosemarie and Pauline Brass; uncles, Felix and Moses Maguire and Russell Wright, Sr.; aunt Millie Raweater; brother-in-law Gerald Weasel Head; sister-in-law Rita Brass; grandchild Kenzie Big Old Man; nephews, Dale and Gene Brass and Keith (Brass) Sitting Eagle; cousins Michael and Dicky Wright and Claudia Spring Chief. At Morris’ request there will be no Wake Service. A Celebration of Morris’ Life will be held at St. John the Divine Anglican Church (Siksika Nation, AB), on Saturday, October 8, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank our neighbours, Hubert and Nadine Bexte of Arrowwood, AB, for many years of friendship, support and hospitality. Morris had numerous friendships with individuals from our surrounding communities. He will be sadly missed by all and he lived his life with determination until the very end. The family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors (Dr. Doig, Dr. Castilmo) and nurses (Jill, Sandra, Natasha and Beth, RN’s) of the Intensive Care Unit at the Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta. Special thanks to Eileen Mcgrag, Native Liason of the Foothills Hospital. If we have missed anyone, the family would like to extend their apologies during this time of sadness. The family would like to extend their condolences and sympathy to Mr. Allan and Rosario Wolfleg and family on their recent loss of Ajay Ellen Kelly Wolfleg, Siksika Nation. In living memory of Morris Brass, a tree will be dedicated at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.