Obituary of Percy Yellowfly

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Percy Yellow Fly on Friday, June 24, 2005 at the age of 77 years. Percy was born on April 6, 1928 at the Blackfoot Hospital, Siksika Nation, AB. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather, brother, uncle and brother-in-law, whose generosity and energy were unfailing before he became ill with Parkinson’s Disease. Percy was greatly admired and respected by all who knew him. He was also very intelligent and known for his great wisdom. He became the first Band Manager for the Siksika Nation in 1968 as well as serving as Chief and as a Band Counsellor for many years. He was educated at Old Sun Residential School and then went to Gleichen School for his high school years. Percy loved and participated in many sports such as rodeo, baseball, golf and hockey. Percy served on many committees for the Siksika Nation. In 1981, he was part of a delegation from Siksika that met with Queen Elizabeth to solicit her support for First Nations in Canada during a time when it was feared that treaties would be abrogated. His legacy of service to the community and family is a tribute to his life. Family members will lovingly remember him as a Patriarch and Guide and his dedication to the daily reading of the ‘big book.’ Percy is survived by his daughter Sharon Yellow Fly (Russell); and son Sherman (Tina) Yellow Fly. He cherished his grandchildren, Corey (Tammy), Stephen (Asia), Kirk (Ruth and Dakota), Trudy, Tiffany, Ariel, and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister Virginia (Allan) Medicine Traveller and brothers Kenneth, Art, Ernest, and Noel; sisters-in-law, Christina Sleigh, Catherine (Harvey) Sleigh, Florine (George) Sleigh and Lavina (Clayton) Sleigh, brothers-in-law John Sleigh, Francis Sleigh and Matthew Sleigh, as well as numerous relatives, nieces and nephews (too numerous to mention) and his relatives the Ayoungman, Water Chief, Fox, Pretty Youngman, Raw Eater, Stimson, Bull Bear, and Dyler families. Percy was predeceased by his loving wife Cecile in 1998; parents Teddy and Jane Yellow Fly, sister Emma Jane Yellow Fly and brothers Gordon and Gibbon Yellow Fly; his grandmother Elsie Boy Chief, and many close family members. The family would like to apologize for missing anyone who was very important to Percy during his lifetime. Wake Services will be held at Percy’s residence (Siksika Nation, AB) on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Siksika Nation, AB) on Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Ian GagnÚ, Presider. Graveside Service will follow at The Crowfoot Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Chief and Council, and to all the people for their generosity and kindness with food, prayers and emotional support. In living memory of Percy Yellow Fly, 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.