Obituary of First Rider

Avery Lance First Rider passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, 2005 at the tender age of 19 years. Avery’s time with us was such a blessing. He lived with his disability all his life and yet he did not let it hinder his spirit. Avery had a great love for playing with his scoochies and watching his cartoons. Avery will be sadly missed by his special family, mother Adele White; sisters and brother, Sherry, Laurie (Tony), and Ringo; nephews, Michael, Nicholas and Chad; aunt Karen; and his beloved pets, Pepper and Garfield. He also leaves to mourn his mom Karen (John); brothers, Desmond, Dreaver, Jamie, and Jericho; maternal grandparent Rachel and George; paternal grandparent Clive and Pearline; aunts and uncles, Joyce, Angel (Erwin), Marvine (Larry) Winnipeg, Vera Stevens, Marie Bear Chief, Clyde (Stephanie), Sam, and Chad; and many cousins. Avery was predeceased by his baby sister Courtney in 2002; his great-grandma Albertine Low Horn; aunts Hilda Red Gun and Heather Wolf Ear; uncle Gary Low Horn; and cousin Ryan First Rider. A special thanks goes out especially to Dr. Heidi Schroeder for many years of care; the Alberta Children’s Hospital Staff; Units 42 and 43 of the Peter Lougheed Centre; Dr. Lowe and the Home Care Staff and Bow Park Court, and Emily Follensbee School. Wake Services will be held at the residence of Karen First Rider, (Siksika Nation, AB) on Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Cluny, AB) on Friday, May 6, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ian GagnÚ, Presider. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, #300, 1021 – 10th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 0B7 Telephone: (403) 209-6134. In living memory of Avery First Rider, 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.