Obituary of William MCLEAN

(Traditional name, Meet The Light) December 1, 1920 – Morley, Alberta August 16, 2016 – Morley, Alberta Bill was called home by our Creator on August 16, 2016 at the age of 95 years. Ade Bill McLean is the oldest Elder of the Stoney Nakoda Nation. He was a councillor and chief of Bearspaw Band from 1958 to 1980. During the time, his priority was Education. He concentrated his efforts on teaching the children about their past and the values of the Nakoda people. He continued to be involved in the Stoney Tribe Education Programs at the schools. He gave willingly of his time and wisdom. Although he is known primarily throughout southern Alberta, his willingness to share his expertise and knowledge is known across the province. He has traveled the world, and through his travels he expanded his knowledge. Bill learned that bitterness, hatred and violence are not the way. He said, “The Only way we can find answers is to measure our lives by four standards (honesty, purity, unselfishness and love.)” He played hockey and was the first to organize the, The Morley Tomahawks. Bill is well known on the rodeo circuit having won three Cowboy Championships at the Calgary Stampede. He received recognition from the National Indian Finals Rodeo in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is in the Indian Hall of Fame. Bill McLean has been in the Indian rodeos all of his life until he hung up his rope in 1995. Bill is survived by daughters: Madeline, Myra, Muriel, Laura (Louie), Germaine, Pam (Keon), Joyleen (Hank), Bernadine (Lyndon); Sons, Rudy (Myrna), Garnet (Miranda), 57 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and 11 great great-grandchildren, adopted brothers Jack and Stan, adopted sons Frank, Clint and Harley, step sister Lavine Brown, nieces Reba, Doris, Kathleen, Clarice; nephews, Lawrence, Ernie, Dave (Lorna), Claude, sister in law Yvonne (David) and many family members from Stoney Nakoda Nations, Maskwacis, Tsuut’ina, Thunderchild, Crow Agency, Montana. We apologize if we have missed anyone. Bill was predeceased by his wife Caroline, his parents Chief Walking Buffalo (Flora), sons Gerald, George, Maurice, Myles, Eldon; daughters, Jolene, Marilyn; grandchildren Emmett, Lyndon, Cody, Craig, Darryl, Renee, Noelle, Karmela, Dorlisa, Colleen; great grandchildren, Luke, Alexander, Miriam, Ashford Jr, Angel, Wake Services will be held at the residence of the late Bill McLean (Morley, AB) on Sunday, August 21, 2016. Funeral Services will be held at the Bearspaw Youth Centre (Morley, AB) on Monday, August 22, 2016, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Bearspaw Cemetery (Morley, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Bill McLean, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: 403-932-4740.