Obituary of Stephen  RUNNER

Kut'oditl'ashii
Ninagha Moghanizodza
March 9, 1945 – Morley, Alberta
June 14, 2020 - Tsuut'ina, Alberta

Stephen Runner, loving husband and father of Tsuut'ina, AB, passed away peacefully at his residence with his family by his side on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the age of 75 years.

Stephen will be dearly  missed by his wife of fifty-six years, Gloria Runner, his children, Shawn (Aileen), Leslie, Shelley, Bruce, Darcy (Kathy), James (Denise), Emmett (Dana), and Fred S.;  grandchildren, Sage (Matt), Kole (Nicole), Mileena, Darby, Deedra, Natasha (Mike), Tacey (Manny), Stephanie, Syloh, Skye, and Sammy;  great-grandchildren, Liam, Lennox, Azieral, Aiyisha, Ahniel, Lylen-Reese, Keyona, Tatem, Caleigh, Rory, Maizie, Dax, and Xander; special friend and leader Chief Roy Whitney.  Stephen is also survived by sisters, Dorothy, and Patsy (Jerry); and godson, Shay, as well as many other relatives in the Runner, Dixon, Starlight, Ouellette, Otter, Onespot, Manywounds, Meguinis, Crowchild and other families. Stephen had many friends and family from his many years of working and being a part of the rodeo world; if we forgot to mention anyone we sincerely apologize at this time. He was predeceased by parents, George and Rose Runner; brothers, Thomas, Floyd, Roger Runner, and Frances Manywounds; sisters, Margaret Dixon-Runner, and Violet Meguinis; and sons, Conrad, Sounder, and Robert Lee Runner.

Stephen served the Tsuut’ina Nation community as a member of Council for eight years, Band Administrator, Executive Officer, Health Director, Police Constable, and Assistant CEO for over fifty years. Stephen worked with many Nation members/non-Nation members, mentoring many and teaching them strong work ethic. He supported many initiatives over the years as he dedicated his life to working with the Tsuut’ina Nation. During this time Stephen completed his Business Degree at the University of Waterloo in Ontario along with many other achievements and awards throughout the years.

Stephen life's passion was working on his ranch (Dawson Hill Cattle Company) where he raised cattle and horses; he was a cowboy all his life and loved travelling the rodeo circuit in which he competed as a Steer Wrestler and Team Roper. He mentored many of the young cowboys in steer wrestling and team roping for them to carry on the tradition and to become the toughest cowboys. Stephen had one of the top dogging teams, Kilabar and Dude; he also had many other dogging horses that other cowboys sought to use. As well as, the Dawson Hill Rodeo Company where he supplied rodeo stock for many rodeos. Stephen was a big part of the Tsuut’ina annual celebrations rodeo that he supported and worked with for many years.  
  
Stephen enjoyed the many years he participated in the Calgary Stampede as a Teepee owner and enjoyed the Stampede activities. He was honored to carry on his parent’s tradition of being a Teepee owner and had pride in raising the family Teepee each year. Stephen was the grandson of Chief Big Belly.

We would like to thank Tsuut’ina Chief and Council, Tsuut’ina Health Centre, Focus on Care nurses Epsy, Emma and Carlene for taking special care of our Dad and Tammara (Oscar) Starlight.

Wake Services will be held at the residence of Stephen & Gloria Runner, Tsuut’ina Nation, AB, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. 

Funeral Services will be celebrated at the residence of Stephen & Gloria Runner on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 11:00a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Tsuut’ina Cemetery (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB). Traditional Feast will be held at the residence of Stephen & Gloria Runner (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB) immediately following the graveside. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Stephen’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. 

In living memory of Stephen Runner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.