Obituary of Russell Ts’ido T’asina “Poor Boy” BIG CROW

July 12, 1928 - Tsuutʼina, Alberta
September 28, 2020 - Tsuutʼina, Alberta

Russell Ts’ido T’asina “Poor  Boy” Big Crow of Tsuut’ina Nation, AB passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and grandchildren on Tuesday, Sept 28, 2020 at 10:45pm at the age of 92 years old. 

Born to Hilda and George Big Crow on July 12, 1928, Grandpa lived a life of humor and sharing his traditional stories based on his life experiences from his childhood.  Grandpa was a Holyman and was one of the original chicken dancers and was a champion Chicken Dancer who danced in Banff, Piikani, Rocky Boy, Calgary Stampede, Morley, Hobbema, Siksika and his home Tsuut’ina Nation. 

Grandpa was a humble, kind man with a great sense of humor right till the very end. He was a rancher cowboy at heart and stayed true to his Anglican religion by attending services every Sunday.  Every year at the Tsuut’ina Nation Celebrations, Grandpa would be seen camping in his favorite spot. As a family, we are very blessed that numerous people from various Nation’s shared the love and admiration that we had for Grandpa. It brings us great comfort to have been able to share his love with all of those who knew and cared for him as well. Grandpa had many joyous stories to share and often mentioned his loneness due to missing many of his family and friends that have passed on.  We the family, are very blessed and honored for the sharing of honesty Grandpa shared with everyone he spoke to. Grandpa will be missed tremendously.

Russell survived by his children, Nancy, Alvin (Liz), Doreen, Wilfred (Corrina), Delia, Deanna (Jon) and Justine; his three sisters, daughter-in-law Allison and son-in-law Watson. As well as his traditional children, Donald and Jerrald Rowan; forty-eight grandchildren, eighty-eight great-grandchildren, thirty- nine great-great-grandchildren whom he loved and cherished. Also his extended family members from the Crowchild, Runners, Big Plume, Big Belly, Pipestem, Simeon; his adopted brother Narcisse Pipestem and adopted families from Morley and Eden Valley, and many friends from the pow wow and round dance circles.

Grandpa was predeceased by his dad George, mom Hilda, grandma May, brothers, Hector, and Frank (Eileen), Clarence, and Rodney; sisters, Mary, and Edith; children Loretta, and Buddy; grandchildren, Cori, Buffy, Blaine, Ian, Beans, Evans, Eli, and Brennan;  great-grandchildren, Austin, Tiffany, Jonie Onespot, Daylin Meguinis; nephews, Tony, William, Chiefy, and Keith; and nieces, Sonya, and Serena.

Wake services will be held at the residence of Grandpa Russell, (82 Manyhorses road, Tsuut’ina) on Saturday October 3, 2020 and Sunday October 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Bullhead Hall (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB) on Monday, October 5, 2020 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Tsuut’ina Cemetery (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB). Reception will be held Bullhead Hall (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB) immediately following the graveside. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Russell’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. 

The family would like to thank Tsuut’ina Health Center, Calgary Focus on Caring, Rexi, Sam, Emma, Glenda, Joanne and Karen for their continuous support to Grandpa.

In living memory of Russell Big Crow, 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.