Obituary of Lloyd “Buddy” WESLEY

SÎYÂGÂ ÂYÎTHÔ

February 27, 1950 – Morley, Alberta
June 25, 2021 – Morley, Alberta

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Lloyd Buddy Wesley at his home in Morley, Alberta, at age 71.

Buddy was fourth (4th) generation to Stoney Chief Peter Ta Otha Wesley.

Buddy grew up in a culturally rich family where he learned many cultural initiatives which was the way of life of his upbringing.  Like most in those days Buddy was an avid hunter.  He would recall the cold crisp mornings when he and his brothers would be out on horseback on deep snow hunting for sustenance to survive and prosper.

Buddy attended Indian Day School in Morley, Alberta.  In recent times Buddy established the Stoney Nakoda 101.1 language program and taught students our traditional Nakoda language.  He was a bridge to our surrounding non-Indigenous communities.  From 1990 to 2015 Buddy worked for the Stoney Nation Land Claims department where he was instrumental in developing the Stoney Nakoda Treaty Land Entitlement Claim.  His work is now recognized and respected by both the federal and provincial governments.  
Buddy lived a life full of accomplishments and good deeds.  Buddy loved life and all those in his world.  

The heart and soul of Buddy was expressed through his music.  Buddy was a very accomplished guitarist.  Self taught, he learned the art of music reading to perfect his skills.  He would later utilize his music reading skills when he studied classical guitar at the University of Calgary.  

Buddy began his musical career in church playing guitar alongside his brothers, uncles and friends. Buddy and friends went on to back up travelling evangelist and singer Charles Enloe (“Stoney 4 plus 1”).   By the mid 70s he had formed a local country music band called “Medicine Wheel”. They played at local venues right up until Buddy was hired by a traveling country rock group “Silver Creek” and performed with the band during the 80s.  Buddy’s skills were sought out when he recorded with local talent “Tracy and Night Wind”.  Buddy’s last band was “Hwy 22” with his friends Larry, Gary, Jerry, and Bill.  Buddy’s distinct guitar talents are imbedded in his community and his legacy will live on for generations to come.  Thank you Buddy.

Buddy was a respected member of the Chiniki First Nation community.  He was a proud member of the Stoney Nakoda Nations.  He was a mentor to many.  His knowledge of Stoney language, culture, traditions and history is widely known and sought after. 

Buddy was always busy sharing his personal experiences and storytelling.  He dearly loved his home on the footsteps of his beloved Rocky Mountains, home of the Stoney Nakoda people.

Buddy is survived by his partner Vicki, his brother Clarence (Shirley), his adopted brother Frank Harvey Kaquitts (Gayleen), and his sister Lori Ann (Lawrence).  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Carlena, Chad (Nicalia), Chrissy (Nikki), Tye (Larana), Devon (Shanessa), Bailey, Drake; sixteen great-grandchildren; and his special nephew Trevor; his adopted children, Hannah Butson, Monty (Cheryl), Raquel (Marty), Lacey (Alden), Samantha (Hyrum), Bernadine (Ace), Crystaline (Dennis), Gabriel (Tiffany), Mandy, and Bedford; as well as numerous uncles, aunties, cousins, nephews and nieces. The grandchildren would also like to acknowledge their grandmothers, Ramona Wesley and Sarah Butson.

Buddy was predeceased by his beloved children, Donovon, Pernell, Angeline, and Olivia; as well as his grandchildren, Christian, Aarona and Nakayo; his loving parents, Pete and Winnifred; siblings, Emily, Enid (Alvin), Lydia (Alfred), Marjorie, Helene, Harold, Ivan, and Jennifer; and Auntie Lilly; and nephew Ivan.

A humble man to a heavenly Angel.  God be with you till we meet again, Buddy.

From your Wesley, Chiniquay, Young, Twoyoungmen, Mark, Stevens, Powderface, Kaquitts, Simeon, Holloway, Labelle, Ear, Rider, Crawler and Wildman families.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mr. Wesley’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Graveside Service to follow at Chiniki Cemetery (Morley, AB). A Celebration of Life with a Traditional Feast will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Lloyd’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Lloyd Wesley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.

Lloyd's memorial card can be viewed with this link

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