Obituary of Errol Bear Hat

February 14, 1965 – November 17, 2023

Errol ‘Kiaayo’ passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023, at the South Health Hospital. He was a Valentines Day baby who was born on February 14, 1965.

When Errol took his last breath on November 17, 2023, he went immediately into the presence of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. He has happily reunited with many of his past family loved ones who he longed to see again.

He is lovingly survived by his only surviving sister whom he treasured and loved so much Aileen Bear Hat-Bear Chief (Dr. Roy Bear Chief); traditional adopted sister Stephanie White Eagle (Cary) whom he was remarkably close to and cherished; Traditional Family, White Eagle; brother Darren Healy (Rhonda); nieces who were special and dear to him, Jill Bear Chief (Trevor), Charlene Good Eagle (Murray), Dora Good Eagle, and Lillian Good Eagle; nephews who were close to him, Sam Healy (Shannon), Clinton Healy (Pearl), and Jarrett Wright; Auntie Christine Little Chief; Traditional Dad Charlie Many Fires (Arlene).

He was predeceased by the love of his life Julianna Big Eye; parents, Gilbert and Violet Bear Hat; sisters: Lily, Noella, Dorine, Vivian, and Karen; brothers: Michael, Arnold, Danny, Buster, Joseph, and Jody Bear Hat; Traditional Siblings, Rhoda Bear Hat, Marie Evensen (nee: Wolf Leg), Laverna Good Eagle, Deberlie Good Eagle, Floyd Spring Chief, Sam Spring Chief, Eddie McMaster, Durante McMaster, Raleigh Weasel Head, and Richard Dicky Duck Chief; paternal grandparents, Michael and Judith (nee: Eagle Rib) Bear Hat, maternal grandparents, Paul and Nora (nee: Stud Horse) Wolf Collar; nephews, Alden Yogi Many Guns, Justin Favel, Patrick Stevens, Shane Yellow Fly, and Kirk Yellow Fly; Traditional Nephews, Elroy Good Eagle, Julien Black, and Trey Black.

Errol was known to many as a very humble person, gentle, friendly, compassionate, humorous, a great storyteller, and an avid music lover. He made many friends with both the young and the old. He was known as the number one Rolling Stones fan in Siksika Nation. He cherished a stones concert that he attended in Regina, SK (compliments of his brother Darren Healy). He traveled to many places including Las Vegas with his love Julianna. He was very athletic in his younger days. The most notable sport achievement being a golden glove boxer in which he was known for the ‘Ali shuffle.’ He was trained as a boxer by late Clifford Many Guns. He excelled in School and quite proficient in math, science, and English. He penned a lot of stories. He played the electric guitar quite well. He was an excellent artist. He was an avid book worm. He had a huge collection of books, CDs, and DVDs. He was quite fluent in the Blackfoot language because he was taught and mentored by late Margaret Bad Boy. Many did not know that he was a strong supporter without hesitation who gave to the homelessness and to God’s ministries.

Errol will be missed by many. He came from the Running Rabbit and Eagle Rib clans. Other families include Wolf Collar, Bear Hat, Running Rabbit, Eagle Rib, Sleigh, Stud Horse, Duck Chief, Spring Chief, Little Chief, and Dyler. He had numerous relatives.

The family would like to thank South Health Emergency staff for their strong and caring efforts in taking care of Errol. The family thanks Siksika Nation EMS and Fire and Rescue. Many thanks go out to Robin Big Snake for his support and prayers. We thank all who kept the family in prayer as it was a source of strength. Thanks to the ones who texted, called, and sent their condolences.

Wake Services will be held at the Gordon Yellowfly Memorial Arbour (Siksika Nation, AB) on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Cluny, AB) on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Feast to follow at residence Gordon Yellowfly Memorial Arbour (Siksika Nation, AB). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Errol Bear Hat, 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.