Obituary of Durwin William Many Heads

August 15, 1969 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

November 24, 2023 - Polson, Montana, United States

Durwin William Many Heads of Polson, Montana, and a member of the Siksika Nation, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the age of 54 years.

Durwin was raised by his late grandparents, Douglas and Annie Many Heads from a toddler. Durwin lived among his late great-great-grandfather William Many Heads, great-auntie Muriel, late great-uncle Matthew (Carol), and a slew of cousins. The boys: Durwin, Grant, and late Eric would ride their bikes exploring their surroundings going as far up Hammer Hill and back sometimes without telling “Grandma Annie” where they were going and for how long. The cousins comprised of Edwin, Durwin, Faye, Eric, Erica, Roy, Ingrid, Grant, Cliff Jr., Anne, Levi Jr., Andrea, Thomas and Tanya Many Heads, Holly, Alanna, and Missy Running Rabbit. They all got on Darrell Breaker’s bus to go to school in Strathmore. Every morning Durwin or Faye would alert the rest when the bus drove into Uncle Levi’s house and yell out, “Bus, Levi”. This was the cue to go outside and line up by the driveway where a dozen kids got on the bus. I’m sure if you ask anyone of them there will be countless stories of what they did, maybe climbing those trees they weren’t supposed to be climbing, or hiding from Grandma because they were mischievous.

In the early years of schooling, Durwin attended the Old Sun nursery and Kindergarten. He attended Strathmore’s West Mount Elementary from grades 1 to 6; went to Samuel Crowther for grades 7 to 9; and attended the Strathmore High School from grades 10 to 12 where he graduated from grade 12 in June of 1989. Durwin moved to Kalispell where he attended college and played college football. Durwin applied to the US Army and was accepted. During his stint in the army, he was stationed at the following places: he was first stationed at an army base in Missouri. He was then sent to Somalia, Africa, and was then deployed to the Middle East country of Iraq. The last place he was stationed was in Panama in South America. Durwin told stories to his cousins of what he witnessed during his time spent in the latter two countries.

After Durwin was discharged from the Army, he eventually made his journey back from the Eastern USA to the Western USA state of Montana. Durwin worked at mainly golf courses and was employed as a seasonal labourer. Durwin married and from this union, they had a son, Ryan Shepherd. The union broke down. Durwin remarried and together with Carrie, they had two children: Gavin and Amari. He moved back to Alberta where he lived for six years. He moved back to Montana just recently to see his three children. He was on his way to Nevada where he had secured a position in a golf course.

Durwin made many, many friends in both the USA and Canada. He was known to be quick-witted and could be both humorous and serious. Durwin will be missed by his family and friends, and others that have crossed his path.

Durwin is survived by his two sons, eldest Ryan Shepherd of Columbia Falls, Montana, son Gavin, daughter Amari Many Heads, and their mother Carrie Benson of Polson, Montana; his brother Edwin (Edith), his niece Leeanna, nephews, William and Martin; and his great-nieces, Felicia, Jeri, and Autumn. Durwin is also survived by his aunts, Rachel Casper and Yvonne Stimson; uncles, Clifford (Janis), Jacob, Douglas (Rebecca), Davis (Tanya), and Gordon; great-aunties and uncles, Liz (Norman), Muriel, Carol, Gail, and Josie (Allan); as well as the families of Many Heads, Wolf Legs, Royals, Wolf Childs.

Durwin was predeceased by his father Harvey (2019), his nephew Michael (2022), his grandparents, Douglas Sr. (1979) and Annie (2000) Many Heads; his uncles, Johnny and Andrew (1980), his auntie Delores (2018), great-aunts, Rosie Red Gun, Ina Rose Many Heads, Hazel Jane Three Suns, Mabel Many Heads, and Maggie Royal; great-uncles, Roy, Richard, Levi, Jasper Sr., and Matthew Many Heads; and cousin Faye Wolf Child (2023).

Viewing and Funeral Services will be held at Gordon Yellowfly Memorial Arbor (Siksika Nation, AB) on December 11, 2023, with viewing starting at 9:00 a.m., followed by Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Eagles Nest Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Durwin Many Heads, 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.