Obituary of Matthew James Olds

January 18, 1996 - Calgary, Alberta

January 25, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness and heartache that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, father, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, Matthew “Matt” James Olds, of Calgary, AB, who passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the age of 28 years.

Matthew leaves behind his loving parents, mother Fanny Olds (Len Shorson), father Craig Born with a Tooth, his pride and joy Reela Olds-Dixon, Grandparents Joey (Robbi) Robinson, brothers, Jessie Olds (Tasha), Jody One Spot (Cleo), Trevon Iron Shirt (Violet), and Darnell Olds (Latisha); caregiver and adopted brother Ismail (Yetty) Ajayi, his sisters Margaret Osi (Dylan), Nevaya Iron Child, Agnes Born, Jerrica (Ivan) Shorson, Jaadaas Jagwaa (James), Tiffany Shorson, Elena Parenteau, Kayla One Spot, and Cheyanne Olds; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Matt was born January 18, 1996, at the Peter Lougheed Hospital. Matthew resided in Calgary and Tsuut’ina area for most of his life. He attended city schools and the Tsuut’ina Jr. High School. Matt also completed his Cursillo in May 2017 with their theme song "This is the day that, the Lord has made". He enjoyed being at powwows, skateboarding, hanging out at Millennium Skate Park for endless hours, being with friends taking selfies, listening to music, and having combative rap battles with his late brother Jared. He liked being with auntie Sandra’s dogs, Nala and Lucy, whom he's reunited with in Heaven.

Matt was a respectful, kind, good-hearted person who liked to help others, even though he was quiet-natured at times. He knew how to be heard when he entered a room, and we will all miss his handsome, dimply smile and his periodic visits with the family. Matt will be missed by all who knew him.

Matt also leaves behind to mourn, his great-grandmothers, Daisy Smith (Ferris) and Rose Red Gun; auntie-mom Sandra One Spot, his other special aunts, Cheryl Big Plume (Joe), Myra Olds, Rosa Medicine Traveller, Pearline Dempsey, Pamela Parenteau, Nena Red Gun, Lori Big Plume, Mary Warner, Charity Born with a Tooth, and MJ (Kyle) Big Plume; special uncles, Curtis Olds (Denise), Woodrow Olds, Dino Olds, Miles Old Woman, Clayton Red Gun,  and Lambert Medicine Traveller; as well as his special cousins whom he took as siblings, Travis Olds, Cyril Olds, Waylon Olds, Dedria (Grant) Good Eagle, Allison One Spot, Nathaniel Big Plume, Cecilia Raw Eater, Caroline Olds, Wes Spotted Eagle, Laura K, Jeremiah Dempsey, and Kathleen Big Plume.

Matt was predeceased by his brother Jared Lee Olds in August 2023, his maternal grandparents, Raymond Medicine Traveller and Caroline Olds; paternal grandmother Lorna Born with a Tooth; aunt Wanda Olds, uncles, Ross Old Woman and Jerome Medicine Traveller; and his special cousins, B.J One Spot, Sounder Runner, and Jasmine Dempsey.

Matthew will be lovingly remembered by his mother’s side, the Olds, Old Woman, Medicine Traveller, Water Chief, and Red Crow families; and his father’s side, whom were part of the Ni’Taiitsskaiks (Lone Fighter Society), the Born with A Tooth, Big Plume, Eshkakogan, Porter, North Piegan, and Drunken Chief families.

The family apologizes to anyone that may have been missed.

The family would also like to thank his caregiver and adopted brother, Ismail (Yetty) Ajayi, for all you have done for Matthew over the years. May you all hold on to the warm and wonderful memories you shared together, and that they continue to bring you comfort and peace.  

Wake Services will be held at Gordon Yellow Fly Arbour (Siksika Nation) on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour (Siksika Nation, AB) on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Canon Stockton Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB).

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Matthew’s family here.

In living memory of Matthew Olds, 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.