Obituary of Coleman Poucette

October 22, 1959 - Morley, Alberta

April 18, 2024 - Morley, Alberta

It is with much heartbreak that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved dad, brother, cousin, brother-in-law, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa, adoptive son, brother, and friend. Coleman embarked on his spiritual journey at home on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 64 years after a short but aggressive battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family.

Coleman was a very kind, humble, extremely talented individual who not only was an inspiration but was an icon to many in the First Nations across Turtle Island. His singing voice was so unique, it was heard and known as one of a kind.

In his younger years, Coleman enjoyed sports in basketball and hockey. He was a goaltender for the local teams, Morley Braves and Morley Broncos. His skills were recognized when he was drafted to the farm team in Montreal, but due to a knee injury, he missed his chance to play professionally. He participated in creating the Mustang Logo in the old Morley Gymnasium.

Coleman also enjoyed hunting. He started hunting at a very young age and to his brothers, he was known as an excellent marksman. He was known for fixing and souping up his vehicles. He was a self-taught mechanic, who learned how to overhaul an engine at fourteen years old.

Before singing, Coleman was very passionate about the rodeo way of life. You would find him helping his late older brother Dallon with driving stock to numerous rodeos across the country or branding, or travelling and assisting his late brother Jess when they were strong in the circuit. When Coleman was not travelling, during the winter season he would enjoy his time at home with his horses. Coleman was very passionate about his horses and was interested in the relay, chuckwagon, and chariot racing circuits.

Coleman worked at the Concrete Plant in Morley from 1976 to 1981 as a concrete truck driver. During this time, he took part in driving a cement truck and hauling loads for the construction of the Saddledome. Coleman was also a bus driver who drove in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, driving different country teams such as the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland throughout the event.

At a very early age, his interest in singing powwow music was evident by drumming and singing beside his father in Sundances. In 1981 his late dad Paul handed over the drum and appointed Coleman lead singer for the Stoney Park drum group and he has since won many championships, and Canadian and American music awards including three United Tribes North American titles. In 1993 and 1994 he took home Schemitzen World Class Singing Champions. He led the group to be the First Indigenous drum group to be nominated in an open category at the Juno Awards, making history. Stoney Park stole the show at the 1995 Juno Awards by performing their composition entitled “North American Women” in honour of Buffy St. Marie’s induction into the Juno Hall of Fame.

Coleman and the boys went on to record and collaborate with the Barenaked Ladies on Jim Creegan’s “Spider in My Room” which was regarded as “Magical”. They can be heard on media productions such as the Canadian Gift CD compilation to the 50th anniversary of the United Nations entitled “Here and Now.”

Throughout this time, Coleman travelled with his whole family and drum group, all following behind him while he drove his truck with stacks and trailer, loaded up with an awesome sound system. Coleman travelled throughout Turtle Island and sang until a few months before his passing. He and the boys performed at various events and their music still streams on Spotify. As Coleman had said, “The drum is alive” and his boys and family will continue the Stoney Park Legacy.

Coleman is survived by his two daughters, Jody and Tashina; sons, Coleman Jr., Boyeladd, Vince (Lyndsay), Tito, and Keanu; adopted daughters, Mianna Killspotted, Neeta Killspotted, and Athena Cloud; siblings, Ron (Brenda), Lenny, Harland (Tina), Greaves, Rod Patrick (Tina), Randall (Cynthia), Tracy (Mike), Shirley, Alice, Darlene, Sharon, Winnifred, Belinda, and Maryann (Gordon); brother-in-law Derek, adoptive brothers, Ted Whitecalf, Tommy Christian, Jaycee Killspotted, Donovan Killspotted, Boye Ladd, Adam Joseph (Jocelyn), Tim Eashappie (Kathy), Ted Phelps (Alice), Mark Kingbird, James Cloud, and Timba Wolfe; adoptive sister Bridgette, seven grandchildren, Izadora, Eastin, Aislyn “Blue Eyes”, Tatum, Beverly, Niya Itowa, and Ninagha; nieces, Anna, Kayley, Karen (Harry), Jennifer (Bruce), Delia, Marylyn, Orrie, Rowena (Dale), Nadine (Roch), Lenora, Melissa, Tanya, Celeste Haywahey, and Tiana Spotted Thunder; nephews, Clifford (Bernadette), Leo, Tim (Aaliyah), Brandon, Mikey (Melia), Zayden, Tyson and Tyler Killspotted, Josh, Oliver, Nick, Wyatt, Jarrett, Myers, Trae Littlesky, Duelly Littlesky, Peanut Roberts, Punky Daniels, Mu Roberts, Sinte-ska Roberts, and Courtney (Cera) Hayes; aunts, Georgie, Cassie (Charlie), Lorenda Thunderchild (Mel) Irma, and Sharon Totus; adoptive mom Evelyn Tom, adoptive dads, Morris Wolfe, Barry Fontaine, and John Kinch; uncles, Ray, Frank (Angie), John, Norman, Wilson, Tommy Snow, and Hank Snow; as well as his Grandma Margarett Twoyoungmen and Grandma Mary Thunderchild. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. We apologize if we’ve missed anyone.

Coleman is predeceased by his parents, Caroline and Paul; brothers, Jess, Dallon, Leon, Kidd Littlesky, Brian Lyons, Tim Whiteeyes, Butch Brown, Kenny Merrick Jr., Vern, and Jerome; sisters, Edna and Lucy; aunts, Mary Jane Snow, Eliza Holloway, Winnie Francis, May Amos, and Alice Twoyoungmen; uncle John (Alva) Snow, nieces, Priscilla, Tysa, Raven, Amber, and Katherine Buffalo; nephews, Oliver (Helen) and Gabriel Ear; and uncles, Joe and Rodney Totus, and John Poucette Jr.

Wake Services will be held at the residence of Tracy Poucette (Mînî Thnî, AB) on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, and at Goodstoney Rodeo Center Arena on Thursday, May 2, 2024 (Mînî Thnî, AB). Funeral Services will be held at Goodstoney Rodeo Center Arena (Mînî Thnî, AB) on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Goodstoney Cemetery (Mînî Thnî, AB).

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

In living memory of Coleman Poucette, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.