Obituary of Delford Twain Louis

June 29, 1950 - Wetaskiwin, Alberta

September 19, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Delford Twain Louis at the age of 74 years. Delford passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Delford Louis is survived by his loving wife Marilyn nee Smith, daughters, Delaney and Roxy; son Nicholas (Dalaree), sister-in-law Cheryl (Adrian), brothers-in-law, Ferris (Daisy) and Dwight (Debbie); and his grandchildren, Cylus, Nylee, Rylie, Avery, Kyle, and Ashton. He is also survived by his siblings, Margaret, Roy (Judy), Kathy, and Ruth (Francis); his special brother Thomas Goodin, as well as aunts and uncles, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Delford was predeceased by his son Nathan, his parents, Jacob and Sarah (nee Howse); brother Arnup (MaryJane), sisters, Betty (Walter), Ester (Arthur), Irene (Wilfred), Pauline (Louie), and Velma; and Delford’s in-laws, Charlie Smith (Amy). He was also predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Delford was born in Wetaskiwin, AB and raised on the Samson Cree Nation, Maskwacis, AB. He met Marilyn Smith in 1972 who was from the Siksika Nation, and they were married on April 19, 1974. Marilyn was the love of his life for 52 years. His greatest pride was his children and grandchildren. He had a special bond with his nieces, Claudine, Sandra, Donna, Barb, Sholayne, Carlyle, Natawnie, Tyler, and Cheyenne.

Delford was an entrepreneur and operated a successful septic service on the Samson Cree Nation as well as a furniture store called “The Economy”. He later worked as a car salesman for Lincoln Kock Mercury in Edmonton, AB. His pastimes included many projects like making Indigenous crafts such as headdresses, war shirts, staffs, eagle feather holders, and animal hide shields.

He was an avid reader and author who especially enjoyed self-healing books, and he wrote two books. He was honoured to shake hands with Prince Charles at the re-enactment of the Signing of Treaty Seven at Blackfoot Crossing, Siksika in 1977. Delford also was accepted at the New York Film Academy and lived in New York, USA for one month with his late son Nathan. He wanted to experience life through a different lens. Delford graduated from the University of Calgary with his Bachelor of Communication and Culture degree in 2016. He was proud to be a student with his niece, Sue Solway. Delford believed in the “best of two worlds”.

After our son Nathan passed suddenly, Delford envisioned acknowledging people struggling with addictions through the creation of the Nathan Louis Healing Foundation, focusing on Indigenous peoples. His legacy will continue with the support of his lawyers and board members.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

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

In living memory of Delford Louis, 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.