November 5, 1936-May 7, 2026

89 Memorable Years

 

John Old Shoes beloved husband of the late Holly Old Shoes passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 7, 2026, at 12:30pm. Dad was 89 years young!

Dad is survived by his daughter Becky (Harley), his 2 sons Clarence and Paul Old Shoes, Dad was the last of his family also the in-laws to keep his knowledge going. The legacy he leaves behind is proud grandfather of 26 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, which kept him busy thought his 89 years with us. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews to numerous to mention. He is also survived by his brother’s in-law Morris (Betty Ann) Little Wolf, Jim SWAG and Woodrow Northman, his sister in-law Diane Smith, and Edwina Smith.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Holly Old Shoes, His parents Mark Old Shoes & Eva Old Shoes nee Long Time Squirrel. His brothers along with spouses Percy (Joyce) Olds Shoes, Joyce (Derrek) Weasel Moccasin, Joe (Melva) Old Shoes, Mark Old Shoes, Leonard (Bernice) Old Shoes, Katie (Clifford) Rider, Alice (Fred) Cross Child. His children, John Lorne Smith (Tweedy), Cindy Old Shoes. grandson Charles Old Shoes, and great-granddaughter Lousia Shouting Also his stepdaughter Cecilia Smith. His in-laws Nancy Northman (Woodrow), Frances Weasel Fat, Gregg (Edwina) Smith, and Walter Smith.  Also, many other family members that have gone on before us but never forgotten.

This is my dad, who we are so proud to say he is our daddy! Also, our sweet beautiful caring parents. As we grew up with the folks, they have provided the best they could. The song “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn, and the “Coat of many colors”, by Dolly Parton, that was a story of us. My dad always made ends meet, meaning we had decent meals, we were all clothed properly and a warm home to lay our head down to sleep at night. Our parents weren’t rich, but they sure are for the love they have for family and friends.

My dad has been with the First Lady (mom) for 63 years and was still strong regardless of their age. He is the last of his family members still standing. His parents, Mark & Eva Old Shoes, had 16 children, and dad was the middle child of his siblings, all have gone on but not forgotten. Dad gets lonely but he will never be alone, he is a Long Time Squirrel and Old Shoes. His grandmother had two boys when she was with Nicolas Sherden (Coal Miner), minor chief (All Tall People Tribe). Dad was a hard worker all his life until his age caught with him, that’s all us kids have known him to do, also showed us to always try hard.

In dad’s early years he was only in Grade 5 when he left school or how he like to put it was “I left” to go help his dad on the ranch, so my dad was never taught how to read and write throughout his younger years of life. When he worked for various companies such as Big Coulee Ranch, Blood Band Farms, Lethbridge Roofers, Vauxhall Trucking, Gary Driver and Farms, and his last employment was with the Blood Tribe Roads Department. He worked hard and maybe single handedly out-worked his crew, he paid his dues to the housing department only to be told they lost all receipts of all 13 years of payments, they could not even get a house to put on his land so they then had to purchase a trailer where they situated in Coalhurst. With his livestock all gone, never to be seen again by Kesler Stock. Back in the day maybe 8 plus years or so my dad never cared for hand games. When mom was headed out on weekends to go play dad waited till she got home from her weekend fun! One time she convinced him to trail alongside her to go with him and play games for the weekend. And now he enjoys the game so much, let’s just say his lived to play the game, always asking “any hand games”! So, with that he is giving us the love and shelter that we as his family needs, not the money and such. My dad also had his little best friend “Chow” who is a chihuahua that sat with him and watched TV and would look out the window or fall asleep together on his chair, Dad so love his little best friend.   My dad prays for all to be healthy, to help one another, and to understand without revenge or prejudice. This loving couple are our parents John & Holly Old Shoes.

On behalf of the Old Shoes Family, we would like to thank all of you for your heart-felt prayers and condolences sent our way. It means a lot to us to know we are not alone. Dad loved every one of us in his own special way, so just keep Dad’s loving heart close to yours.

A Wake will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve, AB, on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.

Following the Funeral Service, John will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-05-07
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta