It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Clarence Red Crow Sr, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Clarence was born at the Blood Indian Hospital on January 8, 1934 to Jim (Rosie) Red Crow and Ada Red Crow (Sam Kadonaga). He was a direct descendant of Chief Red Crow, one of the signers of Treaty 7.

He attended St. Mary’s Residential School and when he left school, in 1954 Clarence and Florence (Iniskimaki) were married. He and their young family resided with his aunt Myrtle Scout, at the northend of the Blood Reserve. He worked side by side with his aunt, who was a rancher and was taught all he needed to know about taking care of livestock. These skills he would use all his life, and he passed his knowledge to his children.

Clarence was always working and looked after his family. When work was slow on the reserve, he and his brother William would work at Johnson’s sawmill. Clarence also worked in the USA working on ranches.

In 1970, Clarence met Emily Three Suns and together they raised their children in Siksika. He worked for ranchers near Siksika, until he began his work at the Siksika Tribal Ranch. At one point, he was looking after close to 500 head of cows and profits were great for Siksika. Ranchers in Siksika would often say they didn’t need a vet, because Clarence was there. He also worked for the Calgary Stampede for over 20 years, looking after livestock. He loved his time at the stampede and made many friends during his time there.

In his younger years, Clarence was an athlete, where he excelled in hockey, track and field, and rodeo.
He was the greatest fan for his children and grandchildren, and was at hockey games, rodeos, and for the last few years, watching Indian Relay Racing where he cheered his favourite team and his granddaughter, Logan who was one of the jockeys. He also enjoyed watching wrestling when he was home. Clarence and Emily were very active in the community whether it was taking care of the church, or advising staff and clients at Siksika Disability Services. He and Emily were devout Catholics and travelled to Lac Ste. Anne every year for 47 years until their health began to fail, and could no longer travel long distances. Their children were taught the value of spirituality whether it was the church or our cultural ceremonies.

Clarence made friends wherever he went, and enjoyed visiting and reminiscing “the old ways” with his Siksika friends. He was a bit stubborn when he wanted to be and did things “his way”. For example, when his driver’s license was revoked due to his health and age, he “stole” the road and drove to the mall to visit friends. He drove to Lethbridge to visit family and friends whenever he missed his folks from the south.

He had a great sense of humour, and always had a smile for you. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Barbara, Noreen, Franklin (Annette), Patsy (late Ken Many Fingers), Lenny, Allison (Jayme), Clarence (Rita), Shawn, Henry (Carolla), Rosella (Dion), James, Max (Lori), Eugene Black Water; sisters Ada, Rosie, Stella, Karen, and Sharon, aunt Joan (Joe) Cochrane, Nephew Lawrence Panther Bone, Calvin Williams (son-in-law), brothers-in-law Vincent White Quills, Steven Wadsworth, and Francis (Judy) First Charger. Myrtle Good Eagle (sister-in-law), Bernadette Young Pine, Pauline Tallow, and Agnes First Charger, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Clarence was blessed with 6 generations of children. Adopted children Spike and Alvine Eagle Speaker, Calvert Yellow Old Woman, and Spike Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his wife Emily Three Suns Red Crow, Florence Red Crow, his parents, Jim (Rosie) Red Crow, and Ada Red Crow (Sam Kadonaga), his children Calvin, Marie, Flora, Ernestine, Eddie Three Suns, grandsons Dave and Jason Red Crow, Aldwin Jr. White Quills, and Brett Crow Child nephew Godfrey Red Crow, and grandchildren. His grandparents, Mary Black Water, Henry (Helen) Cochrane; his brothers, Keith Red Crow, Frederick, William, Johnny, and Jimmy; sisters Lina, Camillia Wadsworth, and Carol, maternal aunts and uncles Myrtle Scout, Bridget Many Grey Horses, Annie Black Water, Mary Anne Black Water, Bill Black Water, George Black Water, Stanley Black Water, and Tony Black Water.

He had a large family base on the Blood Reserve, Red Crow, McHugh, Black Water, Many Grey Horses, Many Fingers, Day Chiefs.

The family would like to thank Siksika Health Services and Siksika Home Care (Tessa, Tracey, and James) for their excellent care for dad, and Cornerstone Funeral Home, Travis Illingworth and staff. We’d also like to thank everyone for their support during this time. Fr. Arif, and elder Clement Leather, thank you as well for your spiritual support and visits to Clarence. God Bless You all.

“You will always be remembered. Your presence, love, and kindness will forever be with us. Rest for now until we meet again”

A Wake Service will be held at Clarence’s Residence – Siksika Nation, Alberta on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, starting at 2:00 P.M. and continuing all night.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the HOLY TRINITY CHURCH – Siksika Nation, Alberta on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 12:00 Noon with Father Naveed Arif celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Clarence will be laid to rest at the Chief Crow Foot Cemetery.

 

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

• Date : 2024-07-05
• Location : Siksika, Alberta