Obituary of WATERCHIEF – Ernest Iitsoya’paiskapi

January 12, 1936 – August 7, 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Ernie (Guppie), a father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, brother, brother-in-law and friend on Saturday, August 7, 2010. However we are forever grateful that he is not suffering anymore and that he is safe in the arms of Jesus. Ernie was born on the Siksika Nation on January 12, 1936 and attended Old Sun Residential School. He was actively involved in wrestling and was a tag team wrestler with his late brother Raymond. Ernie was kept busy helping with the family farm and worked endless hours in the fields haying and harvesting in his younger years. He had a great love for dogs and raised many loving pets over the years and is often seen posing in pictures with his beloved dogs. Ernie had a heart of Gold and will be remembered for his kind and loving ways to everyone he knew. He also had a great love for children, whom he treasured, and enjoyed making them laugh, everyone was his Doo-Doo (Baby). His sense of humor was outstanding; he had the gift of making people laugh with his humorous stories and ways. He was a true humanitarian in every sense of the word. In the spring of 1993 Ernie made his Cursillo at the Entheos Retreat Centre with his theme being “Called and Gifted by our God”. He is survived by his daughter Janet, three grandchildren Nicole (Del), Tyler and Dust, three great grandchildren, his siblings Joanne Yellow Horn (Thomas), Larry, Horace Bull Bear (Celeste), Mario (Karen), aunt Nora Ayoungman, sister-in-law Margaret Waterchief and numerous step-children, nieces and nephews. Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Marion, his loving wife Martha Big Tobacco, his siblings Theresa McHugh, Raymond, Francis (Marie), Ernestine (Arthur White Elk), and close friend Fraser White Elk. Ernie’s extended family consists of the Black Horse, A Youngman, McMaster, Eagle Speaker, Old Woman, Peace Maker, Stimson, Right Hand, Black Face, Turning Robe, Yellow Fly, Bruised Head, Stud Horse (Cardinal) and Poor Eagle families. The family apologizes if they missed anyone. Wake Services will be held at the Siksika Community Centre on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 commencing at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. John the Divine Anglican Church (Siksika Nation, AB) on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to sincerely thank Forest Grove Nursing Home staff for the love and care provided to Ernie for the past five years. In living memory of Ernie Waterchief, a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.