Obituary of Joseph Robert Iitsiniitskoo-maapii Sleigh

It is with great sadness that the Sleigh family announces the sudden passing of our beloved Joseph at the tender age of 18 years. JR, as he was known to his loved ones, was born and raised in the city but was immersed in aboriginal culture and traditions, and was very proud of this. He was always singing Pow-Wow songs, no matter where he was or what he was doing, and he loved being a traditional dancer. JR was initiated into the Pow-Wow circle in 2004 at the Siksika Nation Fair. JR was a spiritual person who was devoted to the Father Latour Native Pastoral Centre pilgrimages in Bragg Creek. This young man had so many interests; camping, travelling, all sports (especially hockey), and was passionate about being a mechanic. JR’s family knew what a daredevil he was, trying to do anything without fear- he always held a dream of bullriding. One proud moment and accomplishment was when he ran the 2004 Siksika Run/Walk for Cancer, from Calgary to Siksika; he was a big supporter of these kinds of causes and strived to excel in everything he did. His family will especially miss his big beautiful smile. JR had many traits and talents that stood out, but will most be remembered for being generous, loving, caring, and a very kind-hearted soul. In his eyes there was never any fault in anyone. He was an outstanding son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. All who knew him will miss his sweet, gentle and humble spirit. JR was born on March 5, 1989 in Calgary. He leaves behind to mourn his loving parents Lavina Sleigh and Clayton Cutter and his biological father Robert Dyler, his siblings Leah(Martin), Helena, Carlin, Franklin Little Chief, Shannon Burke and step-siblings Clinton and Candace Cutter, Waylon Bird and adopted brother Joseph Old Woman. He is also survived by his adopted family the Shingoose/Cochrane family, all his nieces and nephews Ahneasha, Aleah, Antoine, Ashlynn, Ayden, Addison, Leland and Ashtin. JR will be missed by all his aunties and uncles, John, Matthew, Christine, Catherine (Harvey), and Francis Sleigh; Loretta, Linda, Francis, Victor, and Hector Cutter; Roger Bearshirt, Errol, Mike, Ronnie, Patrick, Donnie, Shirley, and Barbara Dyler. His great aunts and uncles, Rosealma Many Shots, Marie (Gordon) Crowchild, Leonard (Anne-Marie) Goodeagle, Margaret-Ann Goodeagle, and Maggie Black Kettle. There are also many cousins and friends, too many to mention. Extended relatives: the Goodeagles, Solways, Leathers, Manyfires, Crowchiefs, Big Snakes, Drunken Chiefs, Big Tobaccos, Sitting Eagles, Scalplocks, Many Shots, White Eagles, White Elks, Calfs, Sunwalks, Bearhats, Little Chiefs, Black Kettles, Three Suns, Weaselheads. The family apologizes to anyone who may have been missed. JR was predeceased by his grandparents Alphonse and Helen Sleigh, Genevieve and Sam Cutter, Jim and Emma Dyler, adopted grandfather Robert Shingoose Sr., aunties and uncles, Florine Sleigh, Cecile Yellowfly, Leona Sleigh, Harold Sleigh, Percy Yellowfly, Avery Delorme, Danny Dyler, and Dave Storm; great aunts and uncles, Mary Laura Leather, Lucy Weaselhead, Maggie Lafrance, Rose Manywounds, Harry Goodeagle, and Joe Blackface Chief. The family would like to thank everyone who has offered their support and prayers during this difficult time. Wake Services will be held at the residence of Catherine Sleigh and Harvey Peace Maker on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Siksika Nation, AB) on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service to follow at Old Crowfoot Cemetery at Siksika Nation, AB. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Joseph Sleigh , a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.