Joel  RABBIT-STANDING ALONE

Obituary of Joel Wade RABBIT-STANDING ALONE


(Ikkinaasoyi - Gentle Light) - Kind Soul
BLOOD/KAINAI - CHEYANNE/SOUTH DAKOTA
December 22, 1997 – Lethbridge, Alberta
November 21, 2020 – Calgary Alberta

Joel Wade Rabbit (Ikkinaasoyi – Gentle Light) beloved son of Colinda Rabbit and the late James Little Whiteman, brother of Jesse (River) Smith, and Godfather/uncle to Baby Mathias (Miracle) passed away at home on Saturday November 21, 2020 at the age of 22 years.

On December 22, 1997, Joel was born in Lethbridge Alberta at the Chinook Regional Hospital. He was an early Christmas gift and has been a blessing to the family. Joel is part of the Maamoyii, Fish Eater Clan of the Blood Tribe/Kainai Nation and of the Cheyanne Nation South Dakota.  Joel was a True Warrior of both tribes; Honesty, strength, and compassion were his true gifts to us all, especially his family members (Baby Mathias).  He protected us like a lion is to protect his Cubs.  His beauty was just the tip of who he was, a kind man.

Joel attended G.R. Davis and F.P. Walsh schools in Fort Macleod when he resided on the Blood Tribe, he also attended Siksika High School on the Siksika Nation, then Saint Anne’s High School in Calgary where he received his High School diploma.

Joel’s favorite person was his mother. His love for her was noticeable to all and he expressed it so many ways. Every time he walked into the room his eyes would light up when he seen his mom, and would say “hey beautiful”!

Joel was a proud godfather to both Gabriel and Mathias, he would always make sure his boys were good. His memory will live on through these boys, because their parents trusted no one else but him to watch over and guide their journeys. Now, Joel will watch over them in spirit, their guardian angel.

Joel and his closest friend Shayna were inseparable; she always had a way of bringing out his spice and attitude. He surrounded himself with his girls every time he would light up downtown Calgary. He has left a memory everywhere in the city along with his companions. There is hardly a view that will be remembered with his touch.

Joel walked into any given room with a “hey y’all” not to leave anyone out, and when leaving would say “love you”. He had many friends near and far, and enjoyed attending family celebrations. He also enjoyed outings in Calgary and driving to the Rocky Mountains.

He was uniquely diverse and embraced his true self at a young age; he loved playing out showcases with his cousins for their moms. He was inspired by Ru Paul’s Drag Race as an adult, and a dream he always had was to be a Queen himself. Every night he’d go out he always put such effort into his outfits. Joel would walk into any club, and all heads would turn.

Dancing was a part of his identity from a young age, up until his adulthood. Everyone that met him knew of his moves, and the passion put into himself.

One of many proud moments for Joel was when he received his grade twelve diploma from Saint Anne’s. The year Joel graduated he encouraged his little sister Ali to continue her education. There are many memories of them two getting ready for school, catching the bus and facing the day to get a higher education.

Joel loved to travel. A couple places he went to were Disney Land , California, and Cancun, Mexico. During these times Joel loved to take advantage of all that was offered, from scuba diving to paragliding. He even got his mom out on the ocean on a jet ski. He loved that time and came home to tell everyone how he took beautiful pictures of his mom.

Joel stood by his brother Jesse when baby Mathias faced complications as a premature baby. They leaned on each other and joined in prayer for a speedy recovery for baby. They always had each other’s back and even took the Health Care Aid at Bow Valley College together. They loved, supported, and encouraged each other to make their mom proud. There are numerous events Joel and Jesse shared, too many to mention.

As a child, Joel loved being outdoors with his cousins. They would build forts behind his house, and would be out all day until the sun came down. His backyard offered a view of the mountains. Joel loved that the most about their childhood home.

All the cousins grew up together and took to each other like brothers and sisters. The memories Joel has left us will forever remind us of how blessed we were. Thank you Auntie Colinda for bringing such an amazing beautiful human being into our lives.

Joel is survived by his mother Colinda, brother Jesse (River Back Rider), sisters, Britney, Stacy and Lucy; aunties, Wendy, Nicole, Felishia, Iona, Joleen and Margette; uncles, Audie, Justin and Chris; cousins, Alyssa, Dakota, Kyle, Julia, Nikko, Kateri, Michael, Ali, Sela and Nathan; grandparents, Doreen Rabbit, Albert (Jennifer) Rabbit, Rowena Standing Alone and Mervin Little Whiteman.

Joel was predeceased by his father James Little Whiteman, cousins, Monte Rabbit and Rose Bruised Head; uncles, Blake Standing Alone, Jared Little Whiteman and Larry Rabbit; aunties, Delores (Peewee) Daychief and Dorothy Rabbit; great-grandparents, Rita and Bill Rabbit, Helen and Wallace Manyfingers, Sirena Gardner and Pete Standing Alone and great-great-grandparents Katie and Nelson Rabbit.

Ikkinaasoyi – Gentle Light

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joel’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of  Joel Wade Rabbit, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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