FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015

BIRD

HORACE BIRD (BLACK PLUME), passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, May 15, 2015 at the age of 46 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to Wake Services at SIK-OOH- KOTOK FRIENDSHIP CENTRE, 1709-2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

Funeral Services for Horace will be held at the SIK-OOH-KOTOK FRIENDSHIP CENTRE on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Ken Kissick officiating.

Interment to follow in the St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Standoff, AB.

Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

BURNETT

IAN BURNETT, beloved husband of Jean Burnett, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the age of 89 years.

Born in Cuminestown, Scotland, Ian emigrated to Canada in 1957 with his young family. He worked at International Harvester and until his retirement, for the City of Lethbridge Transit Dept. as a mechanic. He loved music and was a member of the Lethbridge Folk Club house band in its early years. Ian enjoyed camping with his family and in later years, golfing the small golf courses in the area with Jean and friends.

Ian is survived by his loving wife Jean, daughter Anne McLeod (Don), son Gavin (Alison Tennant), grandchildren Selena and Jeff Burnett (Lisa), Cameron (Heather Machida), Robert McLeod and Heather Burnett. He is also survived by great grandchildren Raelee, Abella, Danya, Kaitlyn, Maddie and nieces and nephews in Lethbridge and Scotland.

He was predeceased by his beloved son Neil, his parents, three brothers and a sister in Scotland, and his sister Milly MacFarlane of Lethbridge.

A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Hugh Jack officiating.

In memory of Ian, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Lethbridge – 402, 740 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0N9

Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

Jim (James Lionel Frederick) Gladstone:

November 18, 1942 – May 16, 2015

The world has lost a great world champion cowboy, bright legal mind, First Nations warrior, and devoted father, James Lionel Frederick Gladstone (“Many Guns”). After many years of battling a chronic disease, Jim passed away reluctantly, but peacefully at his home in Cardston, Alberta, on May 16th, 2015 surrounded by family members.

Jim had big moccasins to fill, as the eldest son of Fred Gladstone, and first grandson to his namesake, Senator James Gladstone. All three men were committed to rodeo, their Indian heritage and Blood Tribe, learning and education, and most importantly, their families. Senator Gladstone was a formidable farmer and rancher who brought modern farming practices to the Blood reservation. He was a trailblazer for Aboriginal rights, who served as president of the Indian Association of Alberta, and was the first Status Indian to be appointed to the Canadian Senate. Jim’s father, Fred Gladstone, continued the legacy with notable accomplishments, including: helping form the INFR and INFR Hall of Fame Inductee (2011); CRPA Gold Card Holder (1992); Canadian Calf Roping Champion in 1948 and 1950; Canadian Wild Cow Milking Champion in 1948 and 1956; received an award “In Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Native Community” (1974) by the Alberta Government; and, was a given “Pioneer of Rodeo” award by the Calgary Stampede (1985).

Jim was born in 1942 to Fred and Edith Gladstone in Cardston, Alberta, and had 3 siblings: June, (Jennifer) Caen, and Jeff (known as the 4 “J’s”). During his formative years, Jim learned from his father and grandfather’s example, and developed his love for athletics, honing in on a passion for rodeo. At a time when rodeo was still somewhat of a past-time, Jim spent countless hours practicing and drove thousands of rodeo miles perfecting his skills. He married in his early 20’s, and often brought his growing family on the road with him during his rise in rodeo rankings.

Jim’s hard work paid off in 1977 when he won the NFR World Calf Roping title. He became the first cowboy from north of the American border to take the world title in any of the timed events and the eighth Canadian to latch on to a global championship. He continued to be the only Canadian to win a world calf roping title. Jim won the average payoff at the NFR as well and pocketed $7100 with is go round and average placing plus another $5000 bonus. The 35-year-old father of five roped ten calves in 119.7 seconds setting a new NFR record and beating the previous mark by almost five and a half seconds and did it all under the handicap of a broken finger.

He wound up in 14th position with $18,300 and left the NFR on the shoulder of his countrymen waving the maple leaf flag. Jim earned his professional card in 1962 starting in calf roping and occasional wild cow milking. He began picking up cheques in steer wrestling by 1963. He has been credited with championships in both events from the all Indian circuit. Jim was among the top three in the nation professional rankings each year from 1962 through 1966, before capturing his first Canadian calf roping title in 1969. He went on to win two more Canadian championships in 1971 & 1973 and was runner up to the title in 1972, 75, 77, 76. Jim qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo seven times from the first one held in 1974 through 1980 and competed at four National Finals Rodeos in 1972, 73, 77 and 78. Jim also served on the CRCA board as calf roping director in 1979.

Jim won numerous All Star and MVP awards throughout his basketball career and competed in prestigious tournaments in Canada and the US. One of his favourite events was attending the annual Christmas All Star Basketball Tournament. Jim also appeared on national television show, Front Page Challenge and also the former CBC late night talk show.

With his desire to support his family and embark on other important life callings, Jim moved his family to Edmonton, Alberta, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in law from the University of Alberta in 1985, and passed his Bar exam in 1986. He subsequently practiced as a defense attorney for First Nations people throughout Southern Alberta until his retirement.

Although retired from law, Jim was elected to the Blood Tribe Council and served a four-year term completed in 2012. During this time, Jim took a strong (and unpopular) stance about hydraulic fracturing on the Blood Reservation and the need for regulations and factual information given to the Blood Tribe. He also worked on efforts to preserve the Blackfoot language on the reservation. True to his sense of statesmanship to the First Nations people, despite his fragile physical condition, he travelled to Edmonton, Alberta on April 2014, where he was inducted as a special witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Jim cofounded the Blackfoot program, aitsi’poyiiksi, with Peter Weasel Moccasin in 2007 when they gathered elders at Jim’s home to solidify the concept and moved forward to formally organize the program in 2010.

Throughout his life and even more so in the last years of his life, Jim focused on spending time with his children and grandchildren, who brought him so much joy. In between all his career accomplishments, Jim was actively involved with his children’s lives and fostered a love for athletics and education. Friday night pizza, chips/cheese/pickles, and Ken’s popcorn were common favorites he liked to enjoy with his kids. He encouraged their independence, especially when it meant they could drive him around and “quickly” run a few errands for him!! Jim has always been a generous man and loved filling shopping carts of gifts for his family on Christmas Eve, taking family out for Chinese food and breakfast at IHOP, and buying the grandkids birthday gifts. He enjoyed his morning cup of coffee while reading the paper and doing the daily crossword puzzle. He was a devoted Direct TV and Dish Network customer and loved watching sports events of all kinds, the cooking channel, and movies, especially with his dog, Betsy, perched on his chest, while covered up in blankets, jackets, and a heater blowing in his face.

Jim was a proud Native man to the end, not wanting to burden others with his care and still insisting on walking for himself right to the end. His death has left a big hole in the hearts and lives of his family and friends, he will be missed greatly. May the Creator safely accompany him on the rest of his journey home, surrounded by loved ones. May he shoot some hoops before climbing onto his horse and riding off as the strong Native leader he is, knowing he successfully fulfilled the legacy of his Gladstone heritage.

Jim’s death was preceded by his parents, Fred and Edith Gladstone, June Wilms (sister), and son, Jace Gladstone. He is survived by his younger sister, J. Caen Bly; brother, Jeff Gladstone; and his 6 children: Stacey Schmidt (Greg Riley); Quincey Atkin (Troy Atkin); Chad Gladstone (Kim Gladstone); Skye Carroll (Martin Carroll); Lincoln Gladstone (first wife, Suzanne Johansen) and Zak Gladstone (second wife, Gloria Boucher); and 12 grandchildren, Trentin & Trey Atkin; Ashton & Tennison Schmidt; Madi, Miles, Chase & Callay Gladstone; and Solia, Atalya, Steele & Azure Carroll; & dear friend Celia Pace.

His family wishes to thank those kind friends, family, and caregivers who were there for him in his declining years and declining health to help him and provide companionship when his children were not able to be near him. It is greatly appreciated and not forgotten.

A Cowboy Farewell will be held in Jim’s honour and celebration of his life at Ranchman’s Cook House, 9615 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta on Friday May 22nd, from 11am–4pm. The family invites all those that knew Jim to come and pay tribute in celebration of his life.

The Funeral Service will be held at the CARDSTON AGRIDOME, Cardston, Alberta on Saturday, May 23 at 12:00 noon.

Friends may meet the Family at the LEGACY FUNERAL HOME, 107- 6 Street West, on Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Interment in the Family Plot, Blood Reserve.

Email condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

JASIUKIEWICZ

FUMIKO JASIUKIEWICZ, beloved wife of the late Wesley Jasiukiewicz, passed away peacefully at Legacy Lodge at the age of 85 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.

Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

(CECIL) RANDY SHIPLEY

1950 – 2015

It is with great sadness that the family of (CECIL) RANDY SHIPLEY, announce his passing on May 16, 2015 in the Cardston Hospital. Randy is survived by his wife, Valorie; his children, Wes (Corrine) Shipley of Cardston, Jeff (Wendy) Shipley of Calgary, Jana Shipley Bugby of Orem, Utah, Tara (Wade) Stovel of Calgary, and Crystal Shipley of Red Deer, along with fifteen grandchildren; one brother and six sisters.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a young man served a mission in California. He served in various capacities in the church and most recently served as a temple ordinance worker and with his wife Valorie as stake missionaries in the Kainai Branch.

He was elected and served on the Cardston Town Council for two terms from 1992 – 1998.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, riding motorcycles, hunting, snowmobiling and travelling. Randy loved to tease by also showed great love and respect to all people that he came into contact with, and will be missed by many.

Friends may meet the family at the LEGACY FUNERAL HOME, Cardston on Friday, May 22 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. or on Saturday at the Church from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m. prior to the Service.

The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, CARDSTON ALBERTA STAKE CENTER (East Hill), on Saturday,May 23, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow at the Cardston Cemetery.

Email your condolences to legacycardston@gmail.com

STIMATZ, RANDY GEORGE

Randy George Stimatz peacefully entered Heaven’s Gates on Sunday, May 17, 2015. He was born in Lethbridge, AB on April 11, 1963, and resided in Calgary, AB. Beloved husband, father, son and brother: Randy faced life’s challenges with an optimistic and courageous outlook even through his long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his mom Bonnie Patricia Hill. Randy is survived by his wife Monalisa Stimatz; son McKinely Stimatz; father George Stimatz; sisters Lisa (Ron) Stimatz-Cox and Tanya Stimatz; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 9Z9. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website http://www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

WITZL (nee MANY BEARS)

“Ikkstohkokinaakiiwa”

LAWANA LIOBA “WAYNA” WITZL, nee Many Bears, of the “Lone Fighter Clan” Blood Reserve, Alberta passed away at the Green Acres Foundation, Blue Sky Manor of Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, May 15th, 2015 at the age of 76 years.

Lawana was born in 1939 in Cardston, AB. She grew up on the Belly Buttes of the Blood Reserve and enjoyed hunting with her parents and picking berries with her aunties and cousins. She was the eldest cousin and was known as the “Protector” that defended family where need be. Lawana was home schooled and later attended Olds College. She was a supervisor at St. Mary’s School on the Blood Reserve then worked various jobs thereafter. In her spare time she enjoyed bingo, especially when she won seven times in a row! Lawana was spiritual and loved reading the bible. She also enjoyed having coffee at Tim Hortons. Lawana is lovingly remembered by her son, Keith Colt Callihoo, grandchildren; Brandy (Ian) Callihoo, Toby (Kelvin) Callihoo, Lesley (Cody) Wells, great-grandchildren; Cody, Colton, Jordan, Madison, Daylon, Jory, Abbey, Aaron, Leighton, Kareza, Suraye, Latrell, Luke and her great -great-granddaughter Kinliegh. She is also survived by her brother Tony Callihoo, nephew Denis Callihoo aunties; Rachel Big Plum, Mary Steel, Lucy Blood, adopted brothers; Wilford Blood, Charlie (Rhonda) Blood and many other relatives and friends too great to mention. Lawana was predeceased by her parents Nancy Many Bears, Mr. Wolf, uncles; Jack Many Bears, George Many Bears, Alford Blood, Peter Many Bears, aunties; Anni Cross Child, Philomena Twigg and her granddaughter Robyn Lynn Callihoo. The family apologizes for any names not mentioned.

A Family Service & Wake Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 5:30 P.M. with Wake Service running from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at OLD SAIPOYI SCHOOL GYM – Standoff, Alberta on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Dan Kees officiating.

Burial to follow at Belly Buttes, Blood Reserve, Alberta.

Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

WOJTOWICZ

With great sadness, the family of COLLEEN MAE WOJTOWICZ of Lethbridge, announce her sudden passing on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the age of 72.

A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca