MONDAY, December 5, 2016

Gilbert Provost

Gilbert Charles Provost “Ni yok skoo taamii soyii” was born June 4, 1944 in Brocket , Alberta and was called home on November 29, 2016. Gilbert was the loving husband to the late Viola Provost. He leaves to mourn his sons, Lee (Dierdre) Provost and Ira (Ruth) Provost; his adopted daughters Gloria (Gary) Red Young Man and Carrissa Van Derhoek. His adopted father Tom Crane Bear; his Grandchildren Kayla, Brody, Shania, and Shelby; Tyrone (Monica), Miracle (Bill), Aryelle, Gerri-Lynn and Deon; great-grandchildren Tyray, Annataakii and Bill. Godchildren Dallas Houghton-Provost and Jody Provost. His sisters Geraldine, Diane (Del), Debbie (Frank), Charlene (Roger), Gloria and Lucille (Robert); brothers Dwayne Chuck Provost and Charles (Bev) Provost. His sisters-in-law Eloise Provost and Beverly Crazy Boy, Darlene, Virginia, Gaylene, Berylanne, Delina Good Rider; his brother in law Aaron (Florence) Good Rider; his special brother/friend Louis Smith; adopted sister Deb (Sig) Giverhaug, numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and special friends.

Gilbert was raised on the Piikani Nation with his family where he met and married the love of his life Viola in 1972. His education included graduating in 1966 at the Fort Macleod High School and later attending a Social Work program in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His career included various jobs in education, social work, and employment services. His later accomplishments included travelling the Pow Wow Trail throughout Canada and the United States winning many championships in the Men’s Buckskin category. The Buckskin outfit he proudly wore was originally made by his Grandmother Sally Poosakii Provost for his grandfather Charles Provost I; it was then transferred to his father Charles Provost II finally being transferred to Gilbert, who then started dancing at the age of 50. During his dancing career he met many friends that he shared a lot of memories with. His dancing partners on the Pow Wow Trail were Tom Crane Bear, the late Richard Thunder Chief and the late John Healy. Other accomplishments included winning the Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society award in 2013 for recognition of his contribution to Blackfoot identity, pride and inspiration. Every year he spent the entire 10 days of the Calgary Stampede working as Security, an Interpreter, and dancing at the Indian Village where he proudly represented the Piikani Nation. Gilbert was very honoured to be elected as the President of the Crow Lodge Elders Society, where he diligently and proudly served the Elders and community.

Gilbert was always welcoming and left the door open to all his family and friends as his home was where the family gathered for holidays, special occasions, and branding; he loved spending his time with his family and always strived for unity among everyone he loved. He was an avid rancher and enjoyed spending his time outdoors fencing and tending to his cattle. Throughout his life Gilbert played many sports including curling, golfing, horseshoeing, and basketball.

Gilbert, who was also a member of the Blackhorse Society, was the eldest of 12 children and Patriarch to the Provost family of whom everyone came to for advice and words of wisdom; he loved being there for every one of his family members, whom he proudly cherished. Gilbert would pick up his brother Brian almost daily to take care of him and bring him to town for groceries and anything he needed. Gilbert loved to travel reaching various places throughout the US, Mexico, Asia, Europe; notably travelling to visit family in Wales, UK.

Gilbert is predeceased by his parents Charles and Mary Ann Provost, his loving wife, Viola; his brothers Gordon, Brian and Casey; his adopted daughter Brenda Red Young Man; his adopted brother Gordon Many Guns; his nieces Roseanne Healy, Kim Provost, and Alonna- Dawn Crazy Boy; his nephew Conrad Provost; his great-nephew Dolan Houghton-Provost. His brothers-in-law Richard Thunder Chief, Douglas, Wallace and Clayton Good Rider.

The Provost family would like to acknowledge and give many thanks to everyone that knew Gilbert and shared their own special memories with him, and to everyone that contributed to the celebration of his life; Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on December 6, 2016 at the Piikani Community Hall with Reverend Roy Jayamaha Officiating. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Feast to follow at the Community Hall.

Ernie Hollingsworth
1938 – 2016
Gordon Ernest Hollingsworth, beloved husband of Shirley Hollingsworth of Warner, passed away in Raymond on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the age of 77 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Paul Freeborn
1935 – 2016
Paul Peter Freeborn, beloved husband of Darlene Freeborn, passed away in Taber on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the age of 81 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.