It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and companion Philip Sr Hairy Bull “Sahkakhkowoiiniimatsis” (Sacred Pipe) on March 23 2023 at the age of 64 years.
Philip was born on August 9, 1958 to Lawrence and Jenny Hairy Bull. He is survived by his companion Jennifer Iron Shirt, children: Phillip (Cara) and Melissa. Grandchildren: Akaisha, Axl, Dakota, Trez, Halo, and Jared. Stepson Lance and Taylor. Siblings: Gary Hairy Bull, Mary Louise Fox and Kailey Black Plume. Brother in law and best friend Homer Young Pine and Randy Young Pine. Niece Cheryl Hairy Bull and Nephew Gilbert (Jessica) Hairy Bull; Jennifer Iron Shirt’s sister Gwen (Wesley), Colleen (Barry) Beebe, Christine, one brother Roland Iron Shirt; special son Bradley Heavy Runner; special niece Jamie Heavy Runner, and Lovey who was very special to him; special sisters Roselaine and Rosemarie Low Horn. Philip grew up in the Levern area alongside his close cousins Allan and Patrick Black Plume and Eugene, Rio and Stan Hairy Bull. Rounding up stray horses was something they all did together. It provided them transportation to visit around with others relatives and to just have fun riding around.
Philip attended school on the reserve at St.Mary’s Residential school. Later in life he attended Nechi Institue for Addictions Counselling after working at Sunrise Treatment Centre. Although he struggled with his own addiction, he was always willing to help others overcome theirs. Anyone who knew him knew he always remained humble and kind. His desire to help others led him to other employment at various treatment centre’s including St.Pauls Treatment Centre, Fresh Start Recovery Centre and the Detox Centre in Fort Macleod.
Philip enjoyed all sports but ultimately had a passion for pow wow. Singing, dancing and making songs was a huge part of who he was because he came from a long line of singers and song makers. He was a descendant of the original Big Corner Post singers. His dad and uncles taught him how to make drums and compose his own songs. He shared those songs with different groups such as Big Corner with Bruce, John, Albert and Les Wolf Child and Randy Rides At The Door and also Yellow Tail Singers with Steve and Bertha Crying Head, Martin Hairy Bull Sr, Ernest Healy, Tom White Man and Jack Black Forehead. Philip really loved his children and grandchildren. He was often heard speaking proudly of his oldest son’s accomplishments with work and singing and making pow wow songs.
Philip was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Jenny Hairy Bull, Grandparents: Bob and Suzette Black Plume, Siblings Bertha Hairy Bull, Larry Hairy Bull and David Striped Wolf. Nieces Elita and Natasha Hairy Bull and Nephew Jagger Eagle Plume.
A Candlelight Vigil for Philip will be held on Thursday, March 30 at 7:00 pm in Lethbridge, AB at the Galt Gardens. A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, April 4 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall on Wednesday, April 5 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in Pioneer Cemetery.
Philip was born on August 9, 1958 to Lawrence and Jenny Hairy Bull. He is survived by his companion Jennifer Iron Shirt, children: Phillip (Cara) and Melissa. Grandchildren: Akaisha, Axl, Dakota, Trez, Halo, and Jared. Stepson Lance and Taylor. Siblings: Gary Hairy Bull, Mary Louise Fox and Kailey Black Plume. Brother in law and best friend Homer Young Pine and Randy Young Pine. Niece Cheryl Hairy Bull and Nephew Gilbert (Jessica) Hairy Bull; Jennifer Iron Shirt’s sister Gwen (Wesley), Colleen (Barry) Beebe, Christine, one brother Roland Iron Shirt; special son Bradley Heavy Runner; special niece Jamie Heavy Runner, and Lovey who was very special to him; special sisters Roselaine and Rosemarie Low Horn. Philip grew up in the Levern area alongside his close cousins Allan and Patrick Black Plume and Eugene, Rio and Stan Hairy Bull. Rounding up stray horses was something they all did together. It provided them transportation to visit around with others relatives and to just have fun riding around.
Philip attended school on the reserve at St.Mary’s Residential school. Later in life he attended Nechi Institue for Addictions Counselling after working at Sunrise Treatment Centre. Although he struggled with his own addiction, he was always willing to help others overcome theirs. Anyone who knew him knew he always remained humble and kind. His desire to help others led him to other employment at various treatment centre’s including St.Pauls Treatment Centre, Fresh Start Recovery Centre and the Detox Centre in Fort Macleod.
Philip enjoyed all sports but ultimately had a passion for pow wow. Singing, dancing and making songs was a huge part of who he was because he came from a long line of singers and song makers. He was a descendant of the original Big Corner Post singers. His dad and uncles taught him how to make drums and compose his own songs. He shared those songs with different groups such as Big Corner with Bruce, John, Albert and Les Wolf Child and Randy Rides At The Door and also Yellow Tail Singers with Steve and Bertha Crying Head, Martin Hairy Bull Sr, Ernest Healy, Tom White Man and Jack Black Forehead. Philip really loved his children and grandchildren. He was often heard speaking proudly of his oldest son’s accomplishments with work and singing and making pow wow songs.
Philip was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Jenny Hairy Bull, Grandparents: Bob and Suzette Black Plume, Siblings Bertha Hairy Bull, Larry Hairy Bull and David Striped Wolf. Nieces Elita and Natasha Hairy Bull and Nephew Jagger Eagle Plume.
A Candlelight Vigil for Philip will be held on Thursday, March 30 at 7:00 pm in Lethbridge, AB at the Galt Gardens. A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, April 4 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall on Wednesday, April 5 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in Pioneer Cemetery.