Calvert Many Fingers - “Aapooyinom” Fair One
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Calvert Many Fingers on September 30, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta. Our Beloved “Cal” is survived by the love of his life, Terry Many Grey Horses his wife of 44 years. His sons; Ian Many Fingers (Melissa) and Ross Many Fingers (Alana) and his daughter Maya (Craig) Many Grey Horses. His grandchildren: Konyae, Kahli and Makayla, who were the love and sunshine of his life. His special grandchildren; Montana and Latrell Hunt. His beloved pets; White Tail, Cookie, Scuffy, Luna and Sunny. Uncle “Cal” had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews and each could attest to their unique relationship with him.
He is survived by his brothers Colin, Dick (Mel) and Marvin (Trina) and his sisters Audrey Many Fingers and Connie Fox and their families. By his paternal aunts Mildred Melting Tallow, Sylia Tailfeathers, Clara Morin, Roseann Many Fingers and Uncle Burton Many Fingers (Verna) and their families. His maternal aunt Evelyn (Andrew), Della Rose Hunt and uncles Randy (Doreen), Iver, Edward Mills and their families. His Many Grey Horses family; Molly, Evelyn, Donna, Mary, Martha and Rebecca and brother-in-law Martin Eagle Child and their families.
Cal grew up in the Lavern/Bullhorn area of the Blood Reserve where he and his brothers worked alongside their parents, Gordon and Loretta Many Fingers in their ranching and alfalfa farming operations. He and his siblings, cousins and friends enjoyed life together in their younger years; riding horses, swimming in the canal, visiting one another daily and walking across the prairies to go visit “gramma Eva” and grandpa “Buster” home. He attended Lavern Day School and St. Mary’s Residential School before he moved to Lethbridge for Jr and Sr high school. Cal later attended Red Crow Community College, Lethbridge Community College and University of Athabasca for his post secondary education. Cal and his siblings got their Class 2 drivers license and helped his father Gordon to run his bussing service to Lavern school for many years. His long-term employment included Kainai Board of Education and Blood Tribe Housing.
Cal and Terry worked side by side to build their home and family life together. Always supportive of one another. The care he took of his home and yard was an expression of his love for his family. His home was his quiet sanctuary and his favorite place to be. When he was not working on a project, he was tuned into CNN keeping up with USA politics or watching documentaries. Dad and his boys supported “mom” through her educational journey, never complaining and always understanding and giving her the time and space, she needed to meet her educational requirements.
Cal had a couple of memorable experiences in his lifetime that were significant to him. After the passing of his late brother Tweedy, in his state of grief, Cal hiked up to Chief Mountain alone. He was halfway up when he realized a wolverine was climbing alongside of him but maintaining a short distance while keeping a close watch of his movements. He also saw the near setting of the sun, so he made his way back down the mountain. As he was making his way to the site where he parked his truck, for some reason he knew he was lost, and that he would have to spend the night alone on Chief Mountain. He quickly gathered wood and lit the fire. At the time, Cal did not know the mountain ranger and some community members spotted his fire and kept watch over him. The shrieking of an eagle as it flew over him woke him up. The song sung by the spirit of the old man led him out of the mountain range. And, in the 1990’s, Cal, Terry and son Ross attended a cultural camp in the Sweet Grass Hills in Montana. Unknowingly, they found themselves representing the Blood Tribe in the signing of a moratorium with the USA Bureau of Land Management to stop the mining initiative of the Sweet Grass Hills for twenty years. On the flipside, in serious moments Cal would bring laughter with his “craziness”.
In 1979, Cal met the love of his life Terry. Cal shared the news with his father Gordon. He advised Cal, “Terry comes from a family that is “Nitsitapiokootsapsiyaa”, rich in the traditional Blackfoot ways of life”. Cal responded, “I love her”. True to his word, Cal became the backbone of his family in supporting their membership with the various sacred societies. When his beloved daughter Maya announced she wanted to become a member of the Kakiotsi, he made sure she was safe and protected in her campsite amongst her relatives. He bought her a tent and set it up inside the carport. Curious neighbors came by to have a peep inside Maya’s camp and commented it was a good set up. His son Ian and daughter Melissa announced they were joining the “Kanatsomitaiksi”, Cal was proud and happy for them. His daughter Maya also joined the Kanatsomitaiksi and he was there to offer support to them. In 2018, his younger son Ross (Alana) were invited to be helpers of the Okan, Dad’s love for his children and their spiritual commitments immersed him into our Nitsitapi spiritual ways of life. Cal was true to his words. His quiet nature, his words of encouragement, his patience and self assurance enhanced his position as a strong backbone for his family. He enjoyed being involved as their helper. He did the behind-the-scenes tasks of running errands and helping with harvesting teepee poles. In the springtime he looked forward to setting up the teepee with his children to host their society meetings. He looked forward to helping set up camp at Ahkookatsin and visiting and having a meal with his family. He was happy if his children were happy. Thank you, Dad.
In the eyes of his beloved grandchildren, “Papa” was the best. Papa could be easily pursued to take a “road trip” which always ended up at the playground and the ice cream store. Papa did not hesitate to make a special trip to deliver a missing “soother” or “IPAD” for his precious baby girl Makayla. His girl, “Kahli” often got her way when she ran to Papa for his support and protection. His girl “Kahli” proudly wore his cowboy hat to school one windy day and “Papa” smiled and told his girl to have a good day at school. Konyae, his boy was his first grandchild, and he was the light of his life. “Papa” enjoyed spending time with him outdoors and putting him to work with his chores. He was happy to hear his
grandson got his learners license so he could drive gramma and grandpa around. Dad, Papa did not hesitate to check on the wellbeing of his family. “Papa” was the best and he will be forever loved by his beloved grandchildren.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they received while “Cal” was at the Misercordia Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Thank you to the staff of Blood Tribe Housing for being with Cal until the family arrived. Thank you to the Drs, nurses in the ICU and 5 th Floor units, the Chaplains and the Native Liaison/Social Worker Val and the medical transportation. Thank you to the Kanatkatsi; Horn members, Brave Dogs, Dove Society, Okan and Thunder Pipe Societies, the Rosaries and community members of near and far for their prayers and words of encouragement creating his path into the heavenly and spiritual realm. Thank you to family members who drove the distance to Edmonton to be with Cal and family and to Auntie Clara and family for their tremendous support. Thank you to family members who stayed behind to watch the house and feed the dogs and to keep the smudge going. Special thank you to Maya, Tammy, Sandra, Audrey, Marvin/Trina for staying with “Mom”. Thank you, family and friends, for your contributions and tributes as we bid our final farewell for Cal, Dad, Papa. We love you all!
A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, October 9 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, October 10 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in Pioneer cemetery.
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Calvert Many Fingers on September 30, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta. Our Beloved “Cal” is survived by the love of his life, Terry Many Grey Horses his wife of 44 years. His sons; Ian Many Fingers (Melissa) and Ross Many Fingers (Alana) and his daughter Maya (Craig) Many Grey Horses. His grandchildren: Konyae, Kahli and Makayla, who were the love and sunshine of his life. His special grandchildren; Montana and Latrell Hunt. His beloved pets; White Tail, Cookie, Scuffy, Luna and Sunny. Uncle “Cal” had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews and each could attest to their unique relationship with him.
He is survived by his brothers Colin, Dick (Mel) and Marvin (Trina) and his sisters Audrey Many Fingers and Connie Fox and their families. By his paternal aunts Mildred Melting Tallow, Sylia Tailfeathers, Clara Morin, Roseann Many Fingers and Uncle Burton Many Fingers (Verna) and their families. His maternal aunt Evelyn (Andrew), Della Rose Hunt and uncles Randy (Doreen), Iver, Edward Mills and their families. His Many Grey Horses family; Molly, Evelyn, Donna, Mary, Martha and Rebecca and brother-in-law Martin Eagle Child and their families.
Cal grew up in the Lavern/Bullhorn area of the Blood Reserve where he and his brothers worked alongside their parents, Gordon and Loretta Many Fingers in their ranching and alfalfa farming operations. He and his siblings, cousins and friends enjoyed life together in their younger years; riding horses, swimming in the canal, visiting one another daily and walking across the prairies to go visit “gramma Eva” and grandpa “Buster” home. He attended Lavern Day School and St. Mary’s Residential School before he moved to Lethbridge for Jr and Sr high school. Cal later attended Red Crow Community College, Lethbridge Community College and University of Athabasca for his post secondary education. Cal and his siblings got their Class 2 drivers license and helped his father Gordon to run his bussing service to Lavern school for many years. His long-term employment included Kainai Board of Education and Blood Tribe Housing.
Cal and Terry worked side by side to build their home and family life together. Always supportive of one another. The care he took of his home and yard was an expression of his love for his family. His home was his quiet sanctuary and his favorite place to be. When he was not working on a project, he was tuned into CNN keeping up with USA politics or watching documentaries. Dad and his boys supported “mom” through her educational journey, never complaining and always understanding and giving her the time and space, she needed to meet her educational requirements.
Cal had a couple of memorable experiences in his lifetime that were significant to him. After the passing of his late brother Tweedy, in his state of grief, Cal hiked up to Chief Mountain alone. He was halfway up when he realized a wolverine was climbing alongside of him but maintaining a short distance while keeping a close watch of his movements. He also saw the near setting of the sun, so he made his way back down the mountain. As he was making his way to the site where he parked his truck, for some reason he knew he was lost, and that he would have to spend the night alone on Chief Mountain. He quickly gathered wood and lit the fire. At the time, Cal did not know the mountain ranger and some community members spotted his fire and kept watch over him. The shrieking of an eagle as it flew over him woke him up. The song sung by the spirit of the old man led him out of the mountain range. And, in the 1990’s, Cal, Terry and son Ross attended a cultural camp in the Sweet Grass Hills in Montana. Unknowingly, they found themselves representing the Blood Tribe in the signing of a moratorium with the USA Bureau of Land Management to stop the mining initiative of the Sweet Grass Hills for twenty years. On the flipside, in serious moments Cal would bring laughter with his “craziness”.
In 1979, Cal met the love of his life Terry. Cal shared the news with his father Gordon. He advised Cal, “Terry comes from a family that is “Nitsitapiokootsapsiyaa”, rich in the traditional Blackfoot ways of life”. Cal responded, “I love her”. True to his word, Cal became the backbone of his family in supporting their membership with the various sacred societies. When his beloved daughter Maya announced she wanted to become a member of the Kakiotsi, he made sure she was safe and protected in her campsite amongst her relatives. He bought her a tent and set it up inside the carport. Curious neighbors came by to have a peep inside Maya’s camp and commented it was a good set up. His son Ian and daughter Melissa announced they were joining the “Kanatsomitaiksi”, Cal was proud and happy for them. His daughter Maya also joined the Kanatsomitaiksi and he was there to offer support to them. In 2018, his younger son Ross (Alana) were invited to be helpers of the Okan, Dad’s love for his children and their spiritual commitments immersed him into our Nitsitapi spiritual ways of life. Cal was true to his words. His quiet nature, his words of encouragement, his patience and self assurance enhanced his position as a strong backbone for his family. He enjoyed being involved as their helper. He did the behind-the-scenes tasks of running errands and helping with harvesting teepee poles. In the springtime he looked forward to setting up the teepee with his children to host their society meetings. He looked forward to helping set up camp at Ahkookatsin and visiting and having a meal with his family. He was happy if his children were happy. Thank you, Dad.
In the eyes of his beloved grandchildren, “Papa” was the best. Papa could be easily pursued to take a “road trip” which always ended up at the playground and the ice cream store. Papa did not hesitate to make a special trip to deliver a missing “soother” or “IPAD” for his precious baby girl Makayla. His girl, “Kahli” often got her way when she ran to Papa for his support and protection. His girl “Kahli” proudly wore his cowboy hat to school one windy day and “Papa” smiled and told his girl to have a good day at school. Konyae, his boy was his first grandchild, and he was the light of his life. “Papa” enjoyed spending time with him outdoors and putting him to work with his chores. He was happy to hear his
grandson got his learners license so he could drive gramma and grandpa around. Dad, Papa did not hesitate to check on the wellbeing of his family. “Papa” was the best and he will be forever loved by his beloved grandchildren.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they received while “Cal” was at the Misercordia Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Thank you to the staff of Blood Tribe Housing for being with Cal until the family arrived. Thank you to the Drs, nurses in the ICU and 5 th Floor units, the Chaplains and the Native Liaison/Social Worker Val and the medical transportation. Thank you to the Kanatkatsi; Horn members, Brave Dogs, Dove Society, Okan and Thunder Pipe Societies, the Rosaries and community members of near and far for their prayers and words of encouragement creating his path into the heavenly and spiritual realm. Thank you to family members who drove the distance to Edmonton to be with Cal and family and to Auntie Clara and family for their tremendous support. Thank you to family members who stayed behind to watch the house and feed the dogs and to keep the smudge going. Special thank you to Maya, Tammy, Sandra, Audrey, Marvin/Trina for staying with “Mom”. Thank you, family and friends, for your contributions and tributes as we bid our final farewell for Cal, Dad, Papa. We love you all!
A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, October 9 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, October 10 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in Pioneer cemetery.
Click to Send the Family Condolences