Gary (Twister) Tailfeathers
Pahyut ah Pohmahka (when you dance counter clockwise sundance)
September 6, 1953 - January 28, 2021
Pahyut ah Pohmahka (when you dance counter clockwise sundance)
September 6, 1953 - January 28, 2021
GARY “TWISTER” TAILFEATHERS passed away at home in Stand Off, AB on January 28, 2021. Gary was born to Fred and Sophie Tail Feathers; at the time of his passing, he was 67 years old. He passed away peacefully at home with his family after a battle with cancer.
Gary is survived by his mom, Sophie Tail Feathers, his brothers: Rob and Puff (Verona) Tail Feathers. His son, Mike (Rolanda) and granddaughter Mikaela. His adopted granddaughter Cianna(Amskapi ahpaska). His sister, Cindy Tail Feathers. His companion, Gerri White Quills, her children: Ken, Lyndon, Jamie, and their granddaughter Miley (flying Squirrel). Gary’s Uncles: Alfred Standing Alone and Aunts: May Weasel Fat, Nita Wells, Ruth (Carmon) McLenaghan. Beloved animal companions Conan & Chi-Chi.
His nieces and nephews: Rob’s children: Cleve (Arlene), Julio, Kaylee (Danielle) and Kiya(Oaklee, Bruin and Camden). Puff’s children: Kelly and Tonya. Great nephew: Trayton (Lacy), Dayton, Xander, Mason. Great nieces: Jakell, Keira, Petra. Great, great nephew: Freddie, and great-great niece Kazely.
Gary was predeceased by his adopted brother: Joshua Wolf Tail, his paternal Uncles: Harvey, Kenneth, Gerald and Allen Tail Feathers. His paternal aunts: Phyllis Wells and Rosie Tail Feathers.
His uncles and aunts predeceased on the maternal side: Pete, Andy and Allen Standing Alone. His aunts: Ada and Margaret. Gary has gone to join his creator and predeceased family: Sophies sacred friends: Dorothy Day Chief & Gloria Wells saw Gary at the Sundance with his deceased grandparents: Henry and Louise Standing Alone and Uncle, Pete Standing Alone.Gary was well known for his fun-loving personality, as well as his witty sense of humor. In his down time, Gary was an avid reader and found his true calling in life through dancing in powwows and maintaining a strong connection with his community and culture. He is fondly remembered by his granddaughter for being her first friend and babysitter.
As a boy Gary’s accomplishments including serving on the youth council. The high school rodeo circuit. As a young cowboy Gary achieved the 1970 bull riding championship. His educational endeavors included, Leeside, Cardston and FP Walsh, Fort Macleod elementary schools. He did graduate from Cardston High School. He went to Ricks College in Sheridan, Wyoming. Gary came back home and settled down and had his son Michael Keith. He worked in various capacities and returned to Lethbridge Community College where he graduated as a Personal Care Attendant in 2000. He worked at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre in Standoff, Alberta where he retired. Gary was incredibly compassionate and cared for our elders before he retired in 2019.
Gary’s Notable Achievements and Activities includes:
- A beloved father & grandfather and family man
- Lethbridge College Alumni (Class of 2000)
- Timber limit – gas station manager.
- Bus Coop board member
- Bus coop driver/owner
- Partnership: Standoff Service garage (Sophie, Puff and Twist)
- Achieving a black-belt status in karate
- Actor in Dreamkeeper (2003)
- Santa (for his son, nephews, nieces, granddaughter)
- Best Halloween costumes, Gary always put his heart into celebrating Halloween and made all his Halloween costumes. His most memorable costumes were a jingle dress dancer and a nurse.
- Concert promoter
- Manager, Kinroq (rock band)
- Motorbike enthusiast
- Manager, coach, sponsor: minor hockey
- Hockey Player; bullhorn bucks, standoff rockers,
- Horse Racing owned: Spooky-de-do-dash and was successful with some wins, he also jockeyed and lived at the stables.
- Politician, activist (idle no more)
- Proud Native American First Nation member
- Pow wow Dancer: Buckskin and traditional
- A passionate craftsman and artisan, Gary sewed all his beadwork, outfits, head dresses, moccasins, eagle feathers, miniature moccasins. Gary’s art was incredibly popular and in high demand.
- An experienced chef, Gary catered many events and was assisted most recently by his friend and colleague, Marlene Chief Moon. His most recent catering position was in Waterton, in the Summer of 2020.
- Gary enjoyed travel, had a motorhome.
Gary was an active member within the community and believed strongly in philanthropy and the betterment of all beings, including his animal friend Conan whom he fed and played with before he passed on. He gave his time, money, and energy towards caring for those around him, and always aimed to ease the suffering of others. Twister always put others first, even while he was battling illness.
A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 - Limited people will be allowed in the building at a time.) Interment to follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
To Send the Family a Condolence please CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to Watch Livestreasm
Gary is survived by his mom, Sophie Tail Feathers, his brothers: Rob and Puff (Verona) Tail Feathers. His son, Mike (Rolanda) and granddaughter Mikaela. His adopted granddaughter Cianna(Amskapi ahpaska). His sister, Cindy Tail Feathers. His companion, Gerri White Quills, her children: Ken, Lyndon, Jamie, and their granddaughter Miley (flying Squirrel). Gary’s Uncles: Alfred Standing Alone and Aunts: May Weasel Fat, Nita Wells, Ruth (Carmon) McLenaghan. Beloved animal companions Conan & Chi-Chi.
His nieces and nephews: Rob’s children: Cleve (Arlene), Julio, Kaylee (Danielle) and Kiya(Oaklee, Bruin and Camden). Puff’s children: Kelly and Tonya. Great nephew: Trayton (Lacy), Dayton, Xander, Mason. Great nieces: Jakell, Keira, Petra. Great, great nephew: Freddie, and great-great niece Kazely.
Gary was predeceased by his adopted brother: Joshua Wolf Tail, his paternal Uncles: Harvey, Kenneth, Gerald and Allen Tail Feathers. His paternal aunts: Phyllis Wells and Rosie Tail Feathers.
His uncles and aunts predeceased on the maternal side: Pete, Andy and Allen Standing Alone. His aunts: Ada and Margaret. Gary has gone to join his creator and predeceased family: Sophies sacred friends: Dorothy Day Chief & Gloria Wells saw Gary at the Sundance with his deceased grandparents: Henry and Louise Standing Alone and Uncle, Pete Standing Alone.Gary was well known for his fun-loving personality, as well as his witty sense of humor. In his down time, Gary was an avid reader and found his true calling in life through dancing in powwows and maintaining a strong connection with his community and culture. He is fondly remembered by his granddaughter for being her first friend and babysitter.
As a boy Gary’s accomplishments including serving on the youth council. The high school rodeo circuit. As a young cowboy Gary achieved the 1970 bull riding championship. His educational endeavors included, Leeside, Cardston and FP Walsh, Fort Macleod elementary schools. He did graduate from Cardston High School. He went to Ricks College in Sheridan, Wyoming. Gary came back home and settled down and had his son Michael Keith. He worked in various capacities and returned to Lethbridge Community College where he graduated as a Personal Care Attendant in 2000. He worked at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre in Standoff, Alberta where he retired. Gary was incredibly compassionate and cared for our elders before he retired in 2019.
Gary’s Notable Achievements and Activities includes:
- A beloved father & grandfather and family man
- Lethbridge College Alumni (Class of 2000)
- Timber limit – gas station manager.
- Bus Coop board member
- Bus coop driver/owner
- Partnership: Standoff Service garage (Sophie, Puff and Twist)
- Achieving a black-belt status in karate
- Actor in Dreamkeeper (2003)
- Santa (for his son, nephews, nieces, granddaughter)
- Best Halloween costumes, Gary always put his heart into celebrating Halloween and made all his Halloween costumes. His most memorable costumes were a jingle dress dancer and a nurse.
- Concert promoter
- Manager, Kinroq (rock band)
- Motorbike enthusiast
- Manager, coach, sponsor: minor hockey
- Hockey Player; bullhorn bucks, standoff rockers,
- Horse Racing owned: Spooky-de-do-dash and was successful with some wins, he also jockeyed and lived at the stables.
- Politician, activist (idle no more)
- Proud Native American First Nation member
- Pow wow Dancer: Buckskin and traditional
- A passionate craftsman and artisan, Gary sewed all his beadwork, outfits, head dresses, moccasins, eagle feathers, miniature moccasins. Gary’s art was incredibly popular and in high demand.
- An experienced chef, Gary catered many events and was assisted most recently by his friend and colleague, Marlene Chief Moon. His most recent catering position was in Waterton, in the Summer of 2020.
- Gary enjoyed travel, had a motorhome.
Gary was an active member within the community and believed strongly in philanthropy and the betterment of all beings, including his animal friend Conan whom he fed and played with before he passed on. He gave his time, money, and energy towards caring for those around him, and always aimed to ease the suffering of others. Twister always put others first, even while he was battling illness.
A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 - Limited people will be allowed in the building at a time.) Interment to follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
To Send the Family a Condolence please CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to Watch Livestreasm