Melvin Bernard Wells – Iitsohko’kiitopi (Entrance Rider) passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 27, 2023, at the age of 75 years. He has gone on to be with his beloved partner Doris Iron Shirt.
Melvin was born to Albert and Phyllis (Tailfeathers)Wells on July 21, 1948, he was the third child of seven. He was raised in the Head Quarters community of the Blood Reserve along with his older brother Wayne, Elizabeth, Albert Jr., Mildren, Frank and Bedford Wells.
As a child growing up, Melvin enjoyed outdoor activities and was especially fond of skating the Bull Horn Coulee along with his younger family members and friends.
He attended St. Mary’s Residential School in 1950’s and went on to attend St. Paul’s Residential School in the early 1960’s. Melvin graduated from Cardston High School in 1967 and then moved to Calgary living with his older brother Wayne and sister In-law Nita Wells. He graduated with a Business Administration Diploma from Mount Royal College. Melvin used his knowledge of Accounting throughout his lifetime career.
He was employed with the Blood Tribe Finance Department, Blood Tribe Land Management, Blood Tribe Housing, Red Crow College, Blood Tribe Police, and retired working with Blood Tribe Bus Co-op. He made lifelong friendships during his working years on the Blood Reserve.
Melvin was an avid pool player and loved to play golf often with his brother In-law Homer Healy. They joined tournaments on the surrounding reserves in Canada and the United States with all the “Georges” their CB handle (Homer Healy, Oliver Russell, Eric Buckskin Clarence Weasel Fat, Roy Weasel Fat and Charlie Small Face). His good time buddies included the late Louis (Sonny)Soop and Stu Healy.
The Family knew him as “Howard Hughes” as he was always going to Las Vegas and taking along a family member. His favorite entertainer was David Copperfield and bartender friend Otis from the Caesars Palace.
Melvin met Doris later in life and she became his beloved partner until her passing. He developed a special bond with Chapel since birth and became very fond of Robbie, Brice, and the grandchildren. Melvin and Doris loved to travel, and he was very supportive of Doris’s small business as a Jeweler.
Melvin endured the complications of diabetes and eventually both legs in prosthetics. He wore his prosthetic legs with pride and did not allow this handicap to slow him down. He continued to work and provide for his family. Melvin eventually succumbed to his illness.
Melvin will forever be missed by family and friends and will be remembered for his laughter and kindness and a good life filled with fun and adventure.
Melvin is survived by his brother Bedford Wells: Sisters In-law Nita Wells, Veronica Oka Wells, Cindy and Jessie Iron Shirt; Mother In-Law Bessie Iron Shirt; Aunties Harrett Wells, Sophie Tailfeathers, and Rosemarie Tailfeathers; Adopted Sisters Sharon Frank and Cindy Tailfeathers; Adopted brother Curtis Tailfeathers; Nephews Ferlin Wells, Lamont Healy, Chad Wells, Loren Wells, Larz Healy, Lowell and Logan Little Bear; Nieces Rochelle Wells, Cheryl Healy, Charlene Wells, Tanya Cross Child, Latisha Wells, Joni Healy, Germain Wells and Teralee Healy.
Melvin was predeceased by this parents Albert and Phyllis Wells; Grandparents Fred and Ethel Tailfeather, James and Annie Wells; Uncles Harvey (Nellie)Tailfeathers, Kenneth (Helen)Tailfeathers, Gerald (Irene)Tailfeathers, Allen Tailfeathers, Fred Tailfeathers, Art (Bertha) Wells, Bob (Mary Ann) Wells and Clifford Many Guns; Aunties Mary Jane Round Nose, Beauty Wells, Rosaline Many Guns and Edith Wells.
A Wake Service will be held at the Tanner Center, Cardston (260 1 St West) on Wednesday, September 6 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Thursday, September 7 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Melvin was born to Albert and Phyllis (Tailfeathers)Wells on July 21, 1948, he was the third child of seven. He was raised in the Head Quarters community of the Blood Reserve along with his older brother Wayne, Elizabeth, Albert Jr., Mildren, Frank and Bedford Wells.
As a child growing up, Melvin enjoyed outdoor activities and was especially fond of skating the Bull Horn Coulee along with his younger family members and friends.
He attended St. Mary’s Residential School in 1950’s and went on to attend St. Paul’s Residential School in the early 1960’s. Melvin graduated from Cardston High School in 1967 and then moved to Calgary living with his older brother Wayne and sister In-law Nita Wells. He graduated with a Business Administration Diploma from Mount Royal College. Melvin used his knowledge of Accounting throughout his lifetime career.
He was employed with the Blood Tribe Finance Department, Blood Tribe Land Management, Blood Tribe Housing, Red Crow College, Blood Tribe Police, and retired working with Blood Tribe Bus Co-op. He made lifelong friendships during his working years on the Blood Reserve.
Melvin was an avid pool player and loved to play golf often with his brother In-law Homer Healy. They joined tournaments on the surrounding reserves in Canada and the United States with all the “Georges” their CB handle (Homer Healy, Oliver Russell, Eric Buckskin Clarence Weasel Fat, Roy Weasel Fat and Charlie Small Face). His good time buddies included the late Louis (Sonny)Soop and Stu Healy.
The Family knew him as “Howard Hughes” as he was always going to Las Vegas and taking along a family member. His favorite entertainer was David Copperfield and bartender friend Otis from the Caesars Palace.
Melvin met Doris later in life and she became his beloved partner until her passing. He developed a special bond with Chapel since birth and became very fond of Robbie, Brice, and the grandchildren. Melvin and Doris loved to travel, and he was very supportive of Doris’s small business as a Jeweler.
Melvin endured the complications of diabetes and eventually both legs in prosthetics. He wore his prosthetic legs with pride and did not allow this handicap to slow him down. He continued to work and provide for his family. Melvin eventually succumbed to his illness.
Melvin will forever be missed by family and friends and will be remembered for his laughter and kindness and a good life filled with fun and adventure.
Melvin is survived by his brother Bedford Wells: Sisters In-law Nita Wells, Veronica Oka Wells, Cindy and Jessie Iron Shirt; Mother In-Law Bessie Iron Shirt; Aunties Harrett Wells, Sophie Tailfeathers, and Rosemarie Tailfeathers; Adopted Sisters Sharon Frank and Cindy Tailfeathers; Adopted brother Curtis Tailfeathers; Nephews Ferlin Wells, Lamont Healy, Chad Wells, Loren Wells, Larz Healy, Lowell and Logan Little Bear; Nieces Rochelle Wells, Cheryl Healy, Charlene Wells, Tanya Cross Child, Latisha Wells, Joni Healy, Germain Wells and Teralee Healy.
Melvin was predeceased by this parents Albert and Phyllis Wells; Grandparents Fred and Ethel Tailfeather, James and Annie Wells; Uncles Harvey (Nellie)Tailfeathers, Kenneth (Helen)Tailfeathers, Gerald (Irene)Tailfeathers, Allen Tailfeathers, Fred Tailfeathers, Art (Bertha) Wells, Bob (Mary Ann) Wells and Clifford Many Guns; Aunties Mary Jane Round Nose, Beauty Wells, Rosaline Many Guns and Edith Wells.
A Wake Service will be held at the Tanner Center, Cardston (260 1 St West) on Wednesday, September 6 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Thursday, September 7 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the St. Paul’s Cemetery.