PATRICK BARE SHIN BONE -- (Akaisstsa)
BORN: March 14, 1949
DIED: June 22, 2021
The Giver of Life called Home an Elder, Grandfather, husband, father and friend to many on June 22, 2021 as Patrick Bare Shin Bone (from Mamioyiiksi Clan), surrounded by his loving wife Sylvia, family, friends and relatives, began his peaceful journey to our ancestral home – the Sand Hills.
Pat, or Akaisstsa as he was well known as, enjoyed his life to the fullest as evident by his laughter, humor and positive nature. Akaisstsa, following in the footsteps of his family and relatives, became an elder of the sacred Horn Society and a grandfather to his children. He was a devoted and dedicated teacher of the Blackfoot traditional way of life. Akaisstsa, who was a fluent speaker of the Blackfoot language was often called upon to share his knowledge with those wanting to know more about their culture.
As a youngster, Akaisstsa went to school in Glenwood and later in Edmonton. He attended the St. Mary residential school and Levern day school. Akaisstsa then continued his education with the tribe’s Red Crow College. Once he completed his educational requirements, Akaisstsa worked as a ranch hand for a number of ranchers before accepting employment with the Social Development department, Family & Community Support Services and Kainai Industries Ltd. He was also a member of the Parent Advisory Committee with the Aahsaopi Elementary School where he later stepped down due to his illness.
Akaisstsa thoroughly enjoyed sports as he was a backcatcher with the Levern fastball team. He participated in community sporting events including co-ed slow pitch and volleyball where he shared in the laughter and fun times with community members. He would later show his support for his children and grandchildren by attending their games. He was known for being one of the loudest in cheering for his children in the heat of their games. Akaisstsa travelled and sang on the powwow trail with a number of groups including Rocky Lake with well-known powwow singer the late Dominic Cross Child. Akaisstsa also showed his dancing skills in the rabbit and round dances.
In his younger days, Akaisstsa was drummer for Cha Choa, Blood Tribe’s grass roots Rock and Roll Band and included members: Peter Chief Calf, William Messenger and Oliver Shouting. One of his current favorite past-time activity was playing bingo. Akaisstsa just loved being in the company of others as he would visit, smoke and drink coffee and loved yelling BINGO, whenever he won.
Akaisstsa truly loved his wife Sylvia, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, relatives and friends. He would often be heard laughing or telling funny stories, but he had a serious side to him as well. He took his responsibilities as an elder with high respect and was often called upon to share his knowledge or to run a sweat for his Horn grandchildren.
Akaisstsa is survived by his loving wife Sylvia, daughters: Kristy (Matt), Vicki (Jim), Heather (Craig), Charlene (Leon); son Vincent (Carrie), adopted daughter Angel, Goddaughter Bernadette; grandchildren: Nelly, Sienna, Mattie, Taelyn, Kanze, Koelii, Miley, Ty, Tyanne, Kyle, Hayley, Shaylynn, Deserai, Sarah, Trinity, Ruthy, Lianna, Charmaine, Ginnean, AJ, Zaybra, Zana and 12 great-grandchildren; sisters: Rono, Brenda, Carmen, Roxanne, Pamela; brother Bruce; uncles: James, Joe, Norbert Across The Mountain; aunt Christine Delorme; father-in-law Harrison Wolf Child; sisters-in-law: Molly (late Reo), Rose (Stan) and brother-in-law Tex (Brooke); adopted father: Bruce Wolf Child; adopted siblings: Debbie, Rex First Charger, Noreen Black Plume, Ryan, Pierre, Alvin Many Chief, Jimmy Chief Moon, Alice, John Wolf Child, Barbara, Mary Wolf Child; Horn Society children: Wesley (Noreen) Gros Ventre Boy, Clarence Rumpa (Trish) Black Water, Arnold (Cheryl) Shouting. The family apologizes for any names may have missed.
Akaisstsa was pre-deceased by his parents: Paul and Mary Stella (Across The Mountain) Bare Shin Bone; adopted brothers and sisters: late Reo, late Delores, late Paul Jr. Hairy Bull, maternal grandparents John and Lily Across The Mountain; paternal grandparents Bare Shin Boe and Three Scissor Woman, paternal great-grandfather Saatohta, aunts Cecile Striped Wolf, Emma Rides At The Door, Lucy Crazy Bull, Annie Bare Shin Bone, Bernadette Hairy Bull, Isabel Cole, Lily and Mary Across The Mountain; uncles: John Bare Shin Bone and Roger Across The Mountain; and, mother-in-law Mary Rose Gros Ventre Boy.
The family would like to thank: Dr. Sandy Cunningham, Dr. Lavens, Dr. Taleb, Dr. Walsh, Standoff Home Care team, RN Paul Taylor, Saul Big Sorrel Horse, John Tallow, Kagan Fox, Sandra Eagle Child, Blood Tribe Ambulance, Blood Tribe Medical Services for the care and compassion expressed for Dad during his battle with Cancer.
We know you will watch over us and we pray you will have a beautiful journey Home. We love you and miss you with all our hearts Akaisstsa.
May Peace and Happiness be with you forever.
A Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, July 2 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm followed by the Wake Service at Patrick and Sylvia’s residence from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Patrick and Sylvia’s residence on Saturday, July 3 at 1:00 pm.
Interment in Pioneer Cemetery.