Donald Lawrence Big Swallow (Kaatsikomohkitopii) beloved husband of the late Beatrice Mary (Twigg) Big Swallow, passed away peacefully at the Cardston Hospital on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the age of 95. Donald was registered at the age of 1 and registered on December 15,1930. and believed to be 95. Donald is survived by his sons Pat (Delia) Twigg, Albert (Janice) Big Swallow and Curtis (Lisa) Big Swallow. Daughters, Monica, Collette and Lucille Big Swallow. Daughter In Laws Cindy Plaited Hair, and Delores Big Swallow. His Kiipitaapookaks, Angie (Kenny) Creighton, Donald (Pam) Big Swallow and Bradley Big Swallow. 32 Grandchildren, 60 Great Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren, Sister In Law, Joanne Twigg, Numerous Nephews and Nieces from the Weasel Moccasins and Twigg families that were a big part in his life. His adopted children through our native tradition, Ruby (James) Medicine Crane, Daniel Healy, Hanna Plaited Hair, Late Bobby Weasel Head, Late Kobin Bull Shields, and Late Christopher (Diane) Twigg. His extended family: Weasel Moccasin, Hind Bull, Vielle, Across the Mountain, Morning Owl, Crow Spread his Wing, Little Man, Black Horse, and Crow Chief.
Predeceased by his Wife Beatrice Big Swallow. Parents Big Swallow and Black Bear Woman and Big Swallow. His sons: Don Twigg and Leslie Big Swallow. His daughters: Dorthay Big Swallow and Delores Calf Robe. His son in laws: Eric Plaited Hair, John Heavy Shields and Curtis Calf Robe His grandsons: Troy Twigg, Kirby, Robert ‘Bob’, Michael Big Swallow. His granddaughter: Christina Calf Robe. His great-grandson Tristan Pepion. His brothers: Benedict, Eddie Big Swallow, Pete (Ada) and Dan (Ada) Weasel Moccasin. His sisters: Paula (Albert) Vielle and Eva (Allan) Hind Bull. His in-laws: James (Lucy Margaret) Twigg. His brothers-in-law: Jimmy (Celina), Albert (Philomena), Eugene (Evelyn), and Andrew Twigg. His sisters-in-laws: Kathleene (Raymond) Young Pine, Margaret (Morris) Hind Bull, Theresa (Dean) Plume, and Mary Twigg.
Donald was born on December 15, 1929, on the Blood Reserve to the late (Omahksiiksipaanssi) Big Swallow and (Sikohiaayaakii) Black Bear Woman. At a young age after the passing of his parents, he was adopted by Weasel Moccasin. Donald often talked about his early years. He was the youngest of his siblings. His mother died at the age of two and his father died at the age of eight. He had fond memories living with his dad in a one room house. After the passing of his father. He was adopted and raised by (Aapaitsikin) Weasel Moccasin. He attended the St Paul’s Residential School at the age of nine, and he left in 1945. He returned home. He grew up alongside his brothers Dan (Otahkoiimiohkitopii) and Pete (OmahKsiiKaa) Weasel Moccasin. They lived in the Old Agency community. They made a living farming and ranching. The yearly Sundance encampments and ceremonies were a big part of their lives.
He met his sweetheart Beatrice Twigg, and they married on December 18,1957. They went on to celebrate their 50th anniversary on August 18, 2007. It was the highlight of their lives as a loving couple. Donald and Beatrice moved and built their home in the St. Mary’s Community. They resided near James and Lucy Twigg residence. They lived in a one room house and together they had 10 beautiful children. They later became caregivers to Beatrice’s parents. After the passing of James Twigg Sr. In 1971, Donald and Beatrice relocated into their new home in the Old Agency Community. Donald loved Beatrice unconditionally and they were inseparable. He gave his all with love. In later years, Beatrice became ill and required full time health care. She was admitted to the Lethbridge North Continuing Care. Donald visited with his wife every day at the facility up until her passing.
Donald work hard to provide for his family. He worked at numerous jobs. He worked with the Calgary Power, Blood Reserve Roads and Dams, Kainai Farm Headquarters, Seasonal farming with local farmers, Catholic Missionaries (he helped build the St, Mary’s Catholic Church Grotto) and Kainai Industries Ltd up until his retirement. He went on to assist his wife Beatrice as a Custodian at the Standoff Elementary school up until her retirement. During their retirement years, they enjoyed being and relaxing in their home, family gatherings, attending special family events, BBQ's travelling, and bingo nights. Donald loved Beatrice unconditionally.
He also devoted his life to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was so proud to reach five generations of Big Swallows. Donald was so proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments in life. He was always supportive by attending their school culture, graduations, fund raising and sports birthday events. He also supported his family that were active members of a society during our Sundance. His belief was that education is the seed to a good productive and successful future. He was so proud of each of his children completing their education. Donald would often boast, I do not have to worry about my children. They completed their schooling, and they have good jobs, so my grandchildren are to be provided the necessities of life. He too encouraged his grandchildren to complete their education.
Spiritually, he devoted his life to our heavenly father. He read his BIBLE every morning. He prayed each morning and evenings. He prayed for everyone. Donald became ill and as his body declined each day in which his old age was a contributing factor. He admitted himself into the Kainai Continuing Care Centre in August of 2024 up until the time of his passing. He was called home on June 17, 2025. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and extended family members. Donald was a very humble, generous, caring, kind, compassionate and man. His personal traits and values, he passed down to, his children, and grandchildren. He made a lot of friends and touched so many lives young and old throughout his lifetime.
Dad, you leave behind a reflection of your love and legacy. Though it is very hard to say goodbye. We will miss you greatly. You missed mom. You both are reunited in heaven. We thank God for giving us you. We would like to express our greatest gratitude and thanks to Dr, Shey Eagle Bear, Dr. Levette, the Staff at the Kainai Continuing Care, the Staff at the acute and palliative care units at the |Cardston Hospital for your continued care of our dad.
A private evening gathering for family and extended family will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 27 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve. Interment will follow at One Spot Cemetery, Old Agency, Blood Reserve.
Predeceased by his Wife Beatrice Big Swallow. Parents Big Swallow and Black Bear Woman and Big Swallow. His sons: Don Twigg and Leslie Big Swallow. His daughters: Dorthay Big Swallow and Delores Calf Robe. His son in laws: Eric Plaited Hair, John Heavy Shields and Curtis Calf Robe His grandsons: Troy Twigg, Kirby, Robert ‘Bob’, Michael Big Swallow. His granddaughter: Christina Calf Robe. His great-grandson Tristan Pepion. His brothers: Benedict, Eddie Big Swallow, Pete (Ada) and Dan (Ada) Weasel Moccasin. His sisters: Paula (Albert) Vielle and Eva (Allan) Hind Bull. His in-laws: James (Lucy Margaret) Twigg. His brothers-in-law: Jimmy (Celina), Albert (Philomena), Eugene (Evelyn), and Andrew Twigg. His sisters-in-laws: Kathleene (Raymond) Young Pine, Margaret (Morris) Hind Bull, Theresa (Dean) Plume, and Mary Twigg.
Donald was born on December 15, 1929, on the Blood Reserve to the late (Omahksiiksipaanssi) Big Swallow and (Sikohiaayaakii) Black Bear Woman. At a young age after the passing of his parents, he was adopted by Weasel Moccasin. Donald often talked about his early years. He was the youngest of his siblings. His mother died at the age of two and his father died at the age of eight. He had fond memories living with his dad in a one room house. After the passing of his father. He was adopted and raised by (Aapaitsikin) Weasel Moccasin. He attended the St Paul’s Residential School at the age of nine, and he left in 1945. He returned home. He grew up alongside his brothers Dan (Otahkoiimiohkitopii) and Pete (OmahKsiiKaa) Weasel Moccasin. They lived in the Old Agency community. They made a living farming and ranching. The yearly Sundance encampments and ceremonies were a big part of their lives.
He met his sweetheart Beatrice Twigg, and they married on December 18,1957. They went on to celebrate their 50th anniversary on August 18, 2007. It was the highlight of their lives as a loving couple. Donald and Beatrice moved and built their home in the St. Mary’s Community. They resided near James and Lucy Twigg residence. They lived in a one room house and together they had 10 beautiful children. They later became caregivers to Beatrice’s parents. After the passing of James Twigg Sr. In 1971, Donald and Beatrice relocated into their new home in the Old Agency Community. Donald loved Beatrice unconditionally and they were inseparable. He gave his all with love. In later years, Beatrice became ill and required full time health care. She was admitted to the Lethbridge North Continuing Care. Donald visited with his wife every day at the facility up until her passing.
Donald work hard to provide for his family. He worked at numerous jobs. He worked with the Calgary Power, Blood Reserve Roads and Dams, Kainai Farm Headquarters, Seasonal farming with local farmers, Catholic Missionaries (he helped build the St, Mary’s Catholic Church Grotto) and Kainai Industries Ltd up until his retirement. He went on to assist his wife Beatrice as a Custodian at the Standoff Elementary school up until her retirement. During their retirement years, they enjoyed being and relaxing in their home, family gatherings, attending special family events, BBQ's travelling, and bingo nights. Donald loved Beatrice unconditionally.
He also devoted his life to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was so proud to reach five generations of Big Swallows. Donald was so proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments in life. He was always supportive by attending their school culture, graduations, fund raising and sports birthday events. He also supported his family that were active members of a society during our Sundance. His belief was that education is the seed to a good productive and successful future. He was so proud of each of his children completing their education. Donald would often boast, I do not have to worry about my children. They completed their schooling, and they have good jobs, so my grandchildren are to be provided the necessities of life. He too encouraged his grandchildren to complete their education.
Spiritually, he devoted his life to our heavenly father. He read his BIBLE every morning. He prayed each morning and evenings. He prayed for everyone. Donald became ill and as his body declined each day in which his old age was a contributing factor. He admitted himself into the Kainai Continuing Care Centre in August of 2024 up until the time of his passing. He was called home on June 17, 2025. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and extended family members. Donald was a very humble, generous, caring, kind, compassionate and man. His personal traits and values, he passed down to, his children, and grandchildren. He made a lot of friends and touched so many lives young and old throughout his lifetime.
Dad, you leave behind a reflection of your love and legacy. Though it is very hard to say goodbye. We will miss you greatly. You missed mom. You both are reunited in heaven. We thank God for giving us you. We would like to express our greatest gratitude and thanks to Dr, Shey Eagle Bear, Dr. Levette, the Staff at the Kainai Continuing Care, the Staff at the acute and palliative care units at the |Cardston Hospital for your continued care of our dad.
A private evening gathering for family and extended family will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 27 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve. Interment will follow at One Spot Cemetery, Old Agency, Blood Reserve.