MURRAY GODFREY HEAVY SHIELDS was born on August 23, 1961 in Bassano, Alberta to Ed and Marion Heavy Shields. He was a premature baby, therefore, he spent the first few months of his life in the hospital.
Murray was residing in Calgary at the time of his passing on April 26, 2016 at the age of 54 years. After spending most of his life on the Blood Reserve, Murray decided to relocate to the city, where there were more opportunities, resources and support. While in Calgary, Murray attended a number of programs, both academic and occupational.
One of Murray’s recent goals was to complete the Child and Youth Care Program and work with the youth. Murray was a very intelligent and determined man, and always strove to do the best he could. Murray graduated from Cardston High School in 1979. Throughout his life, he attended numerous educational facilities including SAIT, Mount Royal College, University of Lethbridge and Police College in Edmonton, Alberta. Although his studies brought him various types of jobs, his main goal and passion was in obtaining his 3rd level power engineering certificate.
Murray work in a variety of occupation throughout his lifetime; For many years, he worked at the Blood Indian Hospital and with the Kainai Board of Education as an engineer/maintenance. He also served as a constable, provincial court worker, and a liaison to the Crown Prosecutor - with the Blood Tribe Police. Blood Tribe Administration maintenance, and the Blood Tribe Forage and Hay Processing Plant as a fork lift operator.
Murray had a deep passion for sports - mainly hockey and rodeo. He played minor hockey on the Blood Reserve and in his later years, played with the Kainai Chiefs, Mount Royal Cougars, and with the Lethbridge Native Sons. He also helped coach and train the Kainai Golden Chiefs’ Hockey Club. Murray’s passion for rodeo took him many places, travelling throughout Alberta and the United States. He was a member of the High School Association and the Chinook Rodeo Association.
Murray was known for his proud and reserved nature. He was a hard worker and always gave 100% in everything he put his mind to. He valued friendship and had many friends from all walks of life. He was also known for his practical jokes - he always knew how to leave you with a smiles or a good laugh.
Most importantly, Murray’s love for his family was very strong and showed in the relationships he had with his loved ones - including his brothers, sisters and cousins. He especially had a big heart for his children and grandchildren. Murray was so proud and excited to become a Grampa when his first Grandchild Halle was born, and with each one that followed. Murray’s hockey talents are sure to be passed on to his grandson Briere and granddaughter Christian who are currently enrolled in the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. And was eagerly waiting to see if the two younger grandsons, Nixon and Dallas, would become hockey players or future cowboys. Every time he came home, he would make an effort to visit with them and always made sure to attend the important events in their lives, especially graduations. He had high hopes for all his children to complete school, obtain a secondary education and to work hard in making sure their family needs were met.
Murray’s life may not have been long here on earth, but we are sure he was welcomed into the heavens with open arms.
He is survived by his children: Joni (Shane), Marty (Tish), Fawn (Chad) and Sable; his grandchildren: Halle, Lucille, Briere Dayne, Christian Kennedy, Nixon Teddy and Dallas Steven; his father Ed Heavy Shields; brothers: Les (Emily), Rudy, Kenny Heavy Shields and Paul GoodStriker; sisters: Darlene (Jim) Plume and Twylla (Lance) Little Shields.
Also survived by Maternal Uncles and Aunts; Woodrow (Delphine) Good Striker, Alex Good Striker and Emily Good Striker. Paternal Uncles and Aunts; Lena Russell, Jordon Heavy Shields, Evelyn (Les) Healy, Barb (Lymn) Tailfeathers, Steven (Wanda) Heavy Shields, Faye, Sharon and John Heavy Shields. Adopted Mom Elizabeth Red Crow.
He was predeceased by his mother Marion Heavy Shields; sister Gina Heavy Shields/Weasel Head; Maternal grandparents Frank & Beatrice Good Striker. Uncles and Aunts; Patsy (Larry) Rabbit, Mildred Good Striker and Paul Day Chief. Paternal Grandparents Eddie & Adelaide Heavy Shields. Uncles and Aunts; James Russell, Herman, Gordon and Mary Heavy Shields.
A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Sunday, May 1st from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Monday, May 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Send condolences to: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
Murray was residing in Calgary at the time of his passing on April 26, 2016 at the age of 54 years. After spending most of his life on the Blood Reserve, Murray decided to relocate to the city, where there were more opportunities, resources and support. While in Calgary, Murray attended a number of programs, both academic and occupational.
One of Murray’s recent goals was to complete the Child and Youth Care Program and work with the youth. Murray was a very intelligent and determined man, and always strove to do the best he could. Murray graduated from Cardston High School in 1979. Throughout his life, he attended numerous educational facilities including SAIT, Mount Royal College, University of Lethbridge and Police College in Edmonton, Alberta. Although his studies brought him various types of jobs, his main goal and passion was in obtaining his 3rd level power engineering certificate.
Murray work in a variety of occupation throughout his lifetime; For many years, he worked at the Blood Indian Hospital and with the Kainai Board of Education as an engineer/maintenance. He also served as a constable, provincial court worker, and a liaison to the Crown Prosecutor - with the Blood Tribe Police. Blood Tribe Administration maintenance, and the Blood Tribe Forage and Hay Processing Plant as a fork lift operator.
Murray had a deep passion for sports - mainly hockey and rodeo. He played minor hockey on the Blood Reserve and in his later years, played with the Kainai Chiefs, Mount Royal Cougars, and with the Lethbridge Native Sons. He also helped coach and train the Kainai Golden Chiefs’ Hockey Club. Murray’s passion for rodeo took him many places, travelling throughout Alberta and the United States. He was a member of the High School Association and the Chinook Rodeo Association.
Murray was known for his proud and reserved nature. He was a hard worker and always gave 100% in everything he put his mind to. He valued friendship and had many friends from all walks of life. He was also known for his practical jokes - he always knew how to leave you with a smiles or a good laugh.
Most importantly, Murray’s love for his family was very strong and showed in the relationships he had with his loved ones - including his brothers, sisters and cousins. He especially had a big heart for his children and grandchildren. Murray was so proud and excited to become a Grampa when his first Grandchild Halle was born, and with each one that followed. Murray’s hockey talents are sure to be passed on to his grandson Briere and granddaughter Christian who are currently enrolled in the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. And was eagerly waiting to see if the two younger grandsons, Nixon and Dallas, would become hockey players or future cowboys. Every time he came home, he would make an effort to visit with them and always made sure to attend the important events in their lives, especially graduations. He had high hopes for all his children to complete school, obtain a secondary education and to work hard in making sure their family needs were met.
Murray’s life may not have been long here on earth, but we are sure he was welcomed into the heavens with open arms.
He is survived by his children: Joni (Shane), Marty (Tish), Fawn (Chad) and Sable; his grandchildren: Halle, Lucille, Briere Dayne, Christian Kennedy, Nixon Teddy and Dallas Steven; his father Ed Heavy Shields; brothers: Les (Emily), Rudy, Kenny Heavy Shields and Paul GoodStriker; sisters: Darlene (Jim) Plume and Twylla (Lance) Little Shields.
Also survived by Maternal Uncles and Aunts; Woodrow (Delphine) Good Striker, Alex Good Striker and Emily Good Striker. Paternal Uncles and Aunts; Lena Russell, Jordon Heavy Shields, Evelyn (Les) Healy, Barb (Lymn) Tailfeathers, Steven (Wanda) Heavy Shields, Faye, Sharon and John Heavy Shields. Adopted Mom Elizabeth Red Crow.
He was predeceased by his mother Marion Heavy Shields; sister Gina Heavy Shields/Weasel Head; Maternal grandparents Frank & Beatrice Good Striker. Uncles and Aunts; Patsy (Larry) Rabbit, Mildred Good Striker and Paul Day Chief. Paternal Grandparents Eddie & Adelaide Heavy Shields. Uncles and Aunts; James Russell, Herman, Gordon and Mary Heavy Shields.
A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Sunday, May 1st from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Monday, May 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Send condolences to: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca