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Nealin Bernard King
December 22, 1974 – January 26, 2026
December 22, 1974 – January 26, 2026
We are sad to announce the passing of Nealin, a dear son, brother, uncle, nephew and dad. Family members who will remember and miss him always; Mother Beverly Rabbit (Doug); brother Gordon and sister Chrissy; Father Donald Shot Both Sides; Auntie Joan (Clayton) Many Guns and Uncles Nick, John and Dale; Special Friend Brenna. Extended family from Rabbit, Weasel Head, Shot Both Sides, King, Eagle Child, Crow Chief and Mills.
Nealin the oldest of his siblings endeavored to be a role model of steady humble presence in the lives of those he loved. Although his life on earth was only 51 years long his connection to us will be a lifetime.
Before graduating from St. Mary’s Kainai High School in 1994, Nealin went with his brother Gordon to live with Gordon’s dad in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. He attended school there always mindful of the importance of an education. While there, his relationship with with Gordon’s father, Gordon White Head revived and the bond was made stronger; Nealin took him as his father.
After leaving the reserve, Nealin set out to build a future for himself, first seeking work and continuing his education in Lethbridge. Before long, he felt that Calgary might offer him better opportunities, so he made the move with determination and hope. From 1996 to 2000, he studied Carpentry at Bow Valley College and SAIT, committing himself to a trade he genuinely enjoyed. A chance encounter with Jim from Elevated Exteriors Inc. changed the course of his life. What began as a simple meeting grew into a working relationship that lasted more than 22 years.
On a more personal level, Nealin found peace and joy in the outdoors. He often wandered through his neighborhood taking pictures of wildlife and the quiet beauty of nature — a way of keeping his connection to Mother Earth alive even in the middle of the city. He was a gifted artist, sketching Native designs, animals, and anything that sparked his imagination. Whenever he had the chance, he loved to go fishing, spending unhurried time on the land and water.
Above all, Nealin cherished his family. He especially treasured the moments when he could sit and listen to the stories his mom shared with him — stories that grounded him, guided him, and made him feel close to home. He also had a talent for making Fry Bread, one of his specialties that he loved to share with others, always offering it with warmth and generosity.
Whenever he returned to the community, he made sure to spend meaningful time with his cousin Cameron. Those visits, those connections, and those shared moments filled his heart with happiness.
We are consoled by the thought of Nealin now with immediate family predeceased; Grandparents; Minnie and Bernard Rabbit, Jim and Annie Shot Both Sides and Step Dad Gordon White Head.
Today, we do not say goodbye — we simply honor the journey you have taken beyond our sight. Your light, once here among us, now shines in realms where love never fades. Though your body rests, your spirit dances in the eternal embrace of the Creator. Kitamaatsin.
The Wake Service will be held on Thursday, February 5 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 6 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Stand Off, AB.
Nealin the oldest of his siblings endeavored to be a role model of steady humble presence in the lives of those he loved. Although his life on earth was only 51 years long his connection to us will be a lifetime.
Before graduating from St. Mary’s Kainai High School in 1994, Nealin went with his brother Gordon to live with Gordon’s dad in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. He attended school there always mindful of the importance of an education. While there, his relationship with with Gordon’s father, Gordon White Head revived and the bond was made stronger; Nealin took him as his father.
After leaving the reserve, Nealin set out to build a future for himself, first seeking work and continuing his education in Lethbridge. Before long, he felt that Calgary might offer him better opportunities, so he made the move with determination and hope. From 1996 to 2000, he studied Carpentry at Bow Valley College and SAIT, committing himself to a trade he genuinely enjoyed. A chance encounter with Jim from Elevated Exteriors Inc. changed the course of his life. What began as a simple meeting grew into a working relationship that lasted more than 22 years.
On a more personal level, Nealin found peace and joy in the outdoors. He often wandered through his neighborhood taking pictures of wildlife and the quiet beauty of nature — a way of keeping his connection to Mother Earth alive even in the middle of the city. He was a gifted artist, sketching Native designs, animals, and anything that sparked his imagination. Whenever he had the chance, he loved to go fishing, spending unhurried time on the land and water.
Above all, Nealin cherished his family. He especially treasured the moments when he could sit and listen to the stories his mom shared with him — stories that grounded him, guided him, and made him feel close to home. He also had a talent for making Fry Bread, one of his specialties that he loved to share with others, always offering it with warmth and generosity.
Whenever he returned to the community, he made sure to spend meaningful time with his cousin Cameron. Those visits, those connections, and those shared moments filled his heart with happiness.
We are consoled by the thought of Nealin now with immediate family predeceased; Grandparents; Minnie and Bernard Rabbit, Jim and Annie Shot Both Sides and Step Dad Gordon White Head.
Today, we do not say goodbye — we simply honor the journey you have taken beyond our sight. Your light, once here among us, now shines in realms where love never fades. Though your body rests, your spirit dances in the eternal embrace of the Creator. Kitamaatsin.
The Wake Service will be held on Thursday, February 5 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 6 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve. Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Stand Off, AB.