CHARLES MADL
Piitaikana'sii (Shining Eagle)
The Giver of Life has called home one of His warriors. Born on September, 19, 1955, Larry Charles Madl, of the Kainai Nation began his journey to be among family, relatives, and friends on May 23, 2025, at his home in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 69 years.
He is survived by his loving daughter Teresa Madl–Nochasak and grandchildren Autumn Black Plume Nochasak and Reign Madl Black Plume Nochasak; his niece Tonya; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Laura Madl; his sister, Josie Russell-Pakes; his nephew, Todd Russell-Pakes; his grandparents, Paul and Annette Russell; uncles Sam, Guy, Willy, Paul, Camille, Francis, and Leo Russell; aunts Mary Russell and Clara Russell; and numerous family members and friends, including members of the Fox and Russell Clans.
Charlie was born in the old Blood Indian Hospital and raised at the former St. Joseph’s Farm near the present-day Kainai High School. He and his late sister Josie were brought up with a strong work ethic instilled by their father Carl, and a caring, humble spirit nurtured by their mother Laura. At a young age, Josie left to pursue her life-long passion for education, eventually marrying Fraser Pakes. From then on, Charlie was essentially raised as an only child, becoming the center of attention for both of his parents.
Charlie had an adventurous spirit and inherited his father’s knack for invention and problem-solving. He would often visit the dump near the farm to scavenge parts for building bicycles, go-carts, and other creative projects. One of his early hobbies included assembling model cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and military items. He eventually graduated to motorcycles and cars, where he enjoyed tinkering with performance and style. Charlie had a deep love for music and amassed stacks of records and, later, 8-track tapes. Music fueled his imagination and dreams.
Inspired by his mother Laura, Charlie developed a passion for cooking. Often through trial and error, they discovered delicious spice and seasoning combinations in their humble kitchen. They delighted in serving guests and watching their reactions to their flavorful meals. Their kitchen was a place of comfort and joy. As a certified chef, Laura worked alongside Charlie—her ‘right-hand man’—in several restaurants, including the prestigious Nakota Lodge on the Stoney First Nation.
Charlie was a gifted and talented man who became a certified welder and later a silversmith. He created beautiful jewelry and various items adorned with ammonite, which he personally collected. His craftsmanship and attention to detail made his pieces highly sought after, with some sold to jewelers in British Columbia and Vancouver and eventually distributed overseas.
As a student at St. Mary’s School, Charlie was among a select group chosen to travel to Europe in 1971. The group toured by bus from location to location until, unexpectedly, a chaperone stole their travel funds. This hardship brought the group closer and taught them resilience. Charlie often recalled how—even during tough times—they still had their thumbs, they relied on each other, and experienced the kindness of strangers across continents. And, of course, he fell in love with European cuisine.
Throughout his life, Charlie was deeply spiritual. He began as an altar boy in church, but his traditional roots blossomed as he followed the path of the Sundancer under the guidance of the late Morris Crow and his elder, Dr. Mike Bruised Head. During this time, Charlie expressed to Mike that he did not have a traditional Blackfoot name. It just so happened, and perhaps it was meant to be, when they were sitting beside their sweat lodge, they looked up to see an eagle flying by, with the sun’s reflection gleaming beneath its wings. At that moment, Mike gave Charlie his traditional name: Piitaikana’sii (Shining Eagle). It was a proud and spiritual milestone in his life, one that deepened his self-belief and dedication to helping others on their own journeys. Charlie became a pipe-holder and a strong source of support for those facing hard times.
In his later years, Charlie was extremely blessed with the joy of his life; the birth of his daughter Theresa. He was always concerned for her well-being, often sharing stories of her with family and friends. He experienced an even greater joy and deep pride with the arrival of his grandchildren. He truly and deeply loved his own family.
The life and legacy of Charlie Madl will be deeply missed by all who knew and respected him. His creativity, compassion, and fun-loving nature will never be forgotten.
Take care of yourself, Charlie (Chazman), and know that you were deeply loved and respected by all who admired and appreciated the man you were.
A wake service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, Alberta on Monday, June 2 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. A funeral service will also be at Legacy Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 3 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
Piitaikana'sii (Shining Eagle)
The Giver of Life has called home one of His warriors. Born on September, 19, 1955, Larry Charles Madl, of the Kainai Nation began his journey to be among family, relatives, and friends on May 23, 2025, at his home in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 69 years.
He is survived by his loving daughter Teresa Madl–Nochasak and grandchildren Autumn Black Plume Nochasak and Reign Madl Black Plume Nochasak; his niece Tonya; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Laura Madl; his sister, Josie Russell-Pakes; his nephew, Todd Russell-Pakes; his grandparents, Paul and Annette Russell; uncles Sam, Guy, Willy, Paul, Camille, Francis, and Leo Russell; aunts Mary Russell and Clara Russell; and numerous family members and friends, including members of the Fox and Russell Clans.
Charlie was born in the old Blood Indian Hospital and raised at the former St. Joseph’s Farm near the present-day Kainai High School. He and his late sister Josie were brought up with a strong work ethic instilled by their father Carl, and a caring, humble spirit nurtured by their mother Laura. At a young age, Josie left to pursue her life-long passion for education, eventually marrying Fraser Pakes. From then on, Charlie was essentially raised as an only child, becoming the center of attention for both of his parents.
Charlie had an adventurous spirit and inherited his father’s knack for invention and problem-solving. He would often visit the dump near the farm to scavenge parts for building bicycles, go-carts, and other creative projects. One of his early hobbies included assembling model cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and military items. He eventually graduated to motorcycles and cars, where he enjoyed tinkering with performance and style. Charlie had a deep love for music and amassed stacks of records and, later, 8-track tapes. Music fueled his imagination and dreams.
Inspired by his mother Laura, Charlie developed a passion for cooking. Often through trial and error, they discovered delicious spice and seasoning combinations in their humble kitchen. They delighted in serving guests and watching their reactions to their flavorful meals. Their kitchen was a place of comfort and joy. As a certified chef, Laura worked alongside Charlie—her ‘right-hand man’—in several restaurants, including the prestigious Nakota Lodge on the Stoney First Nation.
Charlie was a gifted and talented man who became a certified welder and later a silversmith. He created beautiful jewelry and various items adorned with ammonite, which he personally collected. His craftsmanship and attention to detail made his pieces highly sought after, with some sold to jewelers in British Columbia and Vancouver and eventually distributed overseas.
As a student at St. Mary’s School, Charlie was among a select group chosen to travel to Europe in 1971. The group toured by bus from location to location until, unexpectedly, a chaperone stole their travel funds. This hardship brought the group closer and taught them resilience. Charlie often recalled how—even during tough times—they still had their thumbs, they relied on each other, and experienced the kindness of strangers across continents. And, of course, he fell in love with European cuisine.
Throughout his life, Charlie was deeply spiritual. He began as an altar boy in church, but his traditional roots blossomed as he followed the path of the Sundancer under the guidance of the late Morris Crow and his elder, Dr. Mike Bruised Head. During this time, Charlie expressed to Mike that he did not have a traditional Blackfoot name. It just so happened, and perhaps it was meant to be, when they were sitting beside their sweat lodge, they looked up to see an eagle flying by, with the sun’s reflection gleaming beneath its wings. At that moment, Mike gave Charlie his traditional name: Piitaikana’sii (Shining Eagle). It was a proud and spiritual milestone in his life, one that deepened his self-belief and dedication to helping others on their own journeys. Charlie became a pipe-holder and a strong source of support for those facing hard times.
In his later years, Charlie was extremely blessed with the joy of his life; the birth of his daughter Theresa. He was always concerned for her well-being, often sharing stories of her with family and friends. He experienced an even greater joy and deep pride with the arrival of his grandchildren. He truly and deeply loved his own family.
The life and legacy of Charlie Madl will be deeply missed by all who knew and respected him. His creativity, compassion, and fun-loving nature will never be forgotten.
Take care of yourself, Charlie (Chazman), and know that you were deeply loved and respected by all who admired and appreciated the man you were.
A wake service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, Alberta on Monday, June 2 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. A funeral service will also be at Legacy Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 3 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve.