It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle and Papa, Ivan Many Fingers, “IIPÁMANSKII” who left this world on August 17, 2025, surrounded by the family he so dearly cherished. His life was one of resilience, faith, and devotion, and his memory will remain deeply rooted in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Papa was a man of remarkable strength – tough and resilient, yet compassionate and selfless in every way. He was deeply rooted in his faith, and that faith carried him through life’s challenges with humility and grace. A hardworking provider, he devoted his days to ensuring the wellbeing and security of his wife and children, never wavering in his role as protector, encourager, and supporter. His family was his life’s greatest pride and joy, and he poured every once of himself into them.
Humble and wise, he was a deep thinker whose words carried meaning and comfort. He lived with compassion, welcoming all who came to him. His home was never just for himself- it was an open door to anyone in need of shelter, guidance, or simply a safe place to rest. Whether family, friend, or stranger, all were treated with kindness and dignity under his roof.
Though life often called for his sternness, those who knew him best will always remember his good humor, quick wit, and jokester’s spirit that could light up any room. His laughter was as much a gift as his wisdom.
Papa was a hardworking provider, he did everything for his family, ensuring their needs were always met. He was family-oriented above all else, finding his greatest pride and joy in the people he loved. To his family he was not just a protector and provider, but was also an encourager, a source of laughter, and living example of faith and humility. To his friends and community, he was welcoming, supportive, and a man who left a lasting impression of kindness and strength.
Ivan’s battle began the day he lost his pride and joys, Wade and Terry Lane, a loss that changed him forever. From that moment on, he carried a grief so deep that words could never fully capture it. Yet, despite the pain, Ivan showed remarkable strength and resilience. He chose to live each day with courage, leaning on his faith, his family, and his inner resolve to keep moving forward, even when the weight felt unbearable.
The loss of his sons became the great test of his life, and though it marked him with sorrow, it also revealed the depth of his love and the strength of his heart. He bore his grief quietly, often protecting Verna from the heaviness they carried, but those who knew him could see both the hurt in his eyes and the unbreakable love that fueled him.
While the ache of his absence runs deep, his legacy is lasting. His laughter will echo in the stories told around family tables, his wisdom will guide generations to come, and his love will continue to be felt in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Papa is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Verna Many Fingers, his daughter Alexis ‘Zoe’ (Brad) Butterfly, his grandchildren, Roan, June, Blaire, Bradisson, and Lavender. Adopted Daughter, Darlene (Jim) Plume. God Children, Late Cary Lance White Quills, Mikki Creighton, JR Many Fingers. Sisters, Virgina (Late Lester Tailfeathers), Gerry (Late Donnie White), Ann (Rod) Healy, Kathleen McHugh, Natalie Ophelia, Charlene (Tim Bird) Creighton, Dee, Jessie, Ritzie (Ivan Day Chief), Elaine, Kim Creighton, Carol Bird, Kim Black Water, Levina Devine. Brother-In-Law, Billy (Rae Ann) Creighton, Robert Wells, Floyd (Ethel) Plume.
Nieces & Nephews, Stacey (John Day Chief) Creighton, Brian (Lanni), Mikki, Raven Plume, July Creighton, Chad Creighton, Kirby, Colin Many Fingers, Ross, Corry and Doran Holland. Esther, Bill (Laurie), Kelsey, Jim (Brynne) Tailfeathers, Ann (Jake) Jirousek, Shawn, Tracy, Bonnie, Chad, Susan Healy. Rick (Marlene), Late Renny (Annette), Todd (Arlene) Soup. JR, Scott and Chelsea Many Fingers. Talyssa (Chris Degeorgio) Vielle, Cashton No Runner. Great Nieces and Nephews, Keanu, Shale Creighton, Kenzie Wells, Kya, Braden & Alex Many Fingers, Tyreese Scout and Ryker Creighton, Lola & Lincoln “Ruger” Plume,
Papa is predeceased by his sons, whom he loved with all his being, Ivan Wade & Terry Lane. his parents, Frank and Kate (Nee Red Crow) Many Fingers, Brothers, Adrian “Buck”, Franklin “Gabby”, Jordan “Jake” and Brent Many Fingers, Sister, Clothilda Soup. In-laws, Mary & Arthur White Quills, John Jiggs (Arabella) Creighton, Brian, Henry, Alroy Creighton, Matthew Wells, Cary White Quills, Sharon Creighton, Tammy Creighton-Many Fingers, Janice White Quills, Joanne “Girlie” Wells, Barbra “Tiny” Creighton.
Papa comes from a big family. The family wishes to apologize for any names that were missed.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate nurses of the Chinook Regional Hospital ICU and Unit 4C, as well as the dedicated doctors who traveled from Calgary. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to the nurses at Cardston Hospital and to Dr. Cole Leavitt for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Ivan Many Fingers.
A wake service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve Alberta on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The funeral service will also be a Senator Gladstone Hall on Monday, August 25 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery.
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Papa was a man of remarkable strength – tough and resilient, yet compassionate and selfless in every way. He was deeply rooted in his faith, and that faith carried him through life’s challenges with humility and grace. A hardworking provider, he devoted his days to ensuring the wellbeing and security of his wife and children, never wavering in his role as protector, encourager, and supporter. His family was his life’s greatest pride and joy, and he poured every once of himself into them.
Humble and wise, he was a deep thinker whose words carried meaning and comfort. He lived with compassion, welcoming all who came to him. His home was never just for himself- it was an open door to anyone in need of shelter, guidance, or simply a safe place to rest. Whether family, friend, or stranger, all were treated with kindness and dignity under his roof.
Though life often called for his sternness, those who knew him best will always remember his good humor, quick wit, and jokester’s spirit that could light up any room. His laughter was as much a gift as his wisdom.
Papa was a hardworking provider, he did everything for his family, ensuring their needs were always met. He was family-oriented above all else, finding his greatest pride and joy in the people he loved. To his family he was not just a protector and provider, but was also an encourager, a source of laughter, and living example of faith and humility. To his friends and community, he was welcoming, supportive, and a man who left a lasting impression of kindness and strength.
Ivan’s battle began the day he lost his pride and joys, Wade and Terry Lane, a loss that changed him forever. From that moment on, he carried a grief so deep that words could never fully capture it. Yet, despite the pain, Ivan showed remarkable strength and resilience. He chose to live each day with courage, leaning on his faith, his family, and his inner resolve to keep moving forward, even when the weight felt unbearable.
The loss of his sons became the great test of his life, and though it marked him with sorrow, it also revealed the depth of his love and the strength of his heart. He bore his grief quietly, often protecting Verna from the heaviness they carried, but those who knew him could see both the hurt in his eyes and the unbreakable love that fueled him.
While the ache of his absence runs deep, his legacy is lasting. His laughter will echo in the stories told around family tables, his wisdom will guide generations to come, and his love will continue to be felt in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Papa is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Verna Many Fingers, his daughter Alexis ‘Zoe’ (Brad) Butterfly, his grandchildren, Roan, June, Blaire, Bradisson, and Lavender. Adopted Daughter, Darlene (Jim) Plume. God Children, Late Cary Lance White Quills, Mikki Creighton, JR Many Fingers. Sisters, Virgina (Late Lester Tailfeathers), Gerry (Late Donnie White), Ann (Rod) Healy, Kathleen McHugh, Natalie Ophelia, Charlene (Tim Bird) Creighton, Dee, Jessie, Ritzie (Ivan Day Chief), Elaine, Kim Creighton, Carol Bird, Kim Black Water, Levina Devine. Brother-In-Law, Billy (Rae Ann) Creighton, Robert Wells, Floyd (Ethel) Plume.
Nieces & Nephews, Stacey (John Day Chief) Creighton, Brian (Lanni), Mikki, Raven Plume, July Creighton, Chad Creighton, Kirby, Colin Many Fingers, Ross, Corry and Doran Holland. Esther, Bill (Laurie), Kelsey, Jim (Brynne) Tailfeathers, Ann (Jake) Jirousek, Shawn, Tracy, Bonnie, Chad, Susan Healy. Rick (Marlene), Late Renny (Annette), Todd (Arlene) Soup. JR, Scott and Chelsea Many Fingers. Talyssa (Chris Degeorgio) Vielle, Cashton No Runner. Great Nieces and Nephews, Keanu, Shale Creighton, Kenzie Wells, Kya, Braden & Alex Many Fingers, Tyreese Scout and Ryker Creighton, Lola & Lincoln “Ruger” Plume,
Papa is predeceased by his sons, whom he loved with all his being, Ivan Wade & Terry Lane. his parents, Frank and Kate (Nee Red Crow) Many Fingers, Brothers, Adrian “Buck”, Franklin “Gabby”, Jordan “Jake” and Brent Many Fingers, Sister, Clothilda Soup. In-laws, Mary & Arthur White Quills, John Jiggs (Arabella) Creighton, Brian, Henry, Alroy Creighton, Matthew Wells, Cary White Quills, Sharon Creighton, Tammy Creighton-Many Fingers, Janice White Quills, Joanne “Girlie” Wells, Barbra “Tiny” Creighton.
Papa comes from a big family. The family wishes to apologize for any names that were missed.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate nurses of the Chinook Regional Hospital ICU and Unit 4C, as well as the dedicated doctors who traveled from Calgary. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to the nurses at Cardston Hospital and to Dr. Cole Leavitt for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Ivan Many Fingers.
A wake service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve Alberta on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. The funeral service will also be a Senator Gladstone Hall on Monday, August 25 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery.
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