In Loving Memory of Gordon Joseph Troy Manyfingers “Okaan”
Born: May 9, 1972
Died: July 11, 2026
Born: May 9, 1972
Died: July 11, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Joseph Troy Manyfingers, “Okaan.” He was surrounded by his loving family: Louy, Dwight, Mason, Sloan, Markee, and Jayden; his extended Heavy Shield, Day Chief, and Manyfingers families; and his work family.
Okaan was born on May 9, 1972, in Cardston, Alberta, to Gordon Okaan Heavy Shield and Theresa Rosanne Manyfingers.
Troy was raised by his maternal grandmother, Margaret, née Soop-Manyfingers, along with his older sister, Sheryl Day Chief. Okaan held a special place in his heart for his auntie-mom, Faye Heavy Shield, who always took his children as her own. Troy also found comfort and guidance in Lavern First Rider and Dorothy Day Chief, his adopted grandmothers, from whom he sought guidance and advice.
Okaan began his educational journey in Cardston, Alberta, where he received his high school diploma. Soon after, he attended Mount Royal College, where he earned a certificate in Social Work. He later attended Bow Valley College, receiving a certificate in Security. Troy was employed by various departments of the Blood Tribe throughout his career.
Troy excelled in athletics as a gym teacher and coach for the many sports offered through the Kainai Board of Education (KBE). Okaan promoted and encouraged excellence in athletics, participating in and coaching all the sports Kainai had to offer.
In 2008, KBE transferred Troy to an elementary school, where he became a gym teacher. Troy recognized the tremendous athletic talent among the youth in the community. At Saipoyi Elementary School, he created the largest youth running club in Alberta. Through his love of running, he met many friends and inspired countless young people. Troy often credited Andrew “Animal” Manyfingers for inspiring his love of running, as Andrew was also an avid runner.
In 2014, Okaan decided to return to school and earned an Addictions and Mental Health Diploma from Red Crow College. After receiving his diploma, he was employed with Kainai Wellness as a Case-Client Coordinator, where he was instrumental in guiding Blood Tribe members along their roads to recovery. It was during this time that Troy began challenging Blood Tribe members to become healthier.
Okaan organized numerous fun runs for the community. As a result of his desire to create a healthier community, thousands of people came out to support his runs.
As a cross-country runner, Troy developed an interest in triathlons. In 2008, he began his journey toward competing in the Ironman Triathlon, considered one of the most gruelling endurance competitions in the world.
His first triathlon took place in 2008, when he and his seven-year-old daughter, Markee, competed in their first official triathlon in Fort Macleod, Alberta. They both caught the triathlon bug and spent the rest of 2008 participating in weekend triathlons throughout Southern Alberta.
In 2013, Troy entered and successfully completed the Sylvan Lake Canadian Half Ironman. After that, he set his sights on completing a full Ironman.
In 2015, Troy entered the Lake Tahoe Ironman, choosing this specific race because it was considered one of the hardest in the Ironman community. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to forest fires. Over the following years, wildfires continued to prevent him from entering Ironman competitions throughout Canada and the United States.
In 2022, Troy entered the Subaru Ironman in Penticton, British Columbia, where he missed his bike-to-run transition by only five minutes.
Finally, in 2023, Troy successfully completed his first full Ironman in Tempe, Arizona, becoming Kainai’s first Ironman—an accomplishment of which he was immensely proud. The dedication and perseverance he demonstrated in completing an Ironman competition from beginning to end truly reflected his deep passion for physical well-being and his determination to overcome challenges.
Troy also had a great passion for hockey. He played with Machine and the Kainai Golden Chiefs. His most recent team was the River City Raiders, where he played alongside his daughter.
Troy was also a strong supporter of women’s hockey. He coached the Piikani Lady Warriors from 2017 to 2018 and later went on to coach Junior A teams, including the Southern Sage and the Chinook Blazers.
Troy is survived by his loving wife, LouAnn “Louy,” and his children: Dwight (Mandy), Mason (Chelsi), Sloan (Kyle), Markee (Tealson), and Jayden.
He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Richard, Peyton, Addison, Destiny, Brielle, Tealson Jr., Nyjah, Desai, Floral (Rozee), Daxton, and Brenlee.
He is also survived by his sister, Sheryl, and his adopted parents: Gramma Evangeline Provost; Marjorie and Randolph Manyfingers; Joyce First Rider; and Bertha Chiefmoon.
His godchildren include Katie Weasel Fat and Jolene Russell.
Troy is also survived by his siblings: Edgar (Wanda), Donna Manyfingers, Jolaine Manyfingers, Brett Yellow Face, Chris Heavy Shield, Heidi Heavy Shield, Haley Heavy Shield, Henry Heavy Shield, and Donny Heavy Shield.
He is survived by his aunties, including Barb (Lyman Tailfeathers), Jordan, and Stephen Heavy Shield.
Predeceased are Lena (James Russell), Evelyn (Les Healy), Mary (Ed), Herman (Mousie), Ed (Marion), and John.
From the Manyfingers family, he is survived by Mildred Melting Tallow, Clara, Sylvia Tail Feathers, Marie (Don), and Burton (Verna). Predeceased are Albert Jr., Gordon (Loretta), and Herbert (Mary Rose).
Troy is also survived by his special nephews: Myles, Mitch, Wyatt, Guy, Hunter, and Taylor “Bronc,” and his nieces: Tamara, Lana Lee, and Jiggs Day Chief.
Troy will be missed by his friends: Aaron D, Ian C (Karsen), Warren DC(Skilee), Denny NR, Skip GS, Paul'BooBoo' GS, Andy MF(Nicole), Lana CH(Rod), Vanessa PB, Brad H(Charlene), Craig 'Soup' B, Charles MC, Shane SG(Joni), Teri-Lyn Fox, Marvin MC(Lydia), Dean Shade, Chad BSB, Danny WF
We apologize for any names we have missed. Troy played a big part in our community and had countless friends and family.
A very special thank-you to the Day Chief families for the tremendous amount of love and support they shared with Okaan throughout the years.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Moatokiiks for helping and supporting him throughout his illness.
Okaan’s legacy will live on through his family, his community, the athletes he coached, the people he encouraged, and all those whose lives he touched through his kindness, strength, determination, and love of health, sport, and community.
A Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Monday, July 20 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm followed by the Wake Service from 6:00 - 11:00 pm at Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 12:00 noon at Gladstone Hall. Interment will follow at the Many Fingers Family Plot Old Agency, AB.