It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Melvin Lewis White Man Left, Pooks-ipiitoo-piikiis (Little Eagle Ribs), on Friday February 6, 2026 in Lethbridge, AB at the tender age of 57 years.
JOHN 3:16 “ For GOD so loved the world he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’’
Melvin leaves behind his Children who he cherished and built memories with. There are his older ones Andy and Kandis (Morgan) Spear Chief and the younger ones Darnell (Xena), Teressa and Koda White Man Left. Melvin also has many grandchildren who he tried to teach them our traditional way. There is Colby, Layla and Melvin Vielle, Ryan Rabbit, Perseus and Ziiya SmallFace, Braden, Kaden, Dazzli, Draden and Aurelia Spear Chief, Tori Spear Chief and Ryder and Tj Bird, Joy White Man Left. Jaylynn, Jaycee and Ivanna White Man Left and soon to welcome his first set of twin grandchildren. Melvin will also be leaving behind his brothers Daniel (Bobbi), Ricki (Geraldine) White Man Left and Charles Shouting along with his Adopted sister Jessie Many Chief. Melvin also leaves behind his aunties Sandy Many Chief, Victoria Calf Robe and Jeneatte Stevenson. Also his uncle Joseph White Man Left (Who he would always say Melvin was his son) He has many, many cousins, nephews, nieces, and so many brothers and sisters from the Sundance who he became very close with.
At a very young age Melvin would always be known to be with his mother Teresa. Melvin was Teresa's baby. Melvin and Curtis would be home while his 2 older brothers would be sent off to boarding school. As Melvin was a baby their grandfather John Sr told them many stories and there was one story about a man who was called “ Eagle Ribs”. So then their uncle John Jr said that Melvin would take the name “ little eagle ribs” POOKS-IPIITOO-PIIKIIS. Melvin has accomplished so much in his life and on his journey he has met many friends and gained so much more family. When Melvin was a young boy he was a bull rider and made it all the way to the championships in the USA, Melvin was also very good at making crafts like tipi lamps, bow and arrows, Painting pictures and just doing art work that he was very proud of. Melvin has had the privilege of making bundles for the sundance, he would also make whistles, rattles and whatever else they would ask him to make. Melvin grew up in the traditional way. He would be at the sundance with his parents and his older children. Melvin was not only a part of the sundance from Kainai (Kaak kois) Pigeons. but he attended piercing sundance down in Montana, USA. And if he really wanted to he could have put up his own piercing sundance (That was one of his rights he got). Melvin was good with his hands and liked to be outdoors. He can and would always make everything useful. And yes Melvin had his flaws but he would never let them define him. He would always go out his way for his family, He would go help Garret with getting tipi poles, he would help set up the sweats when his brothers and sisters needed to have a sweat. Melvin also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, cousins, nephews and even with his children at times. When Melvin joined the sundance (Kaak kois) with his daughter Kandis and grandson Colby “Albert” in 2014, he was proud that he got to get his children to join with him to carry on his and the traditional values. He would often tell his children stories about when he grew up and all the things that he had accomplished.
Melvin would like to go out and hang with his brothers and sisters. He would often be seen with Tina, Charles and or Garret but would never forget about the ones he would talk about growing up with, like Jessie, -late- Sandra, -Kelly Many Chief, -late-Billy-jo, Garret, Michelle (Mush), -late-Jim White Man Left. -late-Sonya (Candy),-late- Stephani (Brandi) and Sheryl (Sherri) Many Chief, Loyd Good Rider. Melvin was very proud to become a grandfather but was upset that his first 3 grandsons were not even named after him. So when his 4th grandson was born he was given his name, Melvin. He was so happy and excited he couldn't even believe it. Melvin told his daughter Kandis that since he was given his name, that he would give him his Indian name as well. Melvin would often say that he would get confused when being in the same place as baby Melvin because he wouldn't know who they were really calling when they called for Melvin. He also grew up with many of his family members. Like when he was younger he moved in with his uncle and aunty John and Sandi Many Chief. When Melvin attended elementary school in Cardston he was surprised when he saw that Tina was going there too. Then later he attended school in Standoff and Fort Macleod. Melvin would have to change schools when he followed his mom around when she worked different jobs. Melvin was and would always be known as a Mamma's boy. He took it very hard when he lost his mother back in 02/25/22, He would often say that he could never let her go. Melvin will be truly missed by everyone who knew him, especially by his children, grandchildren and everyone else who crossed paths with him. Melvin has accomplished much more on his journey in life and the family would like to apologize if there was something not mentioned.
Melvin is predeceased by both his parents Alphonse White Man left and Teresa (Ken) Scout. Also both his paternal and maternal grandparents John Sr and Mary Many Chief, Joe and Mary White Man Left. His Adopted Sister Noreen (Edmund) Wolf Child, Sandra Many Chief. His 2 Daughters Maryann White Man Left and Vanessa (Travis) Spear Chief. His Son Melvin Zackary White Man Left. His grandchildren Jesus Vielle- Spear Chief and Nevaeh White Man left. His niece Lacy Atwood. His nephews Timothy and Robbie White Man left. Kelsey Wolf Child. His uncles John Jr, Ray (Adeline), Cecil ( Mary- Rose) Many Chief and then Pete, Adrian, Clearance, Ralph and Bernard White Man Left. His aunties Mae (Ceciel) Tallow, Nora Scout, Dora (Robert) Big Sorrel Horse, Mary Standing Alone, Rosie and Kristen White Man Left, Louise (Herman) Medicine Crane. His cousins Jim, Billy-jo, Christopher, Matthew, Brian, Mary-jo White Man Left, Nolan Black Rabbit and Tanya White Man Left, Laraine Bull Shields, Anita Scout, Ivan, Merlen Tallow, Frankie, Merlen Medicine Crane . The mothers of his Children Zan Renee Spear Chief and Diane Medicine Traveller.
Melvin has a very large extended family that includes The White Man Left, Many Chiefs, Striped Wolfs, Tallows, First Chargers, Eagle Plumes, First Riders, Eagle Bears, Low Horns, Shoutings and Bare Shin Bones. Again the Family would like to apologize if we have missed any names and or families.
The Wake Service will be held on Friday, March 6 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Blood Band Cemetery.