Jerry Black Horse

Jerry Black Horse (Soyohkiitopii – Riding in Water) 
Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend 

The family of Jerry Black Horse mourns his passing with profound sorrow. To his family and community, he was a respected father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He was a guiding presence, a gentle strength, and a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith, tradition, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished. Jerry’s walk on this earth concluded peacefully on November 21, 2025, at 84 years old, yet the space left in his absence feels immeasurable.  

Jerry was a man of prayer; he was raised with traditional Blackfoot ways of life through the teachings of Akokatsin and comes from The Meat Eater Clan. He also devoted many years to the Cursillo movement, where he found lifelong friendships and spiritual nourishment. He was known for his quiet encouragement and his willingness to sit with others in their moments of struggle and prayer. His presence at Cursillo retreats brought comfort and wisdom to those seeking direction, and his gentle voice will be remembered by all who found solace through him. 

A proud supporter of his Siksika community, Jerry was involved with the Blackfoot Rodeo Club, where he shared his love of horsemanship, tradition, and Blackfoot pride. Generations of young riders grew up under his steady guidance.  

Jerry also dedicated nearly 40 years of service to the Siksika Nation Public Works department—a commitment that spoke to his character, humility, and quiet pride. He first joined Public Works in 1976, becoming a steady and respected employee as a heavy equipment operator. For decades, Jerry helped keep the community safe, connected, and cared for. The very roads connecting our families and gathering places were carved through his workmanship, guided by his steady hands and his sense of duty with his grater.  

Jerry worked his final day with Public Works on March 29, 2013, closing a remarkable chapter of service that spanned generations. In all those years, he held more than 3,000 sick days he never took, a testament to his reliability, strength, and the deep pride he took in his work. At heart, Jerry was a true cowboy: steady, hardworking, and guided by a quiet determination that never wavered. He later was a driver for many departments mainly Health and Family Services. 

Within his family, Jerry held a special and irreplaceable role. Known affectionately as the “professional driver,” he could always be counted on to drive loved ones wherever they needed to go. It became part of who he was: dependable, patient, and always willing to help. Jerry was still doing what he loved and what his family relied on him for; he was driving even the night before he passed, showing the same dedication and resilience that defined him. 

He was kind, gentle, and soft-spoken, yet it was his quiet presence, steady, reassuring, and deeply felt, that carried the family through every season of life. His strength did not come from loud words or grand gestures, but from the calm, grounding way he loved and supported those around him. 

When Jerry’s beloved wife, Yvonne, passed, his world shifted, but his love did not diminish. Instead, it grew even deeper for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They became his purpose, his joy, and the very centre of his life. He poured everything he had into them, his time, his stories, his guidance, and his endless love. His family was not just part of his world; they were his world. 

Those who knew Jerry will remember his patience, humility, and unwavering kindness. He lived his life with dignity, carrying both his joys and his burdens with quiet strength. Though grief weighs heavily on those he leaves behind, the love he shared continues to shine through his family and community. His legacy (of faith, tradition, service, devotion, and gentle leadership) will continue to guide all who were blessed to walk beside him. 

He will be forever remembered, deeply missed, and honoured for the life he lived and the love he gave. 

Jerry is survived by his Children Lorile, Janice, Carl Jr (Barbara), Chance, and Crystal (Trevor) ; his cherished Grandchildren, Lianna, Russel, Lance, Chase, Kolby, Cam, Bailey, Kale, Reed, Jayden, Marissa, Thomas (Melissa LC) Melissa C, Lori and Colton; great-grandchildren Leighton, Arianni, Dario, Serenity, Taven, Tevelle, Lillyanna, Kayla, Matthew, Tayden WC, Ivy Rose MG, Acacia SA, Hailey L, Joseph MG, Mathew, Angsley, Rozaia, Rozario, Dymin, Great Great-grandchildren: Kierstyn & Daylon. Siblings: Liz (Alvin), Ethel, Charlotte (Mario). God Children; Norbert Bear Chief, Nena Red Gun, Desiree Handley, Daryl J. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, and nephews. Adopted Children.  

Jerry was reunited with the love of his life Yvonne, Son Darren, predeceased by his parents are Martha Water Chief Natoyiisokasii (Holy Root) and Peter Blackhorse Siipiistokomi (Owl Howling). His siblings, Urban Blackhorse, Delphine Blackhorse, Phillis Blackhorse, Veronica Blackhorse, Marina Yellow Fly, Judy Black Horse (Royal), and adopted Son, Jason.  

Jerry will dearly be missed by extended family and friends. Sorry if we have missed anyone. 

The family would like to thank the following: Foothills hospital staff in Intensive Care Unit,  Siksika Public Works, Siksika Board of Education, Eugene, Koby and Jack, Warren Mc, Carlin BR, Grant SR, Crystal and Trevor. 

The family would like to invite you to celebrate Jerry’s life with a wake service on November 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour, Siksika, AB.  

Funeral Mass will be on November 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Holy Trinity Church.  

Feast at One Gun Hall following the gravesite service. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Black Horse, please visit our floral store.