Leo Pretty Youngman

It is with great sadness and profound sorrow that we send our spiritual leader Leo Pretty Youngman off on his journey to the happy hunting grounds. Leo lived a long, eventful life, filled with numerous accomplishments. Leo was a very humble, independent, strong-willed man. Nothing kept him down; he fought a good fight. Leo endured many hardships as well as many accolades. He was as close to unbeatable as one can be, caring, loving, and a great sense of humor. He exemplified every word that describes a Superman. Everyone that Leo met had a lasting memory of him, he left everyone with a positive experience. Leo was a highly respected leader, both in our community and throughout his journeys; he was sought out by many for his advice and extensive knowledge. The many stories he told were filled with valuable lessons and meant to teach us. Leo is survived by his faithful partner of 59 years; Maureena Pretty Young Man, Siblings Deanna (Bruce) Starlight, Rufus (Yvonne) Pretty Young Man, Debbie (Dwight) Smith, Louise (Jason) Doore, Delores (Mitch) Right Hand, Leanne (Jonathan) Sleigh, Harley (Verna) Young Man, Gregg (Edwina) Smith; his children Eleanor (Steven), Howard (Marsha), Rodney (Merisha), Andy, Darren (Allison), Kelly (Cheryl), Shawn Calf Robe, Myron (Rachael); Aunty Isabel Olivier; several grandchildren, and great grandchildren, adopted grandfathers, grandmothers, sons, and daughters. Leo was predeceased by his children: Bernadette, Darren; parents Leo Sr. and Alma Pretty Young Man, brothers Harvey, Andy, Dave Stratus; Sisters Lena, Marie, Fayeann.

There were so many endeavours and accomplishments that Leo has had in his 75 years. Dad had many accomplishments in which he upheld with pride and responsibility. Dad was a rancher, carpenter, politician, horse trainer, self-taught veterinarian, mechanic, chauffer to Mom, advisor spiritual leader (Horn Society), teacher etc. Leo was involved in so many of our Blackfoot ceremonies, Calgary Stampede, Banff Indian Days, Siksika Health, Siksika Consultation and Traditional Land Use. He worked alongside Our Siksika Chief and Council, Rafter Six Ranch, the Luxton Museum etc. He trained and bred Quarter Horses, trained, and raced horses keeping his father’s legacy alive. Leo was instrumental in initiating the Indian relay teams on Siksika and in the Calgary Stampede in which his sons and nephews are carrying on in his name. The lessons and teachings he left with us are invaluable, whether it was Siksika History or Cultural knowledge or raising tipis and fixing horses and tractors there was no area where he could not provide knowledge. There are so many words that we can use to describe our dad, but LOVE was and is the most important word that he portrayed to everyone.

Leo’s extended families are Crowchiefs, Sleighs, Running Rabbits, Running Wolfs, Wolflegs, Sunwalks, Spring Chiefs, Poor Eagles, Medicine Shields, Sitting Eagles, Many Fires, Calf Robes, McMasters, Yellow Old Woman, Yellow Sun’s, Yellow Horse, Munro, Good Eagle, Wolf Collar, Tailfeathers, Weasel Mocassin, Bee Bee. There are far too many families to mention, the family apologies if any were missed.

Wake services will be held on September 9, 2022, at the Siksika Nation Arbour at 3:00pm. Funeral services will be held September 10th, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 12:00pm.

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