Murray Daniel Bear Chief

Murray, 60, of Siksika Nation went to be with the Lord on July 22, 2021, after struggling with health problems and addictions. Murray was born on January 25, 1961 to Donna Bear Chief and Albert Whitford in Edmonton, AB. He was raised by his Maternal Grandparents Martha and Walker Bear Chief, Kipitaipookawa nah Murray. After graduating from Cluny Bow Valley High School he began working at various jobs; Oil field, SRDL, Hidden Valley Resort, Old Sun College, BCHP, Roads and Construction, Calgary Siksika Family Services. Murray then went to post-secondary institutes of Mount Royal and obtained a Certificate in Accounting and acquired two degrees, BGS, M.Ed, and a Graduate Diploma from the University of Calgary.  Murray became one of the youngest Councillors to be voted in to work for the people in 1990. He worked in various professional roles as Recreation Director, and his most favorite role was a Teacher for Chief Old Sun, Siksika Nation High School, Chief Crowfoot School, T’Otha and Maskwacis High School, he truly loved his students.

Murray was very athletic and participated in the sports of; Boxing, Swimming, Hockey, Fastball, and Rodeo. Murray was a certified umpire and coach and went on to mentor a lot of the Siksika youth sports teams of Hockey and Baseball.

In 1977 he met the love of his life Carlene Poor Eagle (His Hunny) and were blessed with 5 children and had nicknames for all of them; Andy (Big Mug), Heather (Mighty), Kristin (Krissy Girl), Tracy (Baby Girl), Skyler (Magoo), Harriet.

Murray and Carlene are the proud grandparents of 12 precious children, which he also lovingly nicknamed too; Hayden (Baby Jane), Ronin (Little Big Man), Sienna (Little Lady), Leighton, Cain (Kiiayo), Addison (Doodle), Hailey (Googly), Maisy (Meezer), Willow, Tracy (Mr.T), Jade (Jadey Girl), Tilden (Little Man). Malaya, Chris, Kelly, Conan.  A new grandson who will be arriving in August and for sure would have been given a nickname by grampa.

Murray was predeased by his grandparents Martha and Walker Bear Chief, his parents Donna L’hommecourt and Albert Whitford, precious sister Sherry Whitford, Charlotte Bear Chief, Uncles; Francis Bear Chief, Clement Drunken Chief, Hector Winnipeg Sr.  Aunts; Delma Mayfield, Marilyn Bear Chief, Theresa Bear Chief. Brothers; Stuart Bear Chief, Dale Bear Chief, Derrik Bear Chief, Amil Red Crow, Father in-law, Amos Poor Eagle and brother in-law, Jordan Poor Eagle, adopted father; Donald Yellow Fly(Pops). His biggest loss was his youngest daughter Tracy (Baby Girl) Poor Eagle in 2006 and a baby grandchild in 2018.

Murray is survived by his special niece Lynsey Spring Chief nephews; Ian and Joe Rain. aunts; Joan Bear Chief, Deloris Wolf Leg, Alvina Bear Chief, Celeste (Horace) Bull Bear, Patsy Bear Chief, Darlene Drunken Chief, Arlene Black Kettle. Uncles; Wallace (Teresa) Bear Chief, Clement Bear Chief. Roy (Elaine) Bear Chief, Melvin Bear Chief, Robert (Gwen) Bear Chief, Stewart (Tanya) Own Chief, and Brian (Maureen) Drunken Chief. Mother in law; Rose Poor Eagle, sister in laws; Jackie and Lynne Poor Eagle. Adopted mother Virginia Red Crow and family.

Murrays’ extended family; (Maternal) Black Kettle, Little Chief, Letourneau, Inkster, Heavy Shield (Paternal) Smith, Stimson, Spotted Eagle, Duck Chief, Little Young Man, Yellow Horse.

The family would like to apologize if we missed anyone and also to thank everyone for the overwhelming support and prayers.

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