Official Obituary of
Trayton Cole Running Bird
October 7, 1997 ~ July 26, 2025 (age 27) 27 Years Old
Trayton Running Bird Obituary
In Loving Memory of Trayton Running Bird
“Forever in our hearts, never forgotten.”
October 7, 1997 – July 26, 2025
With great sorrow and love, we announce that Trayton Running Bird, of Siksika Nation, was called home on July 26, 2025, at the age of 27 years.
Trayton was a kind and humble man who carried himself with quiet strength. He was known for his hardworking nature and the deep love he had for his family and friends, which he showed in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Trayton found joy in simple moments—spending time with loved ones, cooking, and always having music playing in the background.
He had a special connection to music, especially the work of Juice WRLD, whose songs often reflected Trayton’s own thoughts and feelings. His favorite lyrics became part of his story, often shared in meaningful moments with those around him.
Trayton often enjoyed using his creative side by spending time beading and doing leatherwork. He enjoyed being artistic and expressing himself. He found joy in powwow music and wanted to return to the powwow circle as a Grass dancer. He also took a lot of pride in being a helper at Akokatstin.
Trayton recently completed the Youth Program with Siksika Supports for Independence in June and was preparing to begin Security Training, working toward a future he was proud to build. He attended school across Siksika and Morley, including Chief Old Sun, Exshaw School, Canmore Collegiate, and Siksika Nation High School.
He leaves behind his beloved children: Oleanna, Daystar, and Elouise Running Bird, and his spouse, Sade Panther Bone. Trayton is lovingly remembered by his parents, Yolanda Waterchief and Keith Running Bird, and his siblings: Lana Waterchief, Andrew Crowchief, Lance (Cassie) Waterchief, Nathan Running Bird, Mary Wesley-RB, and Vanora Wesley-RB.
Trayton also shared close bonds with his traditional siblings: Kai (Chelsea) Waterchief, Ariel (Jaycee) Waterchief, Jessica (Kyle) Paul, Mikee Waterchief, Cameron Waterchief, and Antaya (Josh) Cardinal.
He is survived by his aunts: Denise (Craig) Waterchief-Weaselhead, Natasha (Deon) Whiteman, Lori (Sean) Cutter, Rose Running Bird, Keisha Running Bird, Carmen Running Bird, and traditional aunties: Destiny Crane and Maryann Righthand, Tanya Rabbitcarrier and Marlo Rabbitcarrier. His uncles: Clifton Waterchief, Dayvell Shingoose, Trent YOW, Rolland Running Bird, and Winston Twins. His grandparents: Mario and Karen Waterchief continue to carry his spirit.
Trayton will also be missed by his nieces and nephews: Carmen, Danisha, Jewels, Emma, Hunter, and Adrian Waterchief.
He is welcomed into the spirit world by his late grandparents: Francis and Marie Waterchief, and Mavis and Walter Shingoose; his aunts: Stephanie Twins, Jean Righthand, Rhonda Running Bird; and his uncles: Gary Righthand, Melvin Running Bird, Clifton Saddleback, and Kirby YOW.
Trayton’s memory will remain a blessing. His life, though far too short, left a lasting mark on those who knew him, and his spirit will continue to live on through his children, family, and community.
We apologize for anyone that we may have missed.
“Forever in our hearts, never forgotten.”
October 7, 1997 – July 26, 2025
With great sorrow and love, we announce that Trayton Running Bird, of Siksika Nation, was called home on July 26, 2025, at the age of 27 years.
Trayton was a kind and humble man who carried himself with quiet strength. He was known for his hardworking nature and the deep love he had for his family and friends, which he showed in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Trayton found joy in simple moments—spending time with loved ones, cooking, and always having music playing in the background.
He had a special connection to music, especially the work of Juice WRLD, whose songs often reflected Trayton’s own thoughts and feelings. His favorite lyrics became part of his story, often shared in meaningful moments with those around him.
Trayton often enjoyed using his creative side by spending time beading and doing leatherwork. He enjoyed being artistic and expressing himself. He found joy in powwow music and wanted to return to the powwow circle as a Grass dancer. He also took a lot of pride in being a helper at Akokatstin.
Trayton recently completed the Youth Program with Siksika Supports for Independence in June and was preparing to begin Security Training, working toward a future he was proud to build. He attended school across Siksika and Morley, including Chief Old Sun, Exshaw School, Canmore Collegiate, and Siksika Nation High School.
He leaves behind his beloved children: Oleanna, Daystar, and Elouise Running Bird, and his spouse, Sade Panther Bone. Trayton is lovingly remembered by his parents, Yolanda Waterchief and Keith Running Bird, and his siblings: Lana Waterchief, Andrew Crowchief, Lance (Cassie) Waterchief, Nathan Running Bird, Mary Wesley-RB, and Vanora Wesley-RB.
Trayton also shared close bonds with his traditional siblings: Kai (Chelsea) Waterchief, Ariel (Jaycee) Waterchief, Jessica (Kyle) Paul, Mikee Waterchief, Cameron Waterchief, and Antaya (Josh) Cardinal.
He is survived by his aunts: Denise (Craig) Waterchief-Weaselhead, Natasha (Deon) Whiteman, Lori (Sean) Cutter, Rose Running Bird, Keisha Running Bird, Carmen Running Bird, and traditional aunties: Destiny Crane and Maryann Righthand, Tanya Rabbitcarrier and Marlo Rabbitcarrier. His uncles: Clifton Waterchief, Dayvell Shingoose, Trent YOW, Rolland Running Bird, and Winston Twins. His grandparents: Mario and Karen Waterchief continue to carry his spirit.
Trayton will also be missed by his nieces and nephews: Carmen, Danisha, Jewels, Emma, Hunter, and Adrian Waterchief.
He is welcomed into the spirit world by his late grandparents: Francis and Marie Waterchief, and Mavis and Walter Shingoose; his aunts: Stephanie Twins, Jean Righthand, Rhonda Running Bird; and his uncles: Gary Righthand, Melvin Running Bird, Clifton Saddleback, and Kirby YOW.
Trayton’s memory will remain a blessing. His life, though far too short, left a lasting mark on those who knew him, and his spirit will continue to live on through his children, family, and community.
We apologize for anyone that we may have missed.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Trayton Cole Running Bird, please visit our floral store.
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