MR. BERNARD TALLMAN “Siipistapii”, beloved husband of Mrs. Rita Tallman, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, October 11, 2010 at the age of 84 years. Bernard was born on July 8, 1926 in Cardston, Alberta. Through a traditional customary adoption as a baby of five months, he became the child of his grandparents Spitaikowan Tallman and Saokiisinopakii Bibi.
Bernard married the love of his life Rita Healy on April 17, 1949 and shared 61 years together. He is survived by his children; Barnabus (Shirley), Bernadine, Stella, Clement (Connie), Bert (Rose), Fred (Deborah), Jerome, Bernard, Derek, Melva (Joe) Old Shoes, Verna Healy, Shirley (Tom) Jerry, Wilma Healy, Tommy Jerry, Aileen (Shaun) Runner and David Meginis, grandchildren; Vanessa (Michael), Juanita (Nathan), Jessica, Holly (Joe), Nikki (Kyle), Tommy, Scottie (Carlie), Chad, Byron (Raina), Crystal, Melba, Heidi, Jay, Bobby, Carma, Jared, Jonathan and Paul, great grandchildren; Taniesha, Shelby, Jace, Damon, Victoria, Talia, Kingston, Hailey, Lilly, Terri, McKayla, Clara, Elijah, Jaridy, Ty, Bernard, Serenity, Tayshawn, Santana, Savana, Brody, Kaycee and Avery. Bernard is also survived by his sisters Louise (Joe) Crop Eared Wolf, Ida Tallman, Kate (Mike) Healy, Kathlyn (Mike) Eagle Speaker, Kitty (Steven) Wadsworth, Marion Goodstriker, Rosella (Donald) Black Plume, Florence Weasel Fat, Pauline (Roy) Tallow, Fanny Weasel Fat and Marlene Weasel Fat, brothers Dan (May) Weasel Fat, Fred (Verdun) Weasel Fat Jr., Lawrence Weasel Fat, Ralph (Nora) Weasel Fat, Andrew (Margaret) Weasel Fat, Gilbert (Rosella) White Feathers and Gerald Weasel Fat. Being a kind and generous man, he adopted a lot of people in his travels, some of his children include: Mario Page of Duncan, B.C., Truman Jefferson from Crow Agency, Ruth Scalplock Melting Tallow and many nieces and nephews. Bernard, our father, grandfather and respected leader of the Blood Tribe, left us an example to follow. He was a man that had determination to complete his goals and intentions despite obstacles. As a young man he attended St. Mary’s Residential School and was very proud that he and his friends planted the trees that still surround Red Crow Community College. He left the reserve as a young man to earn an income and learned numerous skills including horsemanship and community. Bernard had a strong work ethic, where at age 84 he still got up early to ensure the chores were completed. Bernard had many friends while attending school, these friendships were the highlight of many of his stories. His stories would captivate an audience for hours, some very humorous. Bernard enjoyed taking all his sons on the rodeo trail, supporting them and cheering them on. Bernard loved to sing for his grandchildren where they would commence to dance for him. Seeing his grandchildren always put a smile on his face. Our traditional Blackfoot Spirituality was the core of his existence, he was twice a member of the Horn Society and Niinaamska. He showed respect for the Creator by wanting others to show respect for him too and by being empathetic to those that were disadvantaged. He was a role model for his children and members of the community. Along with his spiritual way of life he encouraged his children and grandchildren to participate in our native Blackfoot culture. Bernard was considered an accomplished compassionate Elder and participated in many ceremonies. His hobbies included hunting, traveling and building relationships. Bernard had many friends in his lifetime and will be missed by all. A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with Bert Tallman officiating. A Wake Service will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve on Friday, October 15, 2010 commencing at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow on the Blood Reserve.