It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of MELVIN BRIAN BIG THROAT (Onistaahsiikoka’sim - Calf Shirt). Melvin passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, September 24, 2010, surrounded by his family at the age of 57.
Melvin is survived by his children; sons: Justin, Myron, John and Sherwyn; daughters: Melory and Skye, stepchildren; Leon, Shannon, Tia, Terry, Lacey, Amber and his grandchildren; Jay Hugh, Alex, Talen, Marshall, Aidin, Hunter, Mackenzie, Kailum, Shawdon, Kiera, Lennox, Lilly, Diego and Devlon.
Melvin also leaves to mourn his passing; his mother Elizabeth Big Throat, brother Henry (Roxanne) Big Throat, sisters: Diane Twigg, Linda (Darryl) Three Persons, Nora (Roy) Scout, Betty (Quentin) Heavy Head, Pam (Colin) Many Fingers, Wanda (Charles) Eagle Speaker and Doris (Richard) Fox. His aunts and uncles; Clara (Francis) Russell, Theresa Black Water, Donalda Big Throat, Veronica (Ray) Brewer, Christine (George) Good Dagger and others too numerous to mention.
Melvin was predeceased by his father, Horace Big Throat, brother Eugene (Tiny) Big Throat, son Yari Kari Big Throat, grandson Maddox Yellow Wings, grandparents Harry and Clara Big Throat, Albertine Plume, Celina Twigg, Pauline Healy, Evelyn and Eugene Twigg, Flora Day Rider, Daisy and Phillip Aberdeen and niece Raechelle Lee (Charly) Big Throat.
Melvin was born on June 10, 1953 in Cardston, Alberta. He will be remembered for his humour and kindness. He doted on his grandkids, who he loved dearly. Melvin loved cooking, caring for his plants and sports. His favourite team was the Calgary Flames. A highlight of his life was going to the I.N.F.R. Finals with Ross Black Water. Legend has it that when Nazareth, the rock band, was invited to perform in Lethbridge at what was then known as the Sportsplex, Melvin created a stir in the crowd. He leaped on stage and grabbed the hat off of the lead singer’s head. On another occasion he fooled a taxi driver into giving him a free ride by saying he was Freddy Fender, all because he didn’t have the money to pay the driver. These are only a few hilarious moments in a life filled with laughter.
Melvin will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Wake Service will be held at the OLD SAIPOYI SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, Standoff, AB., on Friday, October 1, 2010 from 6:00 - 11:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Standoff, AB., on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Pawel Andrasz, O.M.I., Celebrant.
Interment to follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Standoff, AB.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca
