KEITH CALLIHOO (SAOKIISAAHKOMAAPIWA), of the Blood Tribe, passed away on February 4, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Lee Crest in Cardston, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 63 years.
He is survived by his children: Brandy (Ian), Tobi, and Lesley; his grandchildren: Cody, Colton, Jordan, Madison, Daylon, Jory, Abigail, Aaron, Layton, Kariza and Reya Hope, Suraye, and Latrell and Luke; and his great-grandchildren: Kynleigh and Leo.
Keith Callihoo was born August 15, 1956 at the Blood Indian Hospital in Cardston to Lewana Many Bears and Burton Red Crow. Keith was raised on the Belly Buttes of the Blood Reserve by his grandparents, Nancy and Harry Callihoo, while his mother, Lewana, had to leave to go to Edmonton to pursue her education. Upon her return, the two of them resided in Fort Macleod, where he completed his education as a result of the encouragement from his grandparents.
Growing up, Keith loved to explore the buttes, loved working with his grandfather around the homestead, enjoyed gardening with his grandmother, and had a tremendous fondness for animals—especially his horse, Flicka. He also developed a passion for antiques; the rifle he inherited from his grandfather held a special place in his heart.
While in Fort Macleod, Keith met Jennifer, who would eventually become the mother of his beloved daughters. His fatherhood motivated him to work hard to take care of his family. He completed his education and went on to work in a trailer factory as a lead hand, where he mastered different skills of the trade. He also worked as a paramedic for the Blood Tribe Reserve.
Keith always had a thirst for education. When he received the opportunity to earn his training as a heavy equipment operator from Keyano College, he gladly accepted. Once he gained his diploma, he helped in the construction of the Highway 509, the irrigation canal, and other significant projects.
During his days as a heavy equipment operator, he made many close friends who would affectionately call him "Rambo" and "Piita."
Keith had found his faith and the bible principles he adopted affected his life profoundly, to the extent that he made his family life as enjoyable as possible. His nieces and nephews always wanted to be around him, and he would take them on countless adventures: hiking, swimming at Wally's Beach, berry-picking on the buttes, building mazes with bales, sleighing, skating on the pond, pulling them on a sled behind his truck, making tunnels in the snow drifts, playing sports—the list goes on. It was always so much fun for the kids and they never wanted to leave. All of these fond memories are remembered and shared by them to this day.
Keith became a grandfather and great-grandfather, which brought the greatest happiness to him. His love for his them was limitless, and he would shower them with the same love as he did for his daughters and nieces and nephews.
Keith came from a big family of Callihoos, Many Bears, Bloods, Big Plumes, Cross Childs, Red Crows, Franks, Steeles, and others. We apologize in advance for any names missed.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Nancy and Harry; his parents, Lawna and Burton; his daughter, Robyn; his grandchildren, baby Iron Shirt and Anne Rose Wells, and other loved ones gone too soon.
A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Burt Tallman officiating.
Following the Funeral Service, Keith will be laid to rest at the family plot in the BELLY BUTTES, BLOOD TRIBE.
The family asks you to join them for a Feast at OLD AGENCY HALL following the Interment.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the staff at the Good Samaritan Lee Crest, as well to our family and friends, for their loving care and support to our family during this difficult time.
