It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, JAMES LEO TWIGG, Apai ksik onistaa (Weasel White Buffalo) on December 13, 2008 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre surrounded by those he loved, at the age of 76 years. He leaves behind his loving children, Geri, Bernadette Davis, Carolyn, Annette (Alvin) Wells, Wayne, Clayton (Valerie), Sheldon (Kim), Cory (Melanie), Joshua (Christel), Desiree’ (Shawn) Auger, two daughters-in-law, Marilyn Alexander and Melodie Bastien, 47 grandchildren and 67 great-grandchildren. His siblings, Charlie (Marge) Small Face, Andrew (Joanne) Twigg, Beatrice (Donald) Big Swallow, Theresa Plume, Mary Twigg, Laura (Bob) Gervais and Dr. Marie Small Face Marule. His special adopted children, Deacon Melvin Rutherford, Veronica Eagle Bear, Charlie (Rhonda) Weasel Head, Brenda Quesnelle, Lawana Plume, Clifford Twigg, Jim (Darlene) Plume, Byron (Michelle) Bruised Head, Karla Black Plume, and Pat (Delia) Twigg. James was predeceased by his wife, Celina, daughter, Doreen Hurd, sons, Leonard, Antonio and Charles, his parents, James and Lucy Twigg, and Emil and Olive Small Face, sisters, Ada (Dan) Weasel Moccasin, Kathleen (Raymond) Young Pine, Margaret (Morris) Hind Bull, Elaine Small Face, Hazel Pepion, Peggy Manson, his brothers, Albert (Philomena) Twigg, Eugene (Evelyn) Twigg, Alan Tiny Small Face and Emil Mouse Small Face. His father and mother-in-law, Harry and Clara Big Throat, several brothers and sisters-in-law and several grandchildren. Please accept our apologies if we missed anyone. James was born on February 8, 1932 in Cardston and was raised on the Blood Reserve. He received his education at St. Mary’s Residential School where he met and later married Celina Big Throat. After he left school he was employed by several ranchers in the Cardston area. He decided to further his education by attending Olds School of Agriculture and Saskatchewan School of Business. Upon completing his studies, Dad began his own ranching business. He was one of the founding members of the Blood Reserve School Bus Co-Op and was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Roads and Dams. He was an elected member of the Blood Tribe Chief and Council for several years. After leaving council Dad became employed as a trucker with Alberta Gas Trunk Lines until he accepted a position with Indian Affairs as the Administer of the Residential School. After the closure of the school, Dad returned to ranching and operating his school buses. Dad was a professional athlete in the Pro Rodeo Circuit and one of the founding members of the Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association. He competed in the Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Calf-roping and Team-roping, winning many trophies and championships. Dad was one of the first Native Rodeo Announcers. Dad’s hobbies included hockey, curling, golfing, skiing, traveling Europe and flying airplanes until high blood pressure grounded him. He loved to ref basketball games, coach hockey, baseball and gymnastics. Dad retired in 2002 at the age of 70, spending his leisure time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and watching sports on television. His favorite pastime was playing bingo with Wayne all over Southern Alberta and visiting with his very special cousins, Pete Knife and Veronica Eagle Bear. Dad was a member of the Horn Society and a long-time member of the Medicine Pipe Society but in his later years, Dad re-embraced his Catholic faith with a very special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A Wake service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Thursday, December 18, 2008 from 4:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 917-4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle Celebrant. Interment at family plot on the Blood Reserve.