STEPHEN FOX SR. ‘Oohkotoksiisahkomaapi’ (Rocky Boy), passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre, with his loving family by his side. Born on November 26, 1919 on the Blood Reserve into the Many Children Clan (Aakaipokaiksi) Stephen was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Those left to celebrate Stephen’s life include his daughter Maryann (Alfred Jr.), grandchildren; Steve Jr., Nolan (Alex), Sarah and Chelsea Tailfeathers; Kim, Stephanie, Duane, Sandy and Leslie Weasel Fat; traditional adopted children Rita Sweetgrass, Jackie Stevens, Jerry Wells and Duane Goodstriker; sisters Helen Many Fingers, Corolla (Hugh), Martha (Tyrone), Bernadette, Marge (Charlie), Ann (Jack); brothers; Charlie (Judy), Lambert, Gerald (Valerie), Dan, Mike (Arlene), companion Isabelle, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Stephen attended St. Mary’s Residential School as a youth until 1936, then left to work on his father’s ranch. He was taught strong work ethics and a respect for the land where he would often credit this upbringing as the inspiration behind his many lifetime accomplishments. Stephen married the love of his life, Queenie GoodStriker and together they returned to work at St. Mary’s school. Through his hard work and perseverance he acquired his own homestead near St. Mary’s Dam, where he continued to farm and ranch. Stephen often said his experiences helped him empathize with the struggles faced by his own people. Throughout his life, he used his personal experiences to seek out solutions that would benefit not only his community, but the entire Blood Tribe. Stephen served his people as a lifetime minor chief and later served five terms as a councilor for the Blood Tribe. One of his most distinguishing achievements was his role as founding member of the Kainai Chieftainship - one of the highest honors bestowed upon one within the Blood Tribe. He was the president of the Immaculate Conception Parish Council and actively supported many church activities. He made a pilgrimage to Cap de Madeleine in Quebec, traveled often to Lac Ste. Anne and was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. A highlight of his spiritual walk included having an audience in Rome with Pope John Paul II for the Beautification of Blessed Kateri Tekawitha. Stephen and other cowboys formed the Bull Horn Rodeo Club which eventually led to the Standoff Rodeo grounds and was also a founding member of the Indian Rodeo Cowboy’s Association; Kainai Chiefs Hockey Club; Blood Tribe Horse Racing Club, and served as general manager of the Kainai Boxing Club and Kainai Cattle Co-op. Stephen also took his talents off the reserve including memberships in the American Quarter Horse Association. One of his horses (West Coast Bid) continues to hold the fast track record in Medicine Hat. He was also a member of the Southern Alberta Riding and Roping Club, as well as the Alberta Appaloosa horse club. Stephen was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Cecelia Fox, his wife Queenie, sisters May Young Pine Adelaide Heavy Shields, Delores Fox, brothers; Paul, Bob, Alec, John and George; great aunts and Uncle Annie Wadsworth, Emma English and Joe Crazy Crow. The family apologizes for any names that may have not been mentioned. Special thanks to Dr. Ester Tailfeathers, Dr. Christenson, Dr. Bester, the wonderful staff from Kanai Continuing Care Center, and all the friends and relatives who lent support to Stephen and his family. A Wake Service will be held at CHIEF MOUNTAIN FUNERAL CHAPEL, Moses Lake on Friday, May 2, 2008 from 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. A Funeral Service will be held at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz officiating. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.