“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” Psalms 116:15 A most devastating loss has occurred that we cannot begin to comprehend. Our beloved SHELDON LEO, KIMBERLEY TARA, LACEY SHANNELLE and BRIELLE RHONDI-LYNN were suddenly taken away from this world and have gone into the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Constable Sheldon Leo Twigg “Pit-toh’ Soo Wat Sis” (Eagle Tail Feathers) Sheldon was born October 1, 1967 at the Blood Indian Hospital, Cardston, Alberta.
Sheldon is survived by his two beautiful sons Riley and Dylan, his siblings Geri, Bernadette, Carolyn, Annette, Wayne, Clayton and Cory. His Father and Mother in-law, Burton and Virna Many Fingers, and one brother-in-law, Andy (Nicole) Many Fingers. Also, his adopted siblings Charles (Rhonda) Weasel Head, Kelly (Ron) Thunder Chief, Warren (Cathy) Twigg, Russell Twigg, Michelle Big Throat, Brenda Quesnelle, Roxanne Dahl, Desirae (Shawn) Auger, and Casey (David) Penner, along with numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Relatives, and God Son Antonio Twigg. He was predeceased by his parents James and Celina Twigg, his sister Doreen, his brothers Leonard, Antonio, Charles, and Joseph, his nephews David, Tylan, and Lane, and one niece Mary Anne, as well as his paternal and maternal Grandparents. Born and raised on the Blood Reserve, Sheldon received his education at Cardston Elementary School, and St. Mary’s High School. As a young rodeo athlete, Sheldon attended the Gary Leffew Bull Riding School, in Santa Maria, California, as well as the Jeff Copenhaver Tie-down Roping School in Cardston. He also graduated from the Lethbridge Community College, and the Staff College, where he received top honours throughout all of his classes; he received the ‘Highest Overall Achievement Award for Policing’. He was currently participating in satellite courses offered by Athabasca University, through the Lethbridge Community College, with the intention of pursuing a Law Degree upon his retirement from the Lethbridge Regional Police Service. While in school, Sheldon began his employment working part-time with the Lands Department, on the Blood Reserve. He then moved on to work for Perlich Brothers Auction in Lethbridge, Alberta. Upon graduation from LCC, he fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams, and joined the Blood Tribe Police, where he worked for three years as a police officer. Sheldon was then recruited to the Lethbridge Regional Police Service, where he remained until his passing. Every chance he got, he also ranched with his father-in-law, tending to the cattle they owned together. An avid sports fan, Sheldon participated and excelled in hockey, football, baseball and basketball, where he and his St. Mary’s Warriors Teammates won the Southern Alberta Zone 4A Boys Championship. However, his greatest love was rodeo. A few highlights of his lengthy rodeo career include: he and his Team Roping partner, Shawn Shade, winning the Alberta High School Finals Rodeo Championship, which qualified them for the National High School Rodeo Finals. In 1988, he was the Chief Mountain Rodeo Association Bull Riding Champion, which qualified him for the North American Rodeo Commission Finals in Ogden, Utah. In 1989, he was the Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association Finals Bull Riding Champion; this title brought him to the Indian National Finals Rodeo Competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was also a competitor in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, and several other associations throughout Canada and the United States.
Aside from competing, Sheldon staunchly supported the Montreal Canadians, and the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Teams. He also loved weight lifting and was a Commissioner for the Lethbridge Combatitive Sports Commission. In keeping with his passion for rodeo, he was recently hired as the Bull Riding Coach for the Medicine Tree Rodeo Team. Following in his mother’s footsteps, Sheldon was a devout Catholic, he and his family attended church at the St. Martha’s Parish on the West side of Lethbridge. Sheldon always made time for his family and friends he made everyone around him feel at ease. He would listen intently, and always knew whether the situation called for a big hug, or a good joke. It is difficult to write of all of his accomplishments, for he was so humble, he rarely spoke of them. It is known from others who have worked with him that he holds the record for the fastest completion time of the P.A.R.E and P.O.P.A.T entrance to policing requirements. He also was a guest and seminar speaker several times throughout the community and at the Lethbridge Community College. Sheldon always encouraged everyone to leave a good record behind, live your life true to God and yourself, and good will follow. He never took one day for granted, and lived his life like God was beside him, watching. Now for the hardest part, how does one convey a love that knew no limits? Sheldon met the love of his life, Kim Many Fingers, while working for the Lands Department, on the Blood Reserve. His supervisor was to be his future father-in-law Burton. From the very moment Kim came into Sheldon’s life, there no longer existed two separate people, their marriage was only a ceremony, for they were already together forever, with nothing to part them. The result of their deep and unending love for one another was three beautiful children: a most precious daughter Lacey, a very witty and best friend, Riley, and a quiet strength, Dylan. Upon learning of their sons disabilities Sheldon and Kim gave up their rodeo careers (Kim a champion barrel racer), and focused all their time, attention, and love on their family. The love they shared poured over their children, and they were forever brought together in the challenge of raising two special needs sons, while ensuring Lacey received the same opportunities as other girls her age. Together they all supported Lacey’s hockey aspirations, and worked hard to help her achieve her dreams. They laughed together, they lived together, and they loved together. Sheldon held his beliefs strong to his heart, and lived by the mantra: God first, family second, and then work. He dedicated himself equally to all. He left everyone he met with a smile, time after time, as Riley does today. Sheldon and his ever present family were at every event they were invited to, always together. And although Riley and Dylan were left here with us, Sheldon, Kim, Lacey and Brielle will never be completely gone, for they will forever remain near to their boys. Kimberley Tara Twigg (nee Many Fingers) “Iss-skii-pawa-nakii” (Rise-Up-Again-Woman) Kim was a very spiritual and religious person. Our creator blessed her with the gifts of having a strong physical, emotional and spiritual qualities; she was guided by her parents who inspired her faith and beliefs. Kimberley’s first love was her soul mate, her husband and best friend; Sheldon. Their love flourished to include their beautiful daughter, Lacey (so like her mother in spirit and nature), her son Riley (a most avid Lethbridge Hurricanes and Calgary Flames fan) and her baby Dylan (like his brother, also a hockey fan). On July 22, 2007, Kim and Sheldon were bestowed with yet another blessing; for they became grandparents to Brielle (Lacey’s daughter). They were the ideal grandparents and she became “Princess” to her great grandparents. Kim and Sheldon’s love for each other encircled their little family and branched out to the extended family, friends and neighbours. They were always involved in the cares and concerns of their family. Kim was always supporting her nieces and nephews by attending their extra-curricular activities. Whether it be Sadie’s singing or Walker’s hockey, she would be there with her camera cheering them on. Kim and Sheldon were god parents to Sadie. Kimberley came from a rodeo background and travelled the rodeo circuit with mom and dad and competed alongside her father and brother. Kim was a talented barrel-racer, which she still enjoyed at the time of her passing. Much to grandpa’s delight, Lacey and Brielle were beginning to follow in mom/grandma’s footsteps. Kimberley was a member of the C.P.R.A (Canadian Pro Rodeo Association) and a seven time I.R.C.A (Indian Rodeo Cowboy Association) qualifier in senior barrels. In 1982 she was junior barrel champion in B.R.R.C (Blood Reserve Rodeo Club). She won the Hobbema Classic in 1984. A highlight of Kim’s rodeo career was competing at the Saddledome at the Rodeo Royal. After her children were born she went back to school and attended the Lethbridge Community College where she completed her early childhood certification with an emphasis on special education. With this obtained knowledge she could better understand how to overcome obstacles and nourish the gifts the creator gave her sons. Kim was the person who opened her home to whoever needed a place to celebrate an occasion (ie. Birthday, baby showers, etc.). She enjoyed the socializing more - the laughter, the kidding, the togetherness of these occasions. Kim loved hosting her Tupperware and Mary Kay parties, etc. Truth be told, you bought stuff from her even though you might not really know the first thing to do with some of these products. She, in turn, supported the many Avon sales ladies in the family. Kim’s forty years of life on earth was supported by a loving family. She was very fortunate to be blessed with two sets of grandparents; which meant endless adoring aunties and uncles. Kim was very close to her grandma Margaret Many Fingers, who raised her as a baby. Kimberley Tara (Rise-Up-Again-Woman) leaves to mourn her passing, two sons, Riley and Dylan, her father Burton Many Fingers, mother Virna (Weasel Fat) Many Fingers, younger brother Andy and his wife Nicole, their children Sadie, “Rope”, twins Walker and Alice and in the traditional Blackfoot way, many fathers and mothers (great uncles, great aunts, uncles and aunts) and also numerous first, second and third cousins who were Kim’s special Blackfoot brothers and sisters and just as many related and extended family. Kimberley joins her family who have gone before her: her sister Rhondi-Lynn Many Fingers, great grandfather Frederick William Weasel Fat Sr. (long time Horn Society head), Mr. and Mrs. Joe Healy, Frederick William Weasel Fat Jr. (WWII Veteran) and grandma Verden (nee Hind Bull), step-grandpa Harold Chief Moon, her precious great aunt and frequent baby sitter Mrs. Rosella Black Plume, our dear great uncle Bernard Tall Man, mother and father-in-law Jim and Celina Twigg, cousins; Andrea White, Jason Weasel Fat, Curtis Weasel Moccasin, Janice Shade, Israel Weasel Moccasin, Lane Shade, Dugan Weasel Moccasin, Karen Many Fingers, Charmaine Tail Feathers, Todd Many Fingers, Stanford Morin, Lindsay Many Fingers and Alexis Show White. Extended family include: Many Fingers, Weasel Fat, Twiggs, Big Throats, Hind Bull, Black Plume, Soop, Healy, Mountain Horse, Tall Man, Eagle Speaker, Wadsworth, Good Strikers, Crop Eared Wolf, Shade Tail Feathers, Morin, Ground (Mt) and Weasel Moccasins. Kimberley was our ray of sunshine that some families are fortunate to have been gifted with. She takes a piece of our hearts with her, especially her sons Riley and Dylan, mommy Virna and daddy Burton, brother Andy (Nicole); nieces Sadie and Alice. nephews Rope and Walker. We will miss her dearly, Kim will always leave a deep pain in our hearts as she becomes one of our Guardian Angels who will assist us in our walk through life. Kim completed her Circle of Life with love, patience, compassion, humbleness and prayer. We thank our Creator that we are a part of her Circle. Kim now begins her Spiritual Journey with our Creator. We love you Kim! Lacey and Brielle Twigg Our two beautiful angels Lacey Shanelle and Brielle Rhondi-Lynn Born December 16, 1989 and July 22, 2007, were suddenly called home to our heavenly father on November 5, 2010. Along with her loving parents Sheldon Leo and Kimberly Tara Twigg. Lacey is survived by her brothers Riley and Dylan, Godson Bailey Rope and special friend Bud Davis. Maternal Grandparents Burton and Virna Many Fingers. Uncles; Andy (Nicole) Many Fingers, Clayton, Wayne and Cory Twigg. Her Paternal Aunties Geri, Bernadette, Carolyn and Annette Twigg. Brielle is survived by her loving uncles Riley and Dylan Twigg, Father; Levon Fox. Loving Great-Grandparents Burton & Virna Many Fingers, Paternal Grandparents; Kelvin & Claudine Fox. Godparents Christian Twigg and Tamara Day Chief. Aunties Shayna and Dini and Uncle Cody Fox. Lacey and “Princess” Brielle are predeceased by her paternal Grandparents James and Celina Twigg. Auntie Rhondi-Lynn Many Fingers and Doreen Zubach, Uncles Leonard, Antonio and Charles. Her Maternal Great Grandparents Verdun & Fred Weasel Fat (WWII Veteran), Albert Sr. & Margaret Many Fingers and her Paternal Great Grandparents James & Lucy Twigg, Harry & Clara Big Throat and numerous other relatives. Lacey was a very strong and religious person who attended church diligently with Sheldon. Although she was so young she was very grounded and chose to stay home with her family while other kids her age were partying. Like her mother, our creator blessed her with the gifts of having strong physical, emotional and spiritual qualities; she was guided by her parents, grandparents and the Twigg family who inspired her faith and beliefs. Lacey received her education at Nicolas Sheran Elementary School, then attended Father Leonard Van Tigem for junior high. In 2007 Lacey was blessed with a precious gift from God who was her everything; baby girl Brielle Rhondi-Lynn Twigg. In 2008 Lacey graduated from Catholic Central High School with her princess Brielle and family at her side every step of the way. After high school Lacey’s determination was focused on nothing more than furthering her education for the sake of those bright big blue eyes that kept her going every day. Every summer Lacey worked on the Blood reserve where she was employed with BTEST along with other summer programs. This past summer she had worked with the youth. Lacey then continued on with her education and attended the University of Lethbridge where she participated in the Native Transition Program, while at the university Lacey was the secretary of NASA, she was very proud of this accomplishment. Lacey was a very determined and independent single mother and did everything she could for her princess Brielle. Lacey attended Training inc. where she took a health care aid program and received her diploma. After her training, Lacey got a job as a health care aid and she was recently employed at St. Therese Villa.
At a very young age Lacey participated in numerous activities including figure skating, barrel racing and modeling, then later took up the sport of hockey. Lacey had a natural talent in everything she did especially hockey. She was a very big asset to every team she played on, various treaty 7 teams asked her to play with them, but she stayed true to her home tribe Kainai, then later on winning a Provincial title for them. She was very talented at hockey and was the first blood member to be asked to attend the Warner School of Hockey. As Lacey got older, her interest expanded, especially in kick boxing where she started training and considered taking up the sport. Lacey had many accomplishments in her short life but her greatest accomplishment was her beautiful daughter Brielle Rhondi-Lynn Twigg. Lacey had a smile that lit up a room and a personality that made everyone that was lucky enough to cross her path fall in love with her instantly. Also a natural beauty that kept all eyes on her and a wonderful sense of humour, she was always joking around and laughing. Even though Lacey had a natural beauty, she always looked her best by spending hours doing her hair, makeup, nails and picking out just the right outfit. She was a diva and she passed along her interest in beauty to her daughter, they both always dressed to impress. She was a very proud mother to princess Brielle, showing her off at every family gathering. “Lace” will always be remembered for her spunky personality and sweet contagious giggle that spread to everyone around her. Lacey leaves behind a trail of people that will miss her more than anyone will ever know but now Lacey is in the hands of God. Lacey was an Elvis fan, just like her grampa Blue Eyes. Brielle had her mother and grandmother’s natural beauty. She was the sweetest little girl who rekindles everyone’s heart that she met. Baby Bre had everyone wrapped around her little finger. Brielle’s wish was everyone’s command, alongside Brielle she had a wonderful, caring mother, that never left her side and loving grandparents/great grandparents that took her as their own daughter, she was everyone’s “baby”. Baby Brielle loved spending time with her wonderful uncles Riley and Dylan who always loved playing with Brielle and taught her new things. She was very close to her loving grandparents Sheldon and Kim, they were always willing to babysit her whenever Lacey needed help. Great Papa and Great mama always knew Brielle was going to be a cowgirl! She would always be running to the Western Stockman Magazines and leaving with at least 5 of them. Brielle’s love was riding horses and there was no doubt her dream was to follow in Grandma Kim’s footsteps being a pro barrel racer. This summer Brielle began her rodeo dream by competing in the Leadline Barrel Racing and Pole Bending at the Claresholm Junior Rodeo. Following the rodeo, Brielle refused to dismount for 5 hours. Baby Brielle was the sweetest angel anyone could have asked for and has returned to her rightful place in Heaven with mommy, grandma and grandpa. A Prayer Service will be held at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 917 - 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, on Monday, November 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. A Reception will follow the Prayer Service at the COALHURST COMMUNITY CENTRE, 527 - 50th Avenue, Coalhurst. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at the LETHBRIDGE EXHIBITION SOUTH PAVILION, 3401 Parkside Drive South on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Tim Boyle, Celebrant. Interment to follow at the Twigg Family Plot on the Blood Reserve. 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