Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Iiniskim, Lance Leonard Smith, who passed away on February 10th, 2022 at the age of 26 years.
Lance is survived by his parents Dwight and Debbie Smith, Lisa his special friend of 14 years and the Mother to their beloved son, Ryder. Lance is also survived by his brothers, Dallas, Dillon, Jason, Cassius (Ciara) and Calvin Smith. He is also survived by his Uncles: Ferris (Daisy) Smith, Leo Jr. (Maureena) Pretty Young Man, Rufus Sr. (Yvonne) Pretty Young Man, Harley (Verna) Youngman, Greg Smith & Arthur Bearchief. Aunts: Lorraine Ayoungman, Marilyn (Delford) Lewis, Cheryl (Adrian) Solway, Deanna (Bruce) Starlight, Delores (Marcell) Right Hand, Leanne (John) Sleigh, Louise (Jason) Doore. Great-Grandmother, Isabelle Olivier. Traditional family members: Uncle Andrew & Aunty Carolyn Bear Robe, Traditional Big Bro, Trevor (Sasheen) Smith, Traditional Grandmothers Rachel First Rider & Christine Little Chief
Extended families: Spotted Eagle, Bearchief, Stimson, Running Rabbit, Duckchief, Winnipeg, Scalplock, Crowchief, Sitting Eagle, Springchief, Weaselhead, Black Kettle, Calf Robe
We all loved Lance for his genuine heart, but he is best known for the love he held for everyone. Those who knew Lance well, knew that he had a gentle way about him. His gentle smile will be dearly missed by his mom Debbie and everyone who loved him. He was known to have a special relationship with his late Grandmother Alma; he loved her very much. Lance attended the Central Bow Valley School, Standard High School and graduated from the Siksika Outreach School in 2015. He later attended the Old Sun Community College to further his education. In his later years Lance worked in various positions in Calgary in the construction area and worked along side his dad Dwight (DSmith Contracting) as a carpenter helper and also worked with his brother Calvin, a contractor with Siksika Housing. Lance was very family-orientated and loved to spend his leisure time with his son Ryder going on adventures with one another, this is what he treasured the most. His hobbies included reading the Calgary Sun sports section, playing his video games and working hard in everything he did. Lance loved working out & music and you would often find him playing his music loud and proud while breaking a sweat to his favourite tune. In his younger years he played hockey with the Siksika Minor Hockey Association, where he made many life-long friends. He loved to watch and cheer on the Calgary Flames and Stampeders with his Dad and wore the colors of the Toronto Raptors proudly. UFC was one of his favourite sports to watch and enjoyed cheering on his favourite fighters. Lance loved the outdoors and this is where he grew fond of horses where he worked as barn help with the Pretty Young Man Indian Relay team. He learned to value his traditional Siksika ways and was especially proud of his membership with the Kakoii’ks – Holy Dove Society, carrying what he learned into his everyday life. Of utmost importance was his connection through smudge to our Creator; this is what Lance strived for each and everyday. We are eternally grateful to his cousin/bro Jarrett Pretty Young Man for his teachings & support. Prayer was Lance’s life accomplishment and the journey he made to get there is the legacy he left with us, to be remembered.
Lance was predeceased by his Paternal Grandparents, Charles and Amy Smith; Maternal Grandparents, the Late Chief Leo & Alma Pretty Young Man Sr. Uncles: Leonard R. Smith, Harvey & Andy Pretty Young Man and Dave Stratus. Aunts: Marie Bearchief, Lena & Fayann Pretty Young Man.
Wake services to be held at Dwight and Debbie Smith’s residence – Family: 2:00 pm Public: 6:00pm. Funeral services to be held at the Siksika Piiksapi Memorial Arbour 12:00 noon (*Public viewing at the Funeral/Arbour will be held from 11:00am – 12 noon). Final resting place will be at Little Chicago Cemetery. Feast to follow at the Siksika Arbour following the burial.
Please follow all Covid guidelines and restrictions as per Siksika Health & Wellness Services.
Virtual Zoom Live Stream will be available to those who are unable to attend as follows:
Remote Funeral Livestream
Time: Feb 19, 2022 11:00 AM
Join Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/88267443393?pwd=Q2lJOHl4Q1lKeUdwR21Nam9yQjdZdz09
Meeting ID: 882 6744 3393
Passcode: 229087
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lance Leonard Smith April 11 1995 February 10 2022 (age 26)..
Death notice for the town of: Duchess, Province: Alberta