Andrew "Andy" Black Water

Andrew (Aa tso towa) Black Water, of Standoff, Ab, an Elder, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and a true friend to all, made his final journey home to Creator with the Sacred Ones by his side on May 6, 2018 at the age of 78 years. He leaves behind his loving & devoted wife Phyllis of 50 years and a devoted, kind, compassionate, loving, and understanding father to his children Andy Jr.(Shannon), Amanda, Kendall, Andrea, Melinda, Christine, Kevin, Colton (Rachel), Taylin Devine (Tailyn), Patches, Conan, and Iris, nieces & nephews Cindy & Tim Begishe, Raymond (Kyla Crow), Russell & Candace Wells, Carolyn Wells, Carl (Chubby) Eagle Bear, LeeAnn Eagle Bear, Jesse (Shilow), Olivia Day Rider (Darrell Good Striker), as well as his grandchildren Jerome, Jasmine, Chantel, Sonny-Ray Day Rider, Jagger Lane Day Rider, Kiiyo Day Rider, Wyatt Day Rider, Kaedon Day Rider, Rannon Day Rider, Madeline Rose Day Rider, Bauer Day Rider, Lennon Day Rider and great grandchildren Ava and Allayah. He is survived by his brothers & sisters (Gilbert & Emelda Black Water, Norbert & Cecilia Black Water, Jimmy Red Crow, Rosie First Rider, and Stella Red Crow & Peter) as well as his close & loving family (Dorothy & Leonard Day Rider, Virginia Eagle Bear & Mervyn) and his numerous friends, relatives & extended families throughout the country.  

Andy was born on January 27, 1940 in Cardston, Alberta and was raised in the true Traditional, Cultural, and Spiritual ways by his father (Bill Black Water) & mother (Rosie Red Crow) in the community of Standoff, Alberta. Throughout his life, a determination to succeed in life was driven by his desire to be complete as a human-being who survived in two worlds and his never-ending determination to teach and spread his universal values of honesty, responsibility, respect, courage, trust, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, strength, humility, wisdom, unity and most of all “LOVE & TRUTH” towards each other. His lifetime goal was to stand as an example to others who are standing at the crossroads of making decisions on their future and the road chosen by him is not the only road, but it is a proven road that can serve as a guidepost and example for others to follow. He once said, “We would not be where we are today if not for our ancestors’ and elders’ teachings which simply put was to “Never Give Up” in our promise to our families, our people that we must continue to make a positive difference in their lives”.

He was baptized and raised as a Catholic who attended the Saint Mary’s Indian Residential School in his initial years and graduated from the Saint Anthony’s College in 1959 in the City of Edmonton, AB. He challenged the sports world in many categories and excelled in basketball while playing for the St. Anthony College team leading them to numerous championships whilst attending school there. He dedicated the last 16 years of his life helping those in need especially the formulation of a community group called “Standoff Vision in Motion” whose mandate was simple, which was to promote unity & togetherness by hosting various gatherings, social events, and feasts for the community.

 Acceptance of the two worlds (native & non-native) brought about his adopting both as a reality and a necessity for survival in the modern world. Together with his wit, humor and story telling that he conveyed his many messages. His teachings and understanding of treaties, traditional territories, governance and knowledge was due to his true upbringing in his Cultural/Traditional/Spiritual ways. It was his legacy in evidence as he walked and made a trail for all to follow till his last few days and his hope that the teachings, stories and experiences he went though be passed on to the next generations to come. He was also a long-time member of the sacred Horn Society who continued as a mentor and an Elder to all in the Blackfoot territory as well as embracing the many other forms of religion and worship. His legacy, last memories and last words that he asked of us was to “Take care of each other, help each other, support each other, share with each other, and most of all Love Each Other”.

A Family Service will be held at Eden’s Funeral Home (2424 – 5th Avenue, Fort Macleod) on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 4:00pm.  The Wake Service will then be held at Senator Gladstone Hall on Monday, May 14, 2018 from 6:00 to 11:00 pm.  A Funeral Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 11:00am.  Interment to follow at  St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Standoff.

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