Bedford Pard

Bedford Pard

Moh’kin – Red Tie

March 13, 1957 ~ September 22, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bedford Pard, of Piikani Nation, beloved husband of Karen Pard, on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age 67 years.

Bedford Earl Justin Pard - Moh’Kin (Red Tie), was called home by Creator on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. He was surrounded by his wife, kids, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family. He was born on March 13, 1957 in Brocket, Alberta to the late Cecile Pard. Forty two years ago he met his cherished wife Karen.

Bedford is survived by his wife Karen Pard; His daughters Deanna (Stacy) Woods, Michelle Pard, and Kayla Pard; His Grandchildren Colton, Chase (Shanacie), Shayla, Weyman, Roberto, Zane, Adonis, and Kaytoiss; His Great Grandchildren Sophia, Selena, Mia, and Keanu; His sisters Ann (Lavern) Blue Wing and Rachel Swag;  His favourite Niece Threasa (Paul) Beebe; His Nephews Willis (Sonya) Beebe, Lewis (Cheryl) Beebe, and Todd (Tina) Beebe; His aunties Martha Smith and Diana Weasel Fat; His in-laws Delia Many Chief, Joyce Many Chief, Lawrence (Angela) Big Sorrel Horse, and Robert Big Sorrel Horse Jr.; His God-Children Simone Sitting Eagle, and Wayne Provost.

He was predeceased by his mother Cecile Pard, grandparents Dick and Kate Pard. His sister Sharon Beebe (nee Pard). His traditional siblings Allan Pard, and Yvonne Fox. His in-laws Robert and Dora Big Sorrel Horse; Faron Many Chief, Darrel Daniels, Willie Hunt Sr., and Leslie Big Sorrel Horse. Bedford had a lot more family that have moved on that were near and dear to his heart.

Bedford was born on the Piikani Nation to the late Cecile Pard, the younger of two children.  Bedford was raised in both the traditional ways and Catholic ways.  His mother Cecile was a strong catholic and instilled these beliefs in her son. He was also raised in the traditional ways by his grandparents Dick and Kate.  He had the best of both worlds and often passed on his teachings to his girls and grandchildren. Bedford attended Day School in Piikani and later graduated from St. Micheals High School.  Bedford later completed his trade certification and became a Journeyman Carpenter from the Lethbridge College.  He had his own company Arm & Hammer Construction Company and was employed by Piikani Housing, he had a hand in building and renovating many houses throughout Piikani and Kainai. His biggest achievement was building a house for his family by the Buffalo Jump where he and Karen raised their family for the last 30 years.

Bedford and Karen had a crafting business “Feather Crafts” which took them all over Southern Alberta. Bedford loved to draw, paint, and Bead. Bedford would look at something and figure out how to make his own.  Bedford was vital in helping get Kayla and his grandkids out on the dance floor.  He would make their fans, bustles, and dancing sticks.  He would share his teachings on the importance of taking care of their outfits and feathers. Bedford had a profound love for attending pow-wows. Where he loved to watch his family dance and was very proud to see them on the dance floor either dancing or singing. If he couldn’t attend the pow wow celebration he and Karen would watch the pow wows on YouTube and follow their families accomplishments. 

In his younger years Bedford was a World Champion Chicken Dancer a title in which he was very proud of.  He also played many sports throughout his life Softball, Fastball, Bull Riding, and was long distance runner. Bedford also played hockey for the Piikunii Cowboys and various other teams, he had held on to the Poverty Cup for many years and proudly displayed it in his living room.  He took a lot of pride in being physically active and taking care of his physical health. He was also a World Champion Pool Player and would travel all over to play in various pool tournaments. Bedford and Karen travelled to Las Vegas, Nevada for 10 years in a row to play in the World Pool Championships. In which his whole team became a like a family to him.

One of the values and teachings that Bedford held onto from his Grandpa Dick was putting up dinners for the family.  Not a holiday would go by without him and Karen cooking up a big feast for their family to attend.  He loved his family and in-laws, the door was always open for everyone to attend one of their meals.  His daughters were his pride and joys. He would support them in everything that they did and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren tremendously and would often be seen chasing them around or sitting on the floor playing with them.  He had a way of making them feel like they were the most important and loved to his very last days his grandchildren brought the biggest smile to his face. 

The family of Bedford would like to thank all the staff from Pincher Creek Hospital, Lethbridge Regional Hospital - ICU Doctors and Nurses, Fort Macleod Dialysis. His Doctor Dr. Tracy Burton. And all the prayers that were said for him and his family.  

The family of Bedford would like to express their gratitude to everyone who sent prayers and kind words.

A Two-Night Wake Service was held at the Pard family residence, on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The wake continued on Monday, September 30, 2024.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Brocket, Alberta, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bedford Pard, please visit our floral store.