Casey Scott

Casey Scott

Staaso Kasim (Ghost Shirt)

August 13, 1955 ~ September 13, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Casey Ellie Scott Staaso Kasim (Ghost Shirt), the youngest child born to Joseph and Irene Scott of Piikani Nation. 

Casey is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lydia Scott and their daughters Ivy Kim Scott (Cory) and Kelly Jo Scott. His daughter Barbara Smith, son Garth Smith, sister Ellen Good Striker, brother Kerry Scott (Lynette), numerous nieces, nephews, and several grandchildren. 

Following the untimely passing of his parents, Casey spent many years at St. Mary’s Residential School, but he was primarily raised by his older sister Margaret and her husband Peter Bruised Head Jr. He was also blessed to be embraced by the families of Mike Sr. and Mary Louise Oka; Adam and Rosie Solway; and his older brother Wesley Scott and his wife Veronica.   

In his youth, the young cowboy spent his days and nights tending cattle, exploring the prairies on horseback, riding bulls and excelling on the St. Mary’s Warriors basketball and football teams.  As he grew older, Casey was inspired to help people and found great strength and comfort in our traditional Blackfoot ways. He was an active Sundancer and engaged in numerous ceremonies whenever possible, often reflecting fondly on the memories of attending ceremonies led by the late Buster Yellow Kidney and John Day Rider.  

Casey forged deep connections with many friends who became family during his time at St. Mary’s Residential School, Mount Royal University and the University of Lethbridge. His work in various helping professions, coupled with his adventures on the rodeo circuit, slow-pitch tournaments, football games, basketball games, and supporting his daughters in their love of powwow dancing, further enriched his life with lasting relationships.

Casey was a passionate supporter of Piikani youth, always recognizing the potential in everyone he encountered. As the Guidance Counselor at Piikani Nation High School, he dedicated many years to ensuring Piikani youth had the support they needed to excel personally, socially and educationally in life. In his spare time, he coached the senior ladies high school basketball team. Despite facing numerous challenges, including questionable calls from officials, he never hesitated to advocate for his players, even earning a few technical fouls for speaking out on their behalf.

Casey’s experience of losing his parents at an early age and attending residential school, profoundly shaped his life. It inspired him to pursue a diploma in Social Work with a deep commitment to positively impacting the lives of young people.  He began his career with the Government of Alberta’s Children and Family Services Investigations unit in Calgary, before returning to Piikani to continue his work with Piikani Child and Family Services.

Casey was a man of many talents. In addition to being a stunt rider on Dream Keeper, he took great pride in his role as one of the founders of the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority, where he served as Board President for many years. Before his retirement, Casey also contributed to his community by serving a term on the 2011-14 Chief and Council, further demonstrating his commitment to Piikani people and their community development.

Casey was a very supportive father to his daughters, Ivy and Kelly Jo. A skilled artist, Casey designed many of their Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress outfits.  He was also a skilled beader and leatherworker who often crafted their dance belts, moccasins and accessories.  Casey took great pride in driving his daughters across Indian country while they represented Piikani Nation. Over the years, Ivy and Kelly Jo achieved remarkable success, winning numerous championships in Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress, as well as participating actively in pageants. No father beamed more brightly than he did when Ivy was named 1st Runner up to Miss Indian World (she missed out on the title by 1 point but picked up the “Best Interview” and “Best Public Speaker” awards) and crowned ‘Miss Indian Canada’, ‘Miss Indian Nations IX’, ‘Calgary Stampede Indian Village Princess’, ‘Napi Friendship Center Queen’, Napi Friendship Center Princess’ and ‘Miss Peigan Nation’; and when Kelly Jo earned the titles of ‘Miss Blackfoot Canada’ and ‘Miss Piikani Nation Sr. Princess’.

Most people knew that Casey suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis, but few knew how badly it impacted his body.  Every day for almost 25 years, his entire body was racked with debilitating pain.  Ever the tough as nails cowboy, Casey rarely showed his physical and emotional suffering, believing that a true cowboy should bear his burdens alone.  Casey was far more than words on these pages could ever express. He meant many things to many people—husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, nephew, and friend—but above all, he was cherished for his kind heart, magnetic personality, and generosity.  Known for his mischievous sense of humor, he loved to joke with and tease those closest to him. So please when you read these words remember him as he was: happy, healthy, and vibrant; his mischievous “Scott Eyes” sparkling and his radiant smile lighting up every room.

Casey is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Irene Scott. His brothers Wesley, Jessie and Charlie; his sisters Delores, Margaret, Barbara, and Shirley and his son Casey Smith. 

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Henny Bruised Head and family, Lynn and Susan Bruised Head and Family, George and Toni Good Striker, Ronnie Small Legs, Trina Bruised Head and Family, William Big Bull and Owna Scott, Rita Morning Bull and Family, Marlene Soloway and family, Rosemarie Breaker and Family, Mike Oka, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, Jessica Good Striker, Piikani Nation Chief and Council, his friends at St. Michael’s Health Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital, Cardston Health Centre and Foothills Medical Centre for keeping his spirits up.

We send our sincere apologies to anyone whose name we may have misspelled or inadvertently missed.

A Two-Night Wake was held at the Scott Family Residence, Piikani Nation, on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

A Funeral Service was held at the Scott Family Residence, Piikani Nation, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

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