Gilbert Black Water Sr.

It is with great sadness, that we the family, announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. Gilbert (Mummum) Black Water Sr., of the Blood Reserve passed away peacefully surrounded by family after an illness on February 25th, 2023, at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 85 years.

Gilbert was born on January 23, 1938, at the Blood Indian Hospital to his parents Bill Blackwater and Rosie Red Crow (nee Crop Eared Wolf). Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Emeld; children, Gilbert Jr. & Carmen, Clement (Ann), Dawn, Lani (Elliot) and Ritchie; grandchildren, Kes (Sarah), Cara (Eric), Judd (Courtney), Jason (Kate), Wacey (Kes), Dr. Neill Fox (Charmaine), Dustin and Britney; great-grandchildren, Tahner, Boogie, Jolt, Chipper, Noah, Dekoa, Payton, Tee, Calla, and Burke; Adopted Children, Clarence (Trish) Black Water Jr., Lane Little Bear, Pierre Many Chief and LouAnn (Troy) Day Chief.

Gilbert is also survived by his close relatives and friends, brother Norbert Blackwater Sr.; sisters, Rosie and Stella Red Crow; sisters-in-law, Teresa Blackwater, Evangeline Provost and Joan Eagle Speaker; cousins, Eugene (Chief) Creighton, Leroy and Harriet Heavy Runner, Don and Hank Shade, Stand Off Colony cousins, retired dairy boss, Sam, Joe and retired sheep boss, Sam Hofer.

In his school years, Gilbert attended St. Mary’s residential school on the Blood Reserve. This is where he found the love of his life, Mary Emelda Knife. Gilbert and Emelda were joined in marriage on December 18, 1956.

Gilbert was a cadet and a great all-around athlete who competed in boxing, hockey, rodeo and basketball (aka Mr. Sure Shot). In his later years, he took up pool and golfing and was an avid wrestling fan.

Gilbert learned to box in the 1950s while he was a student at the St. Mary Residential School. His coach was the late Rufus Goodstriker Sr., who was a well-known champion boxer at the time. Gilbert’s earlier matches were fought in the 80lb. class and then eventually he fought in both Canada and the United States in the welterweight division.

In 1953-54, he won the Golden Glove titles in Edmonton, AB. In 1954, in Yakima, WA., he fought Tony George and defeated him in three rounds to claim the Washington State welterweight championship title. Gilbert was 16 years old at the time. He was awarded a trophy for his skill and effort. His trainer at that time was the late Gus Calf Robe, also a great boxing champion. Throughout his years in the ring, Gilbert won numerous matches and titles.

After his boxing career, Gilbert Sr. moved home to raise his family and became a farmer and rancher, farming 200 acres of cropland and raising over 100 head of Hereford cattle with his sons. Gilbert was a Blood Tribe Administration employee for 33 years.

Gilbert was also a talented hockey player who was recruited by the New York Rangers in his younger days, but due to family responsibilities, he was unable to attend training camp. He was deeply involved in the development of Kainai youth as he coached minor and Jr. B hockey and went on to win various championships. His hockey advice and support continued with his children, grandchildren and numerous Kainai youth until his passing. Gilbert was a very proud grandfather when his grandson, Judd, was a key player with the Spokane Chiefs when they won the Memorial Cup in 2008.

Gilbert became very well known in the rodeo arena as he competed in the steer decorating, calf and team roping events and won numerous championships over the years. Gilbert’s late uncle and best friend, Pat Crop Eared Wolf, taught and mentored him in his rodeo skills when he was growing up. Gilbert’s support and encouragement were also a factor in the rodeo arena as his children, grandchildren and numerous relatives, friends and youth carried his advice to many pay windows and championship titles. Gilbert and his late brother Levi Sr. were instrumental in establishing the Blood Reserve Rodeo Club, where cowboys and cowgirls, young and old, would hone their skills at different arenas around the Blood Reserve.

Gilbert took great pride in his children's and grandchildren’s educational and athletic pursuits, to which he attended all of their milestones such as graduations, hockey games, rodeos, weddings, and other celebrations. He also took every opportunity to show his skills as a singer, usually singing “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin.

Gilbert was predeceased by his parents; his parents-in-law, Louis Knife I and Louise; brothers, Levi, Andy, and Clarence Sr. Blackwater and Jimmy Red Crow; his brothers-in-law, Louis II, Ralph, Randy, Butch Knife, and Morton Eagle Speaker; and sister-in-law, Bernadette Small Legs.

Mummum left a legacy of love, kindness and humbleness, he was loved and will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the Fort Macleod Extendicare and the Chinook Regional Hospital staff for Gilbert’s care, and for the monetary and food donations from family, friends and Blood Tribe Chief and Council. The family apologizes for anyone who may have been missed.

A Wake Service was held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Tribe, on Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 6:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Tribe, on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.

Gilbert was laid to rest at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Blood Tribe, Alberta.

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