Noel Eagle Child

Noel Eagle Child

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Noel Eagle Child who made his journey on March 31, 2023, in Lethbridge, AB. Noel is survived by his loving children Natane, Nickel, Nico & Silas who miss their dad with all their hearts. He is also survived by his brothers Francis Eagle Child, Oliver Russell, Bruce (Connie) Russell and sisters, Donna Atwood (RATD), Donna Marie Williams (RATD), Marsha Twigg, and adopted sisters Angela Russell and Sylvia Russell.

Noel was employed most recently in Cranbrook, B.C., where he was a groundskeeper at the golf course at St. Eugene Mission Resort. Together with his late wife Simone, they raised their children in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Noel was raised as a child with his adopted mother the late Mrs. Cecile Russell in the Amiitohtsi area of the Blood Tribe. He thoroughly enjoyed living in the country and was no stranger to hard work. Sometimes alone, and sometimes with his adoptive nephews and nieces, they would gather wood in the nearby valley for the old wood-burning stove and would walk over a mile with a nephew and three buckets of water sometimes two-or-three times a day. Despite the hard work Noel never complained, but there were always those times when he would spend the days swimming or picking berries for Gramma C.

Noel's life was filled with ups-and-downs until he found a calling where he and others put their minds and bodies to the extreme test when they became a part of the late Morris Crow's annual piercing Sundance. For four years, Noel and his brother Francis shared their strength and especially their humour and laughter in lifting the spirits up of their fellow brothers and sisters. Noel later earned the right to run his own sweat with the blessing of Morris who travelled to Cranbrook where he transferred the sweat lodge rights to Noel. This opened the door for many B.C. tribal members who began their spiritual journey under the guidance of Noel to make and complete their four-year vows to dance at Morris's Sundance.

Noel later joined Elder Joe Eagle Tail Feathers and offered his strength and support at Joe's annual Sundance at his circle near the Belly Buttes. Joe became a source of inspiration to Noel as they gradually became brothers in spirituality.

His life was full of adventures, pleasure and hardship, but through it all, he was gifted with humour. Him and Francis would often joke around with each other by calling their name and adding 'Eagle Beagle Bagel Child' -- much to their delight and others hearing this playful banter. But, on a serious note, Noel's knowledge made him an excellent cultural resource for various agencies and groups who benefitted from his deep recollection of such a rich history within him. He was especially close to uncles Charlie & Dan Fox who often shared stories in their homes. As a young man, Noel stayed with his adoptive parents, the late Rufus & Celina Goodstriker. He had the opportunity to watch Rufus Sr. as he gathered and made remedies from roots and plants gathered.

Music played a huge role in his life as he learned guitar picking from people like the late Golly Heavy Runner and his brother Thomas White Man. Noel formed his own band while living in Cranbrook and he would spend hours listening to music.

There are many stories his family and friends have of his exploits. His kind and gentle nature put people at ease and his humble outlook on life made him someone whom people could trust. Though he had a serious side, Noel was always laughing and sharing funny stories. While he was still living with his mom Cecile, Noel and a few of his cousins, nephews and nieces decided to go swimming. After spotting a beehive in a nearby tree, Noel was convinced by his older cousin to see if he could get some honey. Reluctantly, Noel climbed the tree and barely touched the hive when it broke in half and the bees began stinging him. He was shouting to his cousin, the late Gilbert Wolf Plume, 'I'm going to beat you up.' After he jumped from the tree, he dove into the river until the bees flew away. Shortly after, he earned the nickname Winnie the Pooh.

Noel was a hard worker who truly loved his wife Simone and his children. He was also protective of his brothers and sisters whom he also loved dearly.

Noel was pre-deceased by his wife Simone Eagle Child; Parents Bertha Eagle Child & Donald Rides at the Door; Brothers Henry, Albert & Dorian Rides at the Door; Sisters: Jennifer & Debra Rides at the Door; Adopted mom, Mrs. Cecile Russell, adopted brother James Russell Sr., adopted sister Charlotte Russell; Grand-parents Jenny & Francis Eagle Child, and George and Emma Rides At The Door; nephew, Tyshawn Eagle Child.

A Wake Service was held at Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 5 Avenue, Fort Macleod, Alberta, on Thursday, April 6, 2023, beginning at 6:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service was held at Eden’s Funeral Home, on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. Following the Funeral Service, Noel was laid to rest beside his wife, Simone, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Blood Tribe.