BASTIEN, Cecil

Posted: June 26th, 2021

BASTIEN

Cecil Cesar Bastien “Makoonski” passed away in his home on the Piikani First Nation on June 20, 2021 at the age of 70. He was born in the Indian Hospital on the Piikani First Nation on August 20, 1950.

Cecil was raised on the Bastien Homestead. He attended the Sacred Heart Residential School in Piikani. He attended high school in Medicine Hat, then eventually moved to Edmonton and worked for various jobs, such as North Land Down and the Indian Agricultural Association. In Edmonton Cecil met the love of his life, Charlene Stevenson, and together they started a family. While in Edmonton, he attended Grant MacEwan College where he trained to become a prison guard. With his certificate he worked at a remand centre. After living in Edmonton for a few years, he then moved to Calgary where he lived and worked. He eventually moved to attend the University of Lethbridge where he received multiple certificates which included a Certificate in Management. He also enjoyed working and helping manage the 4H in Piikani.

Cecil enjoyed travelling. He travelled to Las Vegas (to watch the National Finals Rodeo), to Portage La Prairie Manitoba, and even to Halifax Nova Scotia where he did a summer student internship, just to name a few. Leaving the reserve and making something of himself was something that he felt was really important. Cecil’s lifestyle and accomplishments showed that there was more to life than the reserve, but still always called Piikani his home.

Cecil enjoyed watching horse racing, barbeques, ranching, travelling and spending time with his friends and family. Spending time with his family was something Cecil valued deeply, he loved attending his grandchildren’s birthday parties, as well as family dinners, including his older sister Blandine’s dinners. He enjoyed watching hockey, crime shows, and Kramer on Seinfeld. He especially enjoyed watching all kinds of combat sports mainly UFC and boxing as they reminded him of his son Lee’s professional boxing days. On Cecil’s headboard bookshelf a unique collection of books could be found ranging from his favorite author Stephen King to traditional Indian knowledge. Cecil strongly believed in his Blackfoot ways and would attend ceremonies when he could.

He loved Mohammad Ali who he got to meet in person, and in his travels he also met one of his old buddies Johnny Cash at a place only cool cats liked to hang out in those days.

Cecil was known for his blunt sense of humour and his caring nature. He was always there for friends who were struggling, and he always had his door open for those who needed a place to stay. He also had a big heart for the animals he had in his life.

He is survived by his children; Levi (Michelle) Bastien, Angie (Dwayne) Bastien, Natasha (Neil) Stevenson, Cole Merrick, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cecil was very proud of his children. He loved coaching his son Levi in boxing when he was growing up. Angie was his baby girl, who could do no wrong in his eyes. Natasha and her success in her education was something Cecil was very proud of. Cole is Cecil’s youngest, and although Cole lived in Manitoba, Cecil always made it a point to mention him to the family back home.

He is predeceased by his son Sean Kelly, his wife Charlene Stevenson, his parents George and Mary Bastien, his grandparents Josephine and Albert Sunday, Frank Bastien and Lucy Black Weasel, and his brothers Stewart, Elmer and Stanley Bastien. He will lovingly be remembered by his children, his big sister Blandine Bastien, his brother-in-law Mark Strikes with a Gun, and his friends and good friend Dan Weasel Fat.

Most of all…

Cecil was known for being kind to those who needed it. His favourite advice was “don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Cecil was cremated and his ashes will be spread by his children at a place he loved.

Snodgrass Funeral Home assisting the Bastien family

with funeral arrangements (403) 627-4864