BUCKSKIN, Eric

Posted: March 5th, 2019

ERIC REGINALD BUCKSKIN

“Iikaistapohtaaokomi” – Echoing one after another

1943 – 2019

With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Eric (Bun) Reginald Buckskin, age 75 years, on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Eric was born November 24, 1943 to Reggie and Gladys Buckskin. He was a devoted husband to his wife Nina Buckskin nee Wells for 53 years marrying her on April 24, 1965. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Throughout the years, they supported each other in whatever activity they were involved in, sports, powwow or just travelling.

Eric enjoyed the countless birthdays, barbeques and just being with his family throughout the years. Highlights in his life were the births of his grandchildren and was lovingly known as Papa.

He excelled in numerous sports which included being a fast ball pitcher, hockey goalie, ice curler, golfer, volley ball player and ace pool player. Eric’s pool team was the “Sugar Daddies” consisting of Julius Spear Chief, Mark Strikes with a Gun, Oliver Russell, Charlie Small Face, Randy Crazy Boy and the late Floyd Smith. He was someone you’d reckon with in these sports as he had a powerful arm. Eric travelled extensively to compete in these sports making lifelong friends along the way. He brought home trophies, medals and bragging rights. He did a lot of hunting in his days with his dad, Reggie, uncles and friends.

Eric supported his wife Nina on her powwow excursions. He thoroughly enjoyed the dancing and singing for many hours being a spectator and oftentimes being a judge for some competitions. As he recorded the drumming at powwows, he distinguished the songs and who the drum group was. Whenever we erroneously identified the drum group, he proudly provided the correct singers. Days before the powwow got underway; Eric would be seen pulling his RV to head to the next powwow. He had his favorite spots at each powwow. He and Nina had a whole gathering of friends they made along the powwow trail.

Eric was a hardworking husband and father to ensure his family was provided with their needs. He worked for Blood Tribe as Grader and Gravel truck operator, before becoming a Construction Foreman. He made numerous friends with clients as a Medical Transportation Driver for the Blood Tribe Department of Health, Inc. Nothing made him more proud that to hear of accomplishments his children and grandchildren committed themselves to. When his son, Grant sought to achieve his goal to become a police officer, he fully supported him. Eric kept in close touch with him wherever he was throughout the years. He was especially proud of daughter Tammy’s achievements working with the youth at the schools. Later on he focused on his grandchildren encouraging them to do the best in whatever challenges they committed themselves to. Eric was enthralled with their anecdotes of accomplishments in sports, travel and other activities they embarked on. He’d often reminisce of hilarious predicaments they’d get themselves into.

Eric was survived by his wife, Nina Buckskin, son Grant Buckskin (Jody Buckskin), Tammy Buckskin (Delray) and Carolyn Wells, grandchildren: Saige, Charmaine, Ellie, Chayse, Dawn, Olivia, Roger Craig, Wyatt, Karma and Marley. He had ten great grandchildren, Tayli, Mylee, Makale, Colten, Camden Reggie, Papakii, Kaleb, Jenna, Jonah and Urijah as well as numerous family members that Eric welcomed into his household. Sisters Marina No Runner (late Lawrence No Runner) Geraldine Eagle Speaker (Ike Eagle Speaker), Maryann Buckskin. Nieces Sandra Shade (Chris Shade),Vanessa Buckskin (Mitch Doore), Annette Soup (late Renny Soup). Brother Jasper Buckskin (Gabrielle). Nephews Kelvin Black Horse (Violet), Fabian Medicine Crane. Sister-in-law Theresa Mistaken Chief.

He was predeceased by his parents Reggie and Gladys Buckskin, son Ben Calf Robe, grand-daughter Ricki Buckskin. Sisters Mildred and Freda Buckskin, brothers Harvey and Leslie Buckskin. Grandmother: Minnie Long Time Squirrel. Grandfather: Ernest Brave Rock. Uncle and aunt Ted and Annie Brave Rock. Father-in law Jimmy Wells, mother-in law: Molly Wells, brother-in laws Jimmy Wells, Edwin Wells, Jordan Wells, Wilfred Brave Rock. Sisters-in-law Shirley Calf Robe, Florence Brave Rock, Joan Wells, Anna Wells Brothers.

Family would like to thank Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Wong for the medical treatment they provided for Eric. Special thanks for the superlative care given to him at his home by the BTDH Home Care team.

Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Wednesday, March 6, 2019 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Moses Lake Gym 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. An all-night Wake will be held at the Buckskin residence in upper Moses Lake. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 11 a.m. officiated by Father Pawel Andrasz OMI. Interment will be at the Family Cemetery near Tammy Buckskin’s residence along Highway 509. Family Feast will be at the White Calf Hall in Standoff, AB.

Condolences may be sent to: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca