DELANEY, Wallace

Wallace Delaney – Iitopitsaopii (Sits at the Edge)

November 25, 1934 – March 6, 2020

Wallace Delaney made his journey Home on March 6, 2020 at the Kainai Continuing Care Centre where he lived his remaining years surrounded by his loving family, staff and friends who deeply respected and admired his gentle nature, humor and compassion.

Wallace grew up on the Blood reserve and learned at an early age the work ethics he practiced throughout his lifetime. After marrying Eleanor, the love of his life, they settled in the Belly Buttes where they raised their family. During this period in his life, Wallace counted on the faith from the Lord to guide him after a tragic accident — where his wife and son made their journey.

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord…”

After he regained his strength, Wallace raised his family to the best of his abilities on his ranch. He raised horses and even had a coop full of chickens where his children gathered so many eggs they eventually distributed them to community members. It was on his ranch where Wallace raised top-notch horses that were registered with the American Paint Association and other Quarter Horse Associations. He was especially proud of Vegas Smooth whose reputation in the horse-racing circles ran deep in Western Canada and the United States.

In his younger years, Wallace was a familiar member of the road crew who often spent days opening the roads after severe snowstorms and repairing roadways during the rainy seasons. He was always proud of the fact of building the main road from the Healy Bridge to the present-day highway 509 with Wallace ‘Capone’ Many Fingers using only their thumbs as guides in keeping the road as straight as possible. Many times, days into their duties, concerned community members, grateful for the efforts of the road crew, would feed them a hot meal and coffee. After operating his trucking business, among other ventures, Wallace and his family bought and operated the Delaney Restaurant in the Blood Tribe’s administration building. He thoroughly enjoyed the company of long-time friends and making new ones. Forever grateful, Wallace always remembered the generosity of the people, and every year since him and his children opened for business, they honored the support of the people by feeding everyone with a full-course turkey dinner during Christmas. Wallace always gave back to the community his offerings, whether large or small, as his way of showing his respect.

“So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Wallace Delaney will be laid to rest at the One Spot Cemetery in Old Agency where he spent most of his life. He was a deeply religious man who graciously donated his time and financial contributions towards his church’s activities. Later, he supported his daughter during her spiritual journey in our traditional Blackfoot way of life the same way he supported his brother Adam. Although he chose to follow the Christian way of life, he always respected the traditional Blackfoot ceremonial ways. Wallace had a loving, extended family and maintained his deep respect and love for each and every one during his lifetime. He would often travel to Siksika where he found great joy and comfort being with family.

Wallace is survived by: The staff and residents of the Kainai Continuing Care Centre, Julius (Bailey), Emily, Sandra (Tom Russell), Louanne (Troy), Duayne; Adopted children: Travis Plaited Hair (Veronica), Sally Plaited Hair; Son-in-law: Lloyd Eagle Child; Sister: Eve Yellow Old Woman; Adopted brother: Sam (Mary) Hofer; Brothers-in-law: Stuart (Marion) Weasel Moccasin, Andrew Weasel Moccasin; Sisters in-law: Alva (Patrick) Weasel Moccasin, Greta (Raymond) Many Bears; Wallace is survived by 23 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren. His extended family includes the original sisters who immigrated from the Gros Ventres: Chief Body, Tailfeathers, Singer, Wadsworth and brother Many Braids. Also included are the Wolf Leg, Weasel Child and Steven’s families.

Wallace was pre-deceased by his loving wife Eleanor, son Delbert and daughter Velma; son Kevin Black Rabbit; brother Adam Delaney; son-in-law Tweedy Old Shoes.

If family & friends wish to make a financial contribution, the family of the Late Wallace Delaney kindly request all donations be made to: Bringing the Spirit Home Detox Centre, Stand Off, AB.

A Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, March 12th, at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve from 7:00 – 11:00 p. m. The Funeral Service will be at the Old Agency Hall on Friday, March 13th, at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the One Spot Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca