HEAVY SHIELDS, Rudy Josh

HEAVY SHIELDS

RUDY JOSH (RJ/ARCH) HEAVY SHIELDS

SIIPIITSOAHKITOPII – “Night Handsome Rider”

DECEMBER 28, 1985 – DECEMBER 4, 2020

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a son, father, companion, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, grandson and friend Rudy Josh (RJ) Heavy Shields, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on the evening of December 4, 2020. RJ is survived by his loving family, Children: Cohen and Paisley Heavy Shields, Mother: Paula Healy (Calvin Cross Child). Adopted sons: Rougan and Isaiah (God Son) Wings. Companion/friend: Darcie Doore and Stepson Kendon White Quills. Brothers and Sister: Trevor (Elena) Healy, Arlene and Todd Across the Mountain, Elaine (Troy) Devine, Cody (Mary) Fox, Shaw (Bailey) Scout, Clay Plume & Carter (Kayla) Little Shields & Mitch Many Fingers. Grandmothers: Lila (Richard) Heavy Head and Emily (Muggs) Goodstriker, Cousins: Kenny, Talsa, Bambi, Logan, Marty, Fawn and Sable Heavy Shields, Joni (Shane) Sweet Grass, Krissy Plume, Maizie (Ty) Little Shields, Chad, Motlee, Averi, Shanelle, Colby, Devin, Dwight, Robby, Candace, Brian Jr., Misty, Miranda, Rochelle, Marlee, Evan, Cera Healy, Wyatt & Kaedan Day Rider, Sophia, Scarlett, Conner, Krista, Tawny, Daleyn and Cash Healy. Nieces & Nephews: Natosii, Ariel, Cole, Adrianna, Laz, Ken, Marie, Jr., Aiden, Kiera, Halle, Briere, Christian, Nixion, Darius, Lendrix, Dallas, Kodi Bree, Fallyn, Hayden, Calli, Conner, Weston, Kip Roze, Rhyle, Eddie, Khyler and Silver, Keyshawn, Bailey. Maternal Uncles and Aunties: Murray (Margaret) Eagle Plume, Robert (Christine) Healy, Marlow Healy, Adam Healy, Tanya (Lance) Wolf Child, Sandy & Michelle Healy. Paternal Uncles and Aunties: Les (Emily) Heavy Shields, Darlene (Jim) Plume, Twylla (Lance) Little Shields, Paul (Nadine) Goodstriker, Duke (Irma) Rabbit. Great Aunties & Uncles: Bella (Bert) Mistaken Chief, Sheila Healy, Jessalyn (Armand) Page, Heather Black Water, Sandra Black Rabbit, Del (the late Diane) Healy Sr. Greg (the late Eileen) Eagle Plume Sr, Clara (Late Art Healy Jr.) Late Jordon, Burton and Terry Healy, Late Patsy Weasel Moccasin and Late Fern Healy, Delphine (Late Woodrow Good Striker), Alex/Mickey (Late Mildred Good Striker) Late Larry & Patsy Rabbit, Lena (Late James Russell), Late Herman Heavy Shields, Jordan Heavy Shields, the late Gordon (Okan) Heavy Shields, Barb (Late Lymn Tailfeathers), Late Mary Heavy Shields, Evelyn and Les Healy, Steven, Faye and Sharon Heavy Shields, Late John Heavy Shields. RJ, as he was known to his parents, the late Rudy Heavy Shields and Paula Healy, his friends, family and many relatives, arrived as a bundle of joy on December 28, 1985. RJ was loved and well-liked by all those who felt his warmth and comfort. Like his parents, RJ had a mischievous and humorous nature, as well as a truly compassionate and caring attitude. RJ was raised with those same values of his parents and ancestors who cared deeply for people as he would give the shirt off his back or feed those going through difficult times without asking for anything in return – that was his nature. He was especially close to his parents as he would confide in nearly everything with them. His concern and wellbeing of his mother Paula was heart-warming and touching as he made sure his mother knew he was her baby. He would always make sure she wasn’t feeling down or sick. When his dad Rudy was ill, he dedicated his time to be by his side. RJ made sure his dad’s needs were taken care of. It is with this same loving care and attention he shared with his parents that he assumed with his own children. As a father, RJ completely loved spending quality time with his children Cohen, and Paisley. RJ had fun with his girl Paisley, or Paz as she was called, and would often be heard laughing together as he tried to paint the perfect fingernail; RJ did, however, manage to master his daughter’s ‘messy bun’. RJ was also very supportive of his son by teaching and watching him play hockey and soccer. He tried his best to keep up with the hyper Cohen in their activities that included bike riding, roller blading and playing golf. His own little family meant the world to him. RJ was an athletic young man who played hockey in the minor hockey system all the way up into the Junior Hockey League. Hockey was his passion. He learned to play by watching his dad and uncles Les and Murray among other heroes. He was a gifted but modest athlete. RJ was an intelligent individual who graduated from the Kainai High School and later completed the Educational Assistance Certification program at Red Crow College. He enjoyed interacting with his fellow students and teachers and especially looked forward to teaching young children with special needs. His care and compassion were in the forefront during this time with the children; he was a natural teacher. But RJ knew he had much to learn and he did so by helping out as much as he could. Every year, RJ would camp out at the Sundance, helping out his Grandfather Ed and Patrick Black Plume, and offering his help to Lance and Twylla, Richard and Lila and to everyone who called upon him for his emotional and physical strength. RJ was a true human being. His character and attitude showed as he treated all his family and friends equally. He will always be remembered as his mama’s boy and his daddy’s best friend and he will forever live on in the hearts of his children and his loving family. RJ was predeceased by his loving Dad and Best friend: Rudy Heavy Shields, great-grandparents: Eddie & Adelaide Heavy Shields, Frank & Beatrice Good Striker, Art & Betty Healy, Bernard Eagle Plume and Irene and Emil Wings. Grandparents Marion & Ed Heavy Shields and Winston Healy and Bernadine Eagle Plume. Uncle Murray Heavy Shields & Brian (Plyers) Healy. Cousin: Gina Marie Heavy Shields and Daynin Healy, and Tyson Devine. The Family would like to thank the Doctors and Staff; Dr Shay Eagle Bear & Dr Clarke, and Lethbridge Regional Hospital who took excellent care of RJ. ICU Doctors: Dr. Olsen, Dr. Barnes, Dr. Tavish, Dr. Spence. Nursing Staff: Orie, Cindy, Jen, Scott and many others. Indigenous Hospital Care Team: Roxie Vaille, Suzan Heavy Shields, Anne Fox.

A Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, December 11th, from 3:00 – 8:00 pm. A Viewing will be held on Saturday, December 12th, from 10:00 – 11:00 am at Legacy Funeral Home with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery. (Due to COVID regulations a limited number of 10 people will be permitted into the services- please wear a mask).

To WATCH the Wake or the Funeral Service online or send condolences, please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca