PLAIN EAGLE, Stanford

Stanford Grant Plain Eagle “Sski-takkasin – Left behind” Born September 18, 1957 – Passed Away February 19, 2025 Stanford Plain Eagle passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on February 19, 2025. He was 67 years old.
He is survived by his children: Patrick Good Rider, Travis Good Rider, and Mackenzie Potts; grandchildren: Rita Many Shots and Jayden Good Rider; and siblings: Audrey Little Mustache, Douglas Plain Eagle, Chief Peter (Jeannie) Strikes With A Gun, Laura (Doug) Iron Shirt, Beverly (George) Four Horns, Calvin (Tammy) Plain Eagle, Bree (Tyler) Mutter, Vaness (Shawnee) Plain Eagle, Wade Plain Eagle, Trina (Charles) First Rider, James (Mary) Plain Eagle, Noreen Plain Eagle, Florence Weasel Bear, Isabelle Wolf Tail, and Alma Provost.
He is also survived by his special aunties Catherine George and Louise English; adopted siblings Judy Creighton, Lyle Smith, and Leona Smith; godchildren Lola Good Rider and Wally Good Rider; and traditional adopted sister and brother, Nancy Niles and Scott Jensen.
His mother, Margaret, also adopted and raised Daniel Crow Shoe, Randy Wolf Tail, Cornelius Little Mustache, April Crow Shoe, and Martin (Woody) Smith, who were also Stan’s siblings.
Stanford was predeceased by his wife, Audrey Good Rider; his parents, Jim and Margaret Plain Eagle; his sister, Judy Plain Eagle; brothers, Gary Plain Eagle, Harvey Plain Eagle, Melvin Plain Eagle, Leslie Man Who Smokes, Richard (Dickie) Plain Eagle, Cameron (Cabbage) Plain Eagle, Terrance Plain Eagle, and Wayne Plain Eagle; nieces, Crystal Plain Eagle, Jenna Big Bull, Kayleen Pard, Miranda Pard, and Kieran Plain Eagle; nephew, Leon Iron Shirt; his adopted parents, Floyd & Mary Ann Smith; maternal grandparents, Willy Crow Shoe and Laura (The Old Lady) Buffalo; paternal grandparents, Pat Plain Eagle and Suzy Plain Eagle (Man Who Smokes); uncles on the Crow Shoe side, David, Richard, Jackie Sr., Joe Sr., and Arthur; aunts on the Crow Shoe side, Ethel and Elsie; uncles on the Plain Eagle side, Patrick; aunts on the Plain Eagle side, Josephine, Alice, Dolly, Audrey, and Sophia; brothers-in-law, Stanley Small Legs and Nelbert Little Mustache; sisters-in-law, Bridgette No Chief and Brenda Pard; Aunt Suzy Strangling Wolf; Uncle Chris Strangling Wolf; and sister, Daphene Good Eagle.
A Life of Strength and Adventure
At an early age, Stanford left home to attend school in British Columbia with his sister, Judy. After a couple of years, they returned home, where Floyd and Mary Ann Smith welcomed him as one of their own children. He cherished his time growing up with his new siblings, often sharing wild and funny stories about his adventures with Tiki, Leona, and Lyle.
He helped his parents on the family farm by gathering coal, fetching water, chopping wood, and working with horses. This is where he developed his horsemanship skills.
Stan was also a jockey, riding alongside Eddy Bad Eagle and traveling across the U.S., including Pendleton, Oregon. He worked at the Lethbridge racetrack with Neil Sharp Adze as a jockey.
He had a passion for sports, playing hockey, baseball, and fastball with teams such as Sarcee, Peigan Cowboys, Eagles, and Oldtimers. He loved fishing and hunting with his brothers in their younger days.
His Love for Games and Competition
Stanford was highly creative – he compiled a book on Piikani history, enjoyed arts and crafts, and loved puzzles like crosswords and cribbage. He played bingo and scratch-and-win lotto cards and enjoyed visiting the casino.
About 15 years ago, he became known as a pool shark, joining the Lethbridge Pool League alongside his brothers Douglas, Richard, and Leslie. Their team, the Eagles Pool Club, won the B Title, earning a spot in the Vegas Tournament, where Stan later advanced to the A Division. He loved traveling to Edmonton for the Western Canadian finals and was known for his impressive ERO’s and 40’s.
Anatapsii Relay Racing and Dedication to His Team
Stan was a dedicated member of the Anatapsii Relay Team for six years, beginning in 2018. He lived in Goodfish Lake with his brother, Calvin, watching over horses. He played a vital role in training, feeding, grooming, and caring for them.
Stan’s passion for Indian Relay Racing took him across Alberta and Saskatchewan, competing in major events, including Enoch and the Calgary Stampede, where he proudly helped introduce traditional Indian Relay Racing.
One unforgettable memory was at a race in Saskatchewan, where Stan witnessed a dangerous altercation between rival teams. Concerned for safety, he warned his team never to return there. Another time, at Enoch, Stan insisted on sleeping under the stars beside the horses, saying, “That was one of the best sleeps I ever had.”
He always smudged the horses and team before every race, believing it brought protection and good fortune.
A Family Man with a Big Heart
Stanford’s greatest pride and joy were his three children – Patrick, Travis, and Mackenzie. He spent endless days with his sons, traveling to family visits, pool tournaments, baseball games, Indian Relay Races, and Calgary Flames games.
He created a home in Fort Macleod for his family, always encouraging his sons to be their best. Patrick and Travis were his constant companions, traveling with him wherever he went.
His daughter, Mackenzie, was his angel. Whenever she was around, his smile stretched from cheek to cheek. He spoke endlessly about her accomplishments in school and sports, proudly saying, “That’s my girl – she got her sports talent from me.”
Stan also adored his grandchildren, Rita and Jayden, introducing them to the family and sharing his joy when they were born. He even handed out cigars in celebration, telling everyone about his grandbabies.
A Man Who Left an Imprint on Many
Stanford was a man of kindness, humor, and warmth. He openly teased everyone in a good way and always greeted people with a smile. He loved coaching and mentoring, supporting his nieces, nephews, and great-nephews in hockey, baseball, and basketball.
He traveled to Las Vegas with his brothers for a pool tournament, amazed by the city lights and excitement. During the trip, he visited the temple in Utah, where he washed his face in the fountain and jokingly said, “I’m praying for an angel to come into my life.” Years later, Mackenzie was born.
A Lasting Legacy
Stanford’s unconditional love was evident in everything he did – through his laughter, his jokes, his storytelling, and his endless acts of kindness. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.
We will miss our dear Stan.. love you, until we meet again beyond the sandhills.
A 2-Night Wake Service will be held at the family residence, Piikani Nation, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, starting at 3 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held at Piikani Nation Community Hall, Brocket, AB, on Friday, February 28, 2025, starting at 12:00 PM.
Following the Funeral Service, Stan will be laid to rest at Piikani Nation Cemetery, on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com