HEALY, Leslie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear loving father, Leslie Leonard Healy. He joined his wife, Evelyn, surrounded by his children and grandchildren peacefully in the early morning of August 10, 2025, at the age of 80 Years.

Leslie was survived by his children Ann, Brenda, Holly, Joe and Amber (Joao). His grandchildren Mandy, Davie,  William “Cody”, Raquel, Valentina and Marley. His great- grandchildren, Isaac, Kashtin, Jaylene, Katerina, Halo, Stormy, Hunter, Lincoln, Zaiden and baby Evelyn. His sisters Nora Eagle Bear and Carmen Black Water. His sister-in-Laws Barbara Heavyshields, Sharon Heavyshields, Faye Heavyshields and Nora Healy. Brothers-in-Law Jordan Heavyshields and Stephen Heavyshields. Leslie is also survived by his special adopted children, Maria Russell, Susan and Tim Heavyshields, Al and Cher Collar, JR Fox, Merlin and Gina Calling Last, Tracy Big Head, Terrance Bottle, Delray First Rider, Albert Tagoe and Marlene Sweetgrass. And numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored within Healy and Heavyshields families.

Leslie was predeceased by his wife Evelyn Healy, grandson Justin Healy, parents, the late David Sr. and Gwen Healy, his father and mother-in-law the late Eddie and Adelaide Heavyshields. His siblings Richard Healy, Merle Healy, Fred Healy, David Healy, Wilfred Soop and Dorothy Ward. Brother in-laws Alphonse Eagle Bear, Oliver Ward, Sister-in-laws Shirley Healy, Geraldine Soop. His wife’s siblings the late Lena Russell, Herman “Mousie” Heavyshields, Ed Jr. Heavyshields, Gordon Heavyshields, John Heavyshields, Mary “Lulu” Heavyshields, Baby Teresa and baby boy who passed in infancy. Also, many family members who have passed on before him.

In his early years growing up on the Healy farm, his work ethic, drive and determination was instilled growing up with his brothers and father David Sr. during hay season, attending St. Paul’s residential school for a brief time and attending school in Cardston where he also drove the school bus. He also engaged in sports in his younger years playing hockey, baseball and golf with his peers.

During his teen years, he then met the love of his life attending a rodeo at St. Mary’s residential school. As Evelyn (Babsie) sat on the fence watching with her sister wearing bib overalls and braids, he watched her in awe, fell head over heels in love. They married on May 16, 1964 and began their life and started their family.

Leslie’s formal education started in his twenties attending the Alberta Junior Business College in Calgary. After convocation, Leslie began his 50+ year political career advocating for Indigenous people locally, provincially, and national platform that included serving as the Executive Director for Indian News media for Blood Tribe, Co-Founder of Blackfoot Media, Appointed Assistant to the Minister of Indian Affairs in Ottawa, Ont., Regional Director for Health Alberta, Serving as board member for Indian Association of Alberta, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, worked closely with the National Indian Brotherhood as the Alberta alternate delegate on the national council. Played a key part in Blood Tribe events such as the arrival of Prince Charles and Master of Ceremonies for the opening of the Shot Both Sides Building and served on the committee for the opening of the Kainai Industries Building. But his true calling was honoring, serving and leading his people of the Blood Tribe as one of 12 members of council in which he served multiple terms from the 1960’s – 2000’s for a total of 22 years.

During the 57 loving years of marriage, Leslie and Evelyn (Babsie) would welcome 5 children. 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. And along the way adopted special individuals that also became a special part of the family. Family was always so precious to Leslie as he and Evelyn always made trips to see his daughters in Calgary where they lived. There was always something to be celebrated from birthday parties, the birth of a grandchild and attending special events such as their grandchildren’s hockey games. And so very proud of his only son Joe, who followed in his footsteps with an education in business. Supporting his children through life paths and teaching them that no matter what, love of family is what is most important. And when it came to his grandchildren, did he ever love being a grandpa. Traveling was also very much a part of

Leslie’s family life. With their children young, they would take their children camping with some of their nieces and nephews and adventure anywhere the truck and camper would go. Road trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, Graceland, California with Evelyn side by his side they created many beautiful memories together.

Leslie also found his place in the Sundance circle with Evelyn and his two daughters, Holly and Amber. During his commitment to the Sundance, his connection with creator grew developing a sense of purpose, brotherhood and healing through sacrifices made in each passing year. Dancing for his family, his people and anyone who requested prayer and healing.

On behalf of Leslie Healy, his children thank those of you who made his life so fulfilling through family and friendship. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Cole Leavitt and the Long-Term Care staff in Cardston who took such good care of our father.

A wake service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. A funeral service will also be at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Monday, August 18 at 1:30 pm. Interment to follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Blood Reserve.