Russell Chief

“Wipapew” was born on January 22, 1949 to George and Genevieve Chief. He was the third oldest of 11 children. Dad grew up in Onion Lake, and worked on surrounding farms as a farm hand.  He left in 1974 and began working in Taber, AB. with Nagai Farms.  It was during this time that he met Judy Buchta.  Together they had 2 children, Shannon and Nicole Buchta. He also pastured for Claus Young for many years. His final place of employment was with Onion Lake FRP, where he worked for 13 years serving the community, until his retirement.  Dad enjoyed travelling to various handgame tournaments and made many friends along the way. In the earlier days he would follow the Border Chief team, as he was an avid fan. As he grew to enjoy his retirement, he would spend many an evening with his brothers Peter, Ralph and Borden watching television, whether it was hockey, wrestling or UFC. While he lived at the Elders Lodge, he would walk down the hall with his change jar and ask the ladies if they were ready to get beat.  He enjoyed seeing people at bingo or the casino. 
     
“Wipapew” was predeceased by: his father, George (1988); his mother, Genevieve (1983); his siblings, Warren Chief, Kathleen Paddy (John), Georgina Chief, Sandra Chief, Bernice Chief, Gloria Hart (Chief), Alloy (Gary) Chief, Theresa Desjarlais (Chief), Geraldine Stanley, and Erma Cross; his aunts, Eva Chief, Mary Mountain (Chief), and Eliza Stanley; his uncles, Edward Chief, Lloyd Chief, Borden Chief, and Baby Chief (unknown); his nieces, Tenena Paddy, and Melanie Littlewolfe; and his nephews, Vincent Chief, Sheldon Chief, Lionel Paddy, and Corwin Paddy. 
     
He leaves to mourn his passing: his children, Shannon (Melissa) Buchta, and Nicole Buchta; his granddaughters, Carsyn and Emma Buchta;  the  mother of his children, Judy Buchta; his brothers, Borden Seekaskootch, Peter Chief, Ralph (Maxine) Chief, Willy Chief, Angus (Florence) Chief, Adam (Marlene) Chief, Austin Mountain, Glen Mountain, and Wallace Mountain; his sisters, Marilyn Chief, Freda Chief, Hilda Mountain, and Doreen (Eval) Larievere; his uncles, Louis Stanley, George Stanley, Ernie Stanley, and Harvey Stanley; his aunts, Martha Stanley, Joyce Stanley, Mary Stanley, and Irene Stanley.

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