“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Mathew 5:4

On December 11, 2025, surrounded by his son and family, Larry Joseph Black Plume hung up his skates and took his place in the great arena beyond. A lifelong Calgary Flames fan, Larry cheered every goal, believed through every season, and wore red with pride. His passion for hockey, his family, and his friends remained steadfast throughout his life. Larry Joseph Black Plume, age 68, of the Blood Tribe, passed away following a brief battle with lung cancer.

Born on April 16, 1957, at the Blood Indian Hospital in Cardston, Alberta, Larry was the first son of Lawrence Black Plume and Rosaline Hoof, joining the family after four daughters. Larry began his education at St. Mary’s Residential School between 1963 and 1968, continued at Glenwood for junior high between 1968 and 1971, and completed high school in Vancouver, BC between 1971 and 1974. In 1989, he furthered his studies in Grouard, Alberta, earning his carpentry certificate. A man of many trades, Larry worked with numerous organizations and businesses throughout his life, including Charlton & Hill Roofing, Southland Trailers, the Blood Tribe Forage Plant, and the Lethbridge Homeless Shelter.

Larry was a gentle soul with a quiet presence and a mischievous streak, especially when teasing his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He carried himself with humility and kindness, opening his home to anyone in need, a welcoming refuge for friends and family alike. As a single father, Larry poured his heart into raising his son, and in his later years, he worked to build a meaningful relationship with his daughter. His granddaughters and grandson were the light of his life, and he never missed a chance to show his pride and affection for them. Larry's role as an uncle was legendary; he delighted in playful banter, but also relied on his nieces and nephews when he needed a ride or a helping hand. Whether as a younger or older brother, Larry expressed his love for his siblings in his own unique way, leaving each of them with cherished, enduring memories.

Larry is survived by his children; Lawrence Black Plume and Lisa Kelly-Stacey; his step-children, Shawn and Tyson Sweet Grass; his grandchildren, Shantia (Pacen) Bruised Head, Jordan (Darren II) Bruised Head, Mila Black Plume, Stephanie Kelly-Stacey, Victoria Kelly-Stacey, and Austin Kelly-Stacey; his great-grandchildren, Kylo Wadsworth, Xavier, Dreakko, and Aalani Bruised Head, Darren Small Eyes III, Yelena, Bley, Elizabeth, Emma, and Elliot Kelly-Stacey. 

His siblings: Rosaline Black Plume, Virginia Black Plume, Barry (Lorraine) Black Plume, Jerry (Joanne) Black Plume, Clarence Hoof, Phyllis Black Plume, Nina Smith, and Deanna Black Plume. 

His nieces and nephews: Melva Black Plume, Leeboy Lawrence Red Crow, Ian (Noamie) Red Crow, Shawna (Keith) Strangling Wolf, Marcella (Tom) Red Crow, Jaqi (Ronnie Jr.) Scout, Joshua Black Plume, Jerome Blood, Norina (Rod) Ballesteros, Cody Black Plume, Roberta (William) Parsons, Sarah (LJ) Good Eagle, Kimmy (Lee) Sweet Grass, Tiffany Sweet Grass, Rudy Black Plume, Eva Black Plume, Bradley Black Plume, Anastasia Plume, Jared Black Plume, Twylla Russell, Lizzie (Herb) Crowchild, Aryson Black Plume, Akuuma Black Plume, Myles (Genevieve) Black Water, Chancy (Jon) Black Water, Peyton (Jerrance) Smith, Sage Shade, Karli Minhas, and Silver Twigg. 

He is also survived by his paternal aunties: Maryann (Les) Across the Mountain, Margaret (Ronald) Across the Mountain and Ramona Black Plume. He is also fondly remembered by countless great-nieces and great-nephews, cherished relatives from both sides of his family, and many friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lawrence and Rosaline Black Plume (nee Hoof), and stepfather, Hereditary Chief Jim Shot Both Sides. 

His soulmate, his true love, Verna Sweet Grass. 

His maternal grandparents, Nina and Ronald Hoof, and his paternal grandparents, Joe and Lizzie Across the Mountain (nee Standing Alone) and Frank Black Plume. 

Paternal great-great-grandmother, Long Time Pipe Woman. 

He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Bernice Red Crow (nee Black Plume), Lena Black Plume, Francis Black Plume, and Randall Black Plume. Nephews: Russell Red Crow, Braxton Black Plume, and Rhys Koroll. 

Nieces: Marcella Black Plume and Nicole Red Crow. 

Brothers-in-law, Cordell Weasel Moccasin, Johnny Red Crow, Edward Jr. Heavy Shields, John (Tweedy) Smith and Lee Smith. 

Maternal aunts & uncles, Ada & Pete Weasel Moccasin, Eva Hoof, Joseph Hoof, Ralph (Bernadette) Hoof. 

Paternal aunts and uncles, Tereasa & Martin Hairy Bull, Morris, Alfred, Dominic (Tereasa), Michael, and Joseph Across the Mountain, Uncle Regis (Bella) Black Plume. 

Extended Relatives: Dick Soop & family, Sam Black Plume & family, Bob Black Plume & family, Douglas Many Grey Horses Sr. & family, Hoof, Stabs Down, Sharp Adze & family, Across the Mountain & family.

As we bid farewell to Larry, his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, Larry, heaven has gained the Flames’ most devoted fan. His laughter, kindness, and trademark humour live on, especially the unforgettable way he’d boast about his “Shelter Beauties,” always with a mischievous smile.

The family apologizes if we missed anyone.

A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 am. 

Interment will take place at Levern Cemetery. A feast will follow at Senator Gladstone Hall.