Joseph Benedict (Ben) Red Crow - Piinakasii / Mi’Kai’Sto - of Standoff, AB beloved husband of the late Patricia (Mary) Red Crow, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at Edith Cavell Care Centre on April 4, 2025, at the age of 82 years.

Ben was a well-respected member of the community and surrounding communities. He was well known for being a pool shark champion. Most importantly he was known for being a loving husband to Patricia (Mary), a loving father to his six children, and a loving grandpa to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ben is survived by his three sons: Kurt Red Crow (Cheryl), Tom Red Crow, and Joe Red Crow. His daughter, Cindy Red Crow; His 36 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; his nephews, Mervin MacDonald and Lloyd MacDonald; his niece, Delphine Pipestem; adopted Son, Ivan Singer; as well as numerous family members.

Ben is predeceased by his dad, Francis Red Crow; mom, Annie Red Crow (Iron); his wife, Patricia (Mary) Red Crow; his daughters, Benita Red Crow and Miranda, Minde; His daughter-in-law, Marcella Black Plume; his grandsons, Kyle Red Crow, Cyrus Mind, Curtis Lee Red Crow and Baby Robert; His granddaughters, Terrelle Minde and Kristen Red Crow; His brothers, Allen Red Crow, Allred Red Crow, Alexander “Jack” Red Crow, and Cyril Red Crow; his sisters, Anges Stabs Down, Madeline Molnar, Irene Eagle Plume, Mary Devine; and adopted son Keon Weasel Head.

As a young child he met his best friend in kindergarten, while they were both youth members of the St. Mary’s Residential School. Their friendship would flourish to a love story like no other, as this friend would later become his lover than wife, Patricia (Mary). They were married in December 1964, with only a small number of people in attendance. Ben and Patricia were focused on their love for each other as they were only wanting a marriage and a family. Ben and Patricia were devout Catholics, who prayed with love to protect everyone they loved. Ben and Patricia had a marriage that was admired by so many people, as their love and admiration for each other was unmatched and will last for eternity.

Once Ben was done attending St. Mary’s, he would later go on to attend Lethbridge Community College. Ben had the skills and passion for basketball. While attending St. Mary’s, he was a notable basketball player that would later make him the first Blackfoot member to play for the Lethbridge Kodiaks. Ben was also a skilled pool player; he was invited to play in snooker tournaments throughout Southern Alberta and he would become a snooker champion. He loved to play pool and would play at any given opportunity. Ben had the passion and talent for numerous activities, especially for hockey, basketball, golf, pool and hand games. He would go on to coaching as well, teaching youth members how to be strong players and leaders. Ben coached minor baseball and would bring his team to the Western Canadian championship game. He also coached the Golden Eagles basketball team, as well as numerous hockey teams. To support his family, he was a well-recognized employee for Kainai Industries.

After Ben and Patricia were married, they were ready to become parents and have a big family of their own. Ben and Patricia would welcome six wonderful children, Kurt, Tom, Benita, Miranda, Joe and Cindy, into the world. Ben loved his children; he loved working together with Patricia to raise them. As Ben was a profound athlete he would pass his passion of golf, hockey, basketball, pool, and hand games onto his children; this was a way to bond with his children. He raised his children to always work hard, to always take pride in their work. He taught his children how to be assertive and to speak their minds. Ben was known for having an amazing sense of humour, a trait that was passed onto his children as a way to carry on his legacy. Ben was proud of each of his children and each of his children admired and respected their dad. Throughout his illness his three sons would visit him every day, eat supper with him and pray with him.

Ben’s children would become adults and soon start having families of their own. Ben and Patricia would become proud grandparents to many grandchildren who all loved their grandpa very much. Ben taught his children how to be amazing, loving parents, as he was a caring, attentive father to his children, and this was a characteristic his children would mirror as parents. Ben’s love for basketball, pool, hockey and hand games would be picked up by his grandchildren, too. Once Ben was invited to watch his grandchildren’s games, he was ready to cheer and gave advice on how to improve how they play. Ben attended all school accomplishments, including all graduations. The one core memory his grandchildren would share was their grandpa teaching them how to play hand games, also his grandchildren always knew they would find their grandparents playing hand games during Indian Days or at tournaments. Ben and Patricia would host bar-b-q’s in their backyard, where they would teach his grandchildren how to play hand games. He encouraged his grandchildren to sing and drum with him. Ben’s grandchildren can still hear their grandma, Patricia, say, “Yaw, Piinakasii!” .

Ben was known for having a successful business, the Pool Shark Golf Driving Range. It was a driving range many people supported as it was a place to unwind and to have some fun. His children and grandchildren loved to work there; they loved to support Ben in any way they could. His family would be excited to help by driving the golf cart to pick up the golf balls, or work the concession stand located inside his home. One memorable Christmas would be when Ben and Patricia gifted every single grandchild a Pool Shark Golfing Range t-shirt, which they all wore proudly.

Ben and Patricia would build a loving, welcoming home for their children and grandchildren. They welcomed many people into their home and were amazing hosts. Ben’s pool table in his home was a place of memories for his family and friends, as they would always gather around it to play or to socialize. Ben was always willing to help his family and be at their side when in need. He will be missed dearly by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and by all friends and family.

Ben’s family would like to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Kainai Continuing Care and Edith Cavell Care Centre.

A Wake Service will be held at 6:00PM, MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025, AT GLADSTONE HALL, BLOOD 148, Alberta, T0K 2R0.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM, TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025, AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH, STAND OFF, Alberta T0L 1Y0.