Michael Sweet Grass

Michael Sweet grass Jr.

“Siipiapaaska”

“Night Dancer”

1988– 2020

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved handsome Warrior Michael “Mikey” Kenneth Sweet Grass Jr. “Siipiapaaska” (Night Dancer) on Thursday October 29, 2020 in Lethbridge Alberta at the Regional Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Left to mourn Jr’s passing his newly wed wife Sherri Sweet Grass, his children:  son Michael Kenneth Jr. III, daughter Princess Leia, his parents Michael and Stephanie Sweet Grass, Godmother Dorothy Day Chief and Grandmother Nancy North Man. Grandfathers: Justin Young Pine, Arthur Sweet Grass and Woody North Man. Traditional Elders: Arnold and Bianca Mountain Horse. 

Jr is survived by his sisters: Tanya (Kayla), Layne (Leland) Nephews: CJ, Tyrese, Sanders and Jensen. Great Nephew: Kelsey Chase. God Children: Deaken Day Chief, Chase Sweet Grass, Landon Creighton, and Tylene Crow Chief. Adopted Mothers: Leanne Eagle Plume and Doreen Sweet Grass.  Adopted Father: Randy Mills. Aunties: Karen Young Pine, Tessie (Robert) Creighton, Christy Young Pine, Cynthia Young Pine, Carolyn Young Pine, Tammy Chief Body. Uncles: Harley (Becky) Young Pine, Marvin Young Pine, Marlon Young Pine, Clarence (Denise) Chief Body. Numerous Great Aunts and Uncles from the Day Chief, Young Pine, Sweet Grass and Chief Body families. Jr had many cousins and extended family as well as vast number of adopted brothers and sisters, and for this we apologize for names not mentioned. Always know Jr loved you all deeply.

Mikey was born on January 11, 1988 at St. Michaels Hospital, Lethbridge Alberta and was raised on the Blood Reserve; Later made his home in Farm Four until his passing. Jr attended pre school up to grade 11 in Fort Macleod Alberta, and graduated from Grade 12 at Kainai High School, on the Blood Reserve.  Jr became employed with the Blood Tribe Department of Health/Kainai Continuing Care Centre as an Operations Technician. During his employment Jr was known to also go above and beyond in the work he loved.

At the age of four Jr was introduced into the powwow circle as a grass dancer and later transitioning to fancy dancing and becoming well known throughout powwow country winning numerous titles. Jr was a profound all-around athlete playing numerous sports from hockey, displaying his talent as an all-star defenceman winning many tournaments thus, decorating his wall with many awards. He played with many local softball teams from the Blood Reserve and in recent years developed a passion for golf enjoying every minute playing alongside his son Baby Mikey. Mikey also had a passion for playing pool making ‘brothers’ with all that played along side him, again becoming well known in many pool halls across pool country, with his expert shot and incredible sense of play had many asking him to be on their team so that they could play a winning game.

In most recent years Jr and his parents developed a passion for Handgames, travelling throughout Canada and the United States winning numerous tournaments.  A few of his parents’ fondest memories was when Jr. created a verse to a song, and with his father’s encouragement to keep singing it, together they created a song titled ‘36’.  With that song they won the Worlds Handgame Championship tournament in 2018, this was the proudest moment for Jr and his dad.

The most cherished and memorable moment in his life was when he married the love of his life Sherri. At the moment when they exchanged their vows Jr cried and lovingly repeated his vows to Sherri with such devotion. They laughed together and held hands in such a strong embrace that it resonated throughout the room, with family whom joined in over social media. A true love story unfolding before their eyes. Sherri and Jr’s love for one another was truly one of a kind. When Jr would say "story time", you knew it would be a good story. He would share many stories of the special bond he had with his many brothers. Stories of the many adventures of games he won and lost describing play by play with the brothers. Jr’s favorite stories was of how proud his parents were of his many accomplishments.  Also, sharing how he wanted to be exactly like them. Another of Jr’s proudest moments were when his father handed down his hockey number down to Jr and later when his son Baby Mikey started playing hockey, Jr than handed down the same hockey number to him. Excitement for Jr knowing his son will continue their legacy representing the father and son number. Most stories were always of his siblings, going to visit his cousins at their aunties and the crazy things they would do and how they would get into trouble.

Jr leaves such a unique and profound legacy. From his natural compassionate and caring ways to his crazy funny demeanour. There will never be another Michael Kenneth Sweet Grass Jr and although his journey on earth is complete we know that his memory will forever live on in the lives of whom he blessed his presence with. He now sits along side the many angels whom were waiting to greet him with the biggest and warmest hugs unimaginable. You will never be forgotten Jr. and until we see you again we love you our dear Warrior.

Jr is predeceased by his nephew: Kelsey Wade. Uncle: Geoffrey Chief Body. Grandparents: Ida Chief Body & Noella Young Pine. Great Grandparents: Dick & Annie Day Chief, Joe & Bertha Chief Body. In-laws: Marilynn & Charlie Moses, Annie Plume. Aunties: Bertha Sweet Grass, Mary Sweet Grass, Katherine Sweet Grass. Uncles: Fred Sweet Grass, Gordon Sweet Grass, Tony Sweet Grass, Darren Sweet Grass, Eric Bear Hat, Calvin Day Chief, Richard (Dick) Thunder Chief, Darren Day Chief. Brother In-law: Wade Weasel Head. As well many extended families.

The Family sincerely apologizes for any names that we may have missed as this was not intentional.

A private Wake Service will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A private family Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 St N, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

Interment will follow at the family plot in Standoff, Alberta.

The family invites you to watch the service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/  at 9:45 am and clicking on Michael’s obituary.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Sweet Grass, please visit our floral store.