Willis Randolph Royal

Willis was born on May 20, 1930, on Whitecap Dakota First Nation (formerly known as Moose Woods Reserve). Willis attended the Brandon Residential School from 1935-1949. Dad returned home, then went to live with relatives in Fort Peck Reservation in Montana.

Willis enlisted with the Regina Rifles, training at Valcartier, Quebec, later transferring to Winnipeg Rifles. He joined the forces on August 21, 1950 and was sent overseas November 8, 1950. He remained on active duty stationed at Hanover, Germany. After two years duty in Northern and Central Germany he sailed for home on November 8, 1953. After a short visit home, Willis was posted in Calgary with the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada from January to May 1954 and was discharged May 24, 1954, at Regina.

In 1999, Willis received a Special Service Medal in recognition of serving with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); servicing in a Special Duty Area (SDA) in Western Europe known as the cold war. Willis was presented with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to his community in 2012.

Willis married Victoria May Eagle in August 1957 and began raising his family.

Willis leaves to mourn, sister Iona Starr; daughters Irene, Bernice, Marj, Verna (Harvey), Victorine (Mel), Gina and Marilyn; he took granddaughter Elsie (our Bunn) under his wing as an adopted daughter; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson, Bronco. Also, left to cherish his memory are his adopted sons and daughters, Ivan Chaske, Ross Paskemin, Louise Hall, Kim Nyles, Pat Whitebear, and Iris O’Watch.

Willis is predeceased by his wife Victoria May Royal (nee Eagle), parents, Robert Royal and Martha Royal (Red Bear), son Austin Littlecrow; siblings Morris, Elsie, Dennis, Joseph, George, Francis, Dorothy, Marlene, one in infancy; Doris, Doreen and Elizabeth.

Wake will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 4:00 PM at the Charles Red Hawk Elementary School gymnasium in Whitecap Dakota First Nation and the funeral service will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the same location.