Cecil Sioux Benn

Cecil Sioux Benn of Birdtail Sioux First Nation was born at Isabella, Manitoba on June 14, 1943 and passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024 at Hamiota Hospital with family by his side.

He was predeceased by his son, Justin Benn and stillborn granddaughter twin of Starleen McKay.

His parents Tom and Mary Rose (Vivie) Benn.

Grandparents Alex and Lexi (Blackface) Benn, Patrick and Cecilia (LaPointe) Vivie. His Great Grandfather the famous Sioux Benn. Also, his brothers, Richard, Herman, Leonard, his half brothers Frank, William, Stanley, Walter and Wallace, Sisters : Jessie, Lillian, Violet, half sisters Rosie and Eva. Also, his Son in Law Brendan McKay husband of Courtney.

Surviving is his wife Alberta of 54 years, Son Riel and daughters: Samantha (Virgil) and Courtney.

Grandchildren; Meghan, Shannon (Jesse), Nigel (Cassandra), Raven, Starleen (Issak), Drake and Halo. His Greatgrandchildren: Aris, Ravenna, Justin, Alizaya, Jaeda, Eden and August.

Sister: Mabel Clarke

Also, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren who called him papa, and his many friends from the surrounding areas.

He was a residential school survivor, throughout his life time he had various jobs such as being a band councilor, plumber, mechanic, foster parent, CN Railway and Manitoba Hydro.

Cecil was a nature green thumb turning his prairie yard into a beautiful yard of various trees. From those tree seedlings, he has left behind a legacy of the many trees that you see by the side of the roads or fields. He had multiple gardens in which he would share his harvest with others. He had his own little business of picking berries and making various jams, jellies and juices as well as making his own maple syrup. He was a great cook and would often cook from his Metis cookbook, he loved being headcheese and creamed corn. He loved being outdoors in nature fishing, cutting trees for wood for his woodstove as well as delivering to customers.