Roy Small, 78, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls surrounded by his family.  Wake services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021, and will continue until his funeral service, which will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, all at the Stone Child College Vo-Tech Center.  Burial will follow in the Small Family Cemetery.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Roy was born on April 20, 1942, in Rocky Boy to Joseph and Marie (Alexander) Small.  He was raised in Rocky Boy, and graduated from Flandreau High School as valedictorian.  Roy entered the US Air Force in 1962, and served until his honorable discharge in 1964, at which time he returned to home to attend college.  He graduated from Stone Child College with a Bachelor's Degree in human services.  Soon after graduation, Roy began spending time with Audrey Velma Fox, and the couple had six children before separating.  He was a hard-working man, having worked as a ranch hand and laborer in construction, serving on the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council from 1973 – 1977.  In 1999, Roy began his career working as a housing counselor for the Chippewa Cree Housing Department, from which he retired in 2014.

Roy was a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man, who loved his family, and was proud of his heritage.  He was a traditional man, who was a member of the Native American Church and participated in traditional ceremonies at every opportunity.  Roy loved playing handgame and stickgame.  He was a wonderful Dad and a fantastic mentor to others.

He was preceded in death by his children, Leland and Sonia Small; grandchildren, Chantell and Janelle Appleguard; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Boysis; parents, Joe and Marie Small; brothers Gabe and Paul Small, Sr.; and several nieces and nephews.

Roy is survived by his children, Norella (Guy Amyotte) Small-Morin of Saddle Lake, Alberta, Canada, Theron Small of Rocky Boy, Byron Small of Witaskawin, Alberta, Canada, and Johanna Small of Hobbema, Alberta, Canada; nine grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, including his favorite granddaughter Shalimar Small; two great-great-grandchildren; adopted children, Jalene Small, Farrah Small, Gerald Small, Direk Small, Vanessa Small, Paulette Small, Joette Small, and Clinton Small; adopted brother, Allen Gardipee; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family, and other extended family and friends.