Marty Chief Memorial

Marty Chief - May 25, 1978 -August 17, 2008
Marty Chief - May 25, 1978 -August 17, 2008
Marty Chief - May 25, 1978 -August 17, 2008

Marty Joeseph Chief

With hockey career aside Marty will be remembered as a kindhearted person who would always put others before himself. He exemplified what it meant to be a giver and not a taker. Yet for those who knew Marty personally it can be said that Marty left his mark on hearts and minds everywhere. He was a quiet man who could gain your trust easily without saying too much. His unique ability to make friends astonished both existing friends and family. It was remarkable how confident Marty could be in everything that he did and how his confidence would draw people to him. Marty's friends and acquaintances could not be numbered yet despite the large number everyone felt as though they were close to him and knew him well. I am sure there are numerous people in agreement when I say that upon meeting Marty he was quiet and reserved, but once he opened up to you his goofy teasing nature would soon take over. Teasing was Marty's way to show people that he cared and thought of them and was never mean spirited. His sisters will tell you that most of Marty did was never mean spirited. Marty had the ability to say a lot by saying so little and often his advice though it may have been short was effective.

Crystal once said that Marty would make a simple statement and it would cause you rethink your choices. Marty refrained from being judgmental or resentful towards anyone. He chose to not only treat others how he wanted to be treated, but he went one step further and treated people better then how he desired to be treated. People would attempt to warn Marty that people are taking advantage of his giving and caring nature, but this fact neglected to concern Marty. In his perception material things replaced themselves, but the way you treat people will always be remembered. As I am sure most can relate that we each have memories of Marty that are lasting and heartfelt, mine is that he loved the Lord despite what people chose to believe. His choices may not have always reflected this, but his spirit did. Marty could be found reading the Bible or other spiritual books. He would travel to exotic places to see evangelists and allow what they said to become a part of him. The things that Marty believed in were many, but his faith and his family could never be argued.

Marty was extremely proud of his father's accomplishments. It would fill him with pride that his father was a former RCMP officer and chief, but nothing meant more to him then the fact this father was always just that, a father. Marty took on part of his father's determination and drive in all that he did, but he also held on to his mother's gentle, quiet nature as well. Marty and his mother could endure conflict and hardship with a kindness and gentleness would leave others in amazement. Marty was the only boy in a family of five. He was not only the only son, brother and uncle, but he was the pride and joy of his family. No one could be more proud of their son, brother and uncle then the Chief family. Marty is survived by his two children, son Elijah Goodwill and daughter Hayden Paddy.

You will be missed Marty, by all who knew you and all who loved you.

The story behind his love for hockey

As a child Marty was always active and on the move. He would keep busy and could always be found trying to be inventive and creative in everything that he did. As Marty reached the age of three his father introduced him to hockey and unlike most children his age Marty never resisted the sport, but rather fell in love with all aspects of it. As he and his love the sport grew Marty's idea of fun would soon materialize to late night skating in backyard of the RCMP station in Pierceland, Saskatchewan. His love of the sport was so enriched that Marty would participate in hockey drills without complaint or hesitation.

To Marty it was an essential part of how he chose to live his life; without complaint or hesitation. As Marty's hockey career began soon after he would continually be the youngest member of the team, but still managed to shine in spite of it all. Even at his young age teams would begin to fight over who could have this talented boy on their rosters. As time progressed it was routine see to his normally quiet and reserved mother sitting on the sidelines losing all composure and screaming at the top of her lungs. His family supported him throughout his hockey career by never missing a tournament and always letting him know their pride and love for him and his accomplishments. By the time Marty reached the age of twelve not only were his friends and family in awe of his unique abilities, but spectators would often marvel at his skills at his sport of choice.

Marty would often receive the MVP and could often be quoted as the pride of the team, yet it was Marty's nature to be humble and allow for others to share spotlight. He would choose to play fairly and give others opportunities to shine in order to allow those around him to feel welcome and valued. During this time Marty's love for hockey would pass to his two cousins Kevin and Ryan when he would take them to local hockey camps. Marty's hockey career would soon take him to St. Micheal's for the AA Bantam team and with Marty's help his team would continue on the become the strongest team despite their young age. At the age of sixteen, Marty played with Tisdale AAA Trojans in which they became the Provincial Champions.

Marty would soon begin to get scouted by other teams which allowed him to further progress in his hockey career. Some of these opportunities in Junior A would include; Lebret, Lloydminster, Penticton Panthers and others. In Camrose Marty would attend college and play on their hockey team. During his time here his team would go on to win the Viking Cup. Further college would lead Marty to attend the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan ITEP program throughout both of which Marty continued to play league hockey as well as active participation in numerous Native Hockey tournaments. Marty would always have a particular pride in the Ministikwan Islanders and valued when the team was hosted in his home community.

As well as Marty's fondness for hockey he was also actively participating in numerous other sports as well. Marty could be found; golfing, snowboarding, playing softball and participating in inline hockey.