Obituary of Crystal Dawn Elk

It is with great sadness the family of Crystal Dawn Elk (Mahpiya Iwankum Mani Win Walks Above The Clouds Woman), announce her sudden passing on November 1st, 2011 at the age of 37 years. Crystal was born on March 7, 1974 to her parents, Mike Hotain & Emily (nee Elk) Hotain in Brandon, Manitoba. Crystal, or Kristy as she was well known, was a very caring, compassionate, loving woman, who was always there to lend a helping hand to her friends and family. Her smile and laughter was infectious, those who knew her well, know how much Kristy loved to laugh and make others smile. Kristy enjoyed life and family. She loved listening to country and pow-wow music and she respected her people's traditions and did her best to live by those values. Kristy is survived by her loving children, Jerrell Elk, Christine Harris, Haidee Harris, Cassidie Harris, Tyra Elk, Mack McKay and Megan McKay. She is also survived by her father, Mike Hotain, siblings Sonny Ross(Pauline), Trudy Hotain (Oswald), Michelle Elk (Hawk), Monte Elk (Deidre), Harlene Hotain (Hugh), Marti Rose Hotain (Rick) and Brett Hotain (Alison). She is also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and extended relatives. Kristy was predeceased by grandfathers Archie Elk and Allan Pratt, grandmothers, Jean Elk and Agnes Hotain, aunts Lorna Hotain, Catherine Hotain, Christine Hotain, Rose Marie McArthur, Florence Elk, uncles Ronald Hotain, Roy Elk, Hank Elk, brothers, Lance Blacksmith and Tyson Elk-Hotain, cousins, Verna Elk, Cynthia Elk and Joseph Taylor. A Traditional Wake will be held at the Sioux Valley Veteran's Hall on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 5 p.m .with Mark Hall and Bill Taylor officiating. The Funeral Service will take place on Monday, November 7, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Sioux Valley Veteran's Hall. Interment will follow at the Elk Family Cemetery. She is Gone You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. David Harkins