Lional Kayseas

It is with great sadness that Kah-mi-kitiziay-pinay-zi (Loud Thunderbird), Kah-tipin-ni-wew-tung (Rolling Thunder), Lional Shawn Kayseas has started a peaceful journey to his forever home surrounded by his loving family on May 2, 2023.

Lional was the precious and only child of Ella Kayseas – they were the best of friends and were strongholds for each other. He was witty, lively, loving, and a boy who saw the humour and brilliance in life. He spent much of his childhood with his cousins on Fishing Lake First Nation – getting into mischief and being carefree with his friends. Lional also spent a lot of time with his KoKo, his maternal grandmother. They only spoke Saulteaux, the Nakewae language. He moved back and forth between these two languages all his life.

Lional loved God and was a man of faith. He was compassionate, sensitive, generous, and kind. He would pray for friends and family, give a listening ear to anyone that needed it, and quietly gave to those in need, never expecting anything in return.

Lional was a gifted storyteller. The twinkle in his eyes and engaging smile had listeners anticipate a story from his childhood, his time with his uncles, aunties, school and university, and work experiences. His stories were captivating and funny, and the detail left us with vivid images. He dearly loved children, saw the innocence in them, and was uplifted by his many children and grandchildren. We heard numerous stories of the young ones in his life.

Lional lived life to the fullest. He was an avid and steadfast fan of the Boston Red Sox, Motley Crüe,

Guns and Roses, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, WWE wrestling, and his off-work attire and travel plans indicated this. His adventurous spirit led him to Los Angeles at the age of 17 and since then he called LA his second home – travelling there over 20 times.

Lional had three degrees – Political Science, History, and Law; completing the double degrees in 2002 and the law degree in 2005. His heart was set on legal aid, helping those that were misunderstood, marginalized by society, and had little means and resources to help themselves. He spent 8 years in northern courts (Cree Court) and practiced law in Saskatoon along with the Legal Crüe these last few years.

Lional Shawn will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community members. Left to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life is his mother, Ella Kayseas. He is also survived by his uncles and aunties: George (Millie) Kayseas, Marjorie Paquachan, Enola and Dennis (Annette) Kayseas. He also leaves to mourn numerous nieces ad nephews, grandchildren and other loving family members and friends. He held a special place in his heart for the Cree Court and the Legal Crüe.

Lional is predeceased by his grandparents Henry and Marjorie (Kittiekaywinnie) Kayseass, Rose-Mary Kayseass and Jean Crow-Buffalo, Jerry, Robert, Frank Kayseas, and many close family and friends.

The family is extremely grateful for the nurses and doctors from RUH Observation Unity and the SPH ICU who graciously supported Lional during his final days.