Siksika cowboy leaves unique legacy

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A chuckwagon with four outriders led Edward Yellow Old Woman on his last ride up to the Big Ranch in the Sky.

It was a funeral procession the grizzled cowboy would have approved of. "Ed Olds", as he called himself on the chuckwagon trail, drove from 1935 to 1950 for outfits like J.J. Swain, and Bow River Ranch. He was a veteran Calgary Stampede chuckwagon competitor and two-time wild horse race champion, as well as taking winnings in steer decorating.

He died April 4 of a stroke, at the age of 84. Yellow Old Woman left behind a wealth of stories about life on the trail, as well as 10 children and 46 grandchildren. He was a grandson of the legendary Deerfoot, and one of the first Native Stampede chuckwagon drivers.

He and friends Albert (Poor Slim) McMaster and Jack Spotted Eagle ruled the roost in wild horse races, running undefeated from 1937 to 1940, and again in 1945 and 1948.

He was happiest in the saddle, either competing or at home on the reserve's horse and cattle ranch. He wore his trade-mark brown Stetson with an eagle feather in it until the very end, says son Fred.

Ed loved the cowboy life, but like most wranglers, was a heavy drinker, Fred admits. But that didn't stop him from being the best cowboy around, as well as a humble, compassionate man. Ed's love for the chuckwagon track and horse races never left him, and he haunted rodeos, hanging around behind the chutes just to gab with other cowboys.

He had to stop in 1989 after being hit by a car. Although doctors gave him few chances of surviving, Ed's tough cowboy spirit pulled him out of the coma and helped him overcome the pain of numerous broken bones.

Until his death, in Siksika, Ed spread a legacy of cowboy lore among his family and friends. Under that gruff exterior was a heart of gold, witnessed by the outpouring of love and respect during Ed's funeral service.