July 27, 2021

In Memoriam: Aileen Gail Runner (A’saanakii – Painted Women)

The flags on the main campus will fly at half-mast in honour of Aileen throughout the day on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Aileen Gail Runner

The University of Calgary community is mourning the loss of Aileen Runner (A’saanakii – Painted Women), who passed away peacefully July 11, 2021, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Aileen was completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Indigenous Studies at the University of Calgary. Prior to studying at UCalgary, she completed her diploma at Poundmakers NADAP as a Treatment Facilitator.

In our UCalgary community, Aileen was known for her genuine compassion toward other students and her instructors. Students felt comfortable sharing their stories and the struggles with Aileen – who could always be counted on to provide heartfelt support and encouragement. Whether she was mentoring other students through their life challenges or bringing tea for an instructor suffering from a migraine, Aileen was always there to show kindness to the people around her. She will be remembered at UCalgary for giving the best hugs, her infectious laugh, and her fantastic sense of humour. 

Aileen was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was raised on the Siksika Nation and married into the Tsuut’ina Nation at the age of nineteen. She will be greatly missed by her husband of forty-one years Shawn Runner; her children, Sage, Kole, Mileena and Darby; and her adopted children, Megan Jerry, Agnes Jerry, Logan, Sam and Tacey – as well as her grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and many friends and classmates.

Aileen enjoyed participating in the Calgary Stampede as a Tipi owner and was honored to carry out the Runner family legacy as a member of Tsuut’ina Nation in the Calgary Stampede. She believed in her spiritual and cultural ways. When growing up, Aileen was actively involved in sports like basketball, baseball and track and field. She competed in rodeos as a barrel racer and was always proud of her beautiful bay horse, Boogie.

Aileen lived her life one day at time and was very protective of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed life and built meaningful friendships with those around her.

Aileen will be greatly missed by the UCalgary community. The flags on the main campus will fly at half-mast in honour of Aileen throughout the day on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Aileen’s obituary, which can be found here.

In living memory of Aileen Runner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.