It’s not what you make but what you leave, the pool players say.

They mean you can’t just focus on this shot; you must give some thought to getting yourself in good shape for the next one.

That’s how Joe Big Plume lived his life-with or without a cue stick in his hands.

The legendary pool player from the Tsuu T’ina First Nation passed away on March 2 after suffering a heart attack. He was 76.

Tributes immediately began pouring in from his many admirers as news spread of his death.

After a lifetime of making part of his living in dingy pool halls, a world populated by hustlers and other less than savory individuals, Big Plume is remembered unanimously as a good-natured gentleman. He’s also remembered as a man who turned his back on the high life to stay home and look after his family.

Those who know about such things say “Indian Joe,” as he was known in pool halls all over southern Alberta, was one of the finest players on the planet. He beat the legendary Minnesota Fats in snooker and eight ball in an exhibition match in the 1970s. And when Cliff Thorburn was on his way to the world championship in 1970, his first big win was a very hard-earned victory against Joe Big Plume.

Others who went on to fame in the sport weren’t so fortunate when they took him on. He beat several Canadian champions. Eventually, Big Plume won seven provincial championships, seven Calgary titles, three Western Canadian crowns and was second to Thornburn in the Canadians. He also played three perfect games.

Jim Big Plume, the land claims and registration director at Tsuu T’ina, saw his uncle play many big games. He believes it was Jim Wych, a former Canadian champion who ranked close to the top 10 in the world, who gave his good friend the nickname Indian Joe.

“I lived with my uncle and aunt during the ’70s when my mom had some health problems,” he said. “There were 24 of us living in that house.”

Along with their own 10 children Joe and his wife took in other relatives.

“He sure loved his children,” said Jim Big Plume. “I remember him as a real humble person.”

After working the family cattle ranch for many years, Big Plume turned to politics, serving “four or five” terms on the band council. During his time on council he was instrumental in establishing Redwood Meadows, a world-class golf course owned and operated by the band’s economic development corporation.

He was also a hockey and baseball enthusiast, although his pool playing allowed him to make extra money to look after his extended family.

Joe Big Plume was laid to rest after a Roman Catholic funeral mass at Our Lady of Peace church on the reserve. His nephew reports the church was not nearly large enough to house all those who came to pay their respects.

“About 75 per cent of the people listened to the service outside the church,” he said.

A six-foot-tall monument adorned with a pool table and pool cues was carved by Billy Dodging Horse and donated in Big Plume’s honor by the Dodging Horse family.

Ross Big Plume, son of the former champion, has created a pool tournament to honor his father’s accomplishments. It will continue in the future to honor his memory. Ross and Jim are now taking steps now to see that their relative is inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer.

https://www.ammsa.com/publications/alberta-sweetgrass/pool-legend-remembered