William H. “Bill” Jourdain

William H. “Bill” Jourdain passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Sunday evening, Nov. 2, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Thunder Bay, Ont.
He was born Sept. 29, 1930.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Sam W. and Maggie (nee Godin) Jourdain; brothers-in-law, Robert Carriveau and Raymond “Duke” Bruyere; and nephew, Jeffrey Bruyere.
Bill is survived by four sisters, Josephine (Raymond) Bruyere, Verna (Wayne) Rafn, Linda (Wilf) Morrisseau, and Judy (Dennis) Perreault; and four brothers, Raymond (Mary) Jourdain, Riley (Josie) Jourdain, Glenn (Genevieve) Jourdain, and Russell (Annabelle) Jourdain.
Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Gail, David, Debbie, Cindy, Monica, Kirk, Carolyn, Gary, Bradley, Marty, Terry, Kelly, Curtis, Connie, Sandra, Christine, Shelley, Sherry, Dana, Shawn, Shane, Darren, Kevin, Corey, Eric, Douglas, Denise, and Grant. He was “Uncle Bill” to all of them.
As well, Bill is survived by his many friends and especially those at 9 Regent St. in Thunder Bay.
Bill received his education at St. Margaret’s Indian Residential School and Fort Frances High School, and acquired further upgrading later in his life. Early employment found him at J.A. Mathieu sawmill, D.J. McCarthy fish house, and a Toronto hospital, and he was Couchiching First Nation’s first band manager.
He later was employed for many years in Vancouver, B.C. and in Thunder Bay in the social services programs. He helped many people during these later employment years.
He retired from work in Thunder Bay and continued to make it his home until his passing.
Bill was a gentleman. He was a kind and special person, as well as a role model, confidant, and mentor. Bill was well-respected by family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Cremation has taken place.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on Couchiching First Nation, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Interment of Bill’s ashes will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to visit one hour prior to services in the church.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society Research Fund.
Online condolences may be offered through www.nwfainc.com