The family announces that Thomas Medicine Sr., 86, of Manitou Rapids entered the Spirit World on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at his residence.
Tom was born April 24, 1927 to Albert and Eva Medicine. He attended St. Margaret’s Residential School until the age of 15.
He enlisted in the Canadian Army and served in WW II from 1943-1946. He was stationed in Shiloh, Manitoba, as well as England, France, Belgium and Holland.
He enjoyed nature and loved being outdoors. He would spend much of his time with his wife, Dorothy, and their children gardening, trapping, fishing, harvesting wild rice, bee farming, guiding, logging and later in life he worked as a community development worker for the Department of Indian Affairs until retirement.
Tom was very athletic and was a catcher for the Manitou fastball team and played hockey for the Manitou Ojibwas.
He helped organize and initiate the Culturama in Fort Frances and Thunder Bay and the central hockey tournaments in Fort Frances.
Tom and his family would travel to and take part in many pow-wows and cultural and traditional activities here in Canada and in the U.S.A.
He was proud of his culture and was a great historian for Manitou and surrounding communities.
Tom always looked forward to spending time and visiting with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Dorothy; their children, Thomas Jr., Gwen, Gary (Elaine), Viola, Chris; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his sister, Jean Bombay, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Eva; his brothers, Jack, Peter, and Alex,; and sisters, Sarah, Violet and Roseanne.
A traditional wake will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 from 4 p.m. from the Rainy River First Nation Gymnasium, followed by a traditional service on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 9 a.m. with Elder Gilbert Smith officiating and accompanied by the Emo Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party.
Interment will take place in Rainy River First Nation Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jim Leonard, Cal Bombay Jr., Vernon Horton, Harold “Sonny” McGinnis, Gerry Brown and Doug Horton.
Honourary pallbearers will be Alex Medicine Jr, Delbert Horton, Joe Medicine, Daryl Horton, Gordon Medicine and Steve Leonard.
If desired, online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
