A-ia-go-gi-shik of the Atik-Clan “Jim” Boshkaykin, 78, of Seine River First Nation, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
He was born Sept. 4, 1925 in White Otter Lake, Ont. to the late John and A-bi-twe-we-ga-mi-gog Boshkaykin.
Jim had lived all his life in Rainy River District. He was a traditional healer and spiritual advisor, and had worked as a community health representative, probation officer, guide, firefighter, labourer, and logger. He also worked on road construction.
He also had served on the Seine River band council.
He enjoyed going to Pow-Wows, games of chance, and the outdoors. He loved to laugh, and was a very generous and sociable person. The lesson he taught his family was how to love and laugh, and that life was a part of death and death was a part of life.
He was an outdoorsman who taught his family all about the area, including Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota.
Jim was united in marriage Aug. 19, 1964 to his wife of 39 years, the former Lillian Menson, who survives along with their children, Cecilia Henderson and her partner, Allen Calder, of Stanjikoming First Nation, Josephine Potson and her partner, Gerry Robitaille, Hilda Boy and her partner, George McKenzie, Florence Boshkaykin and her partner, Jeff Houle, and Ted Menson and his partner, Karen L. Kabatay, all of Seine River First Nation, Carol Jourdain and her partner, Ed Kabatay of Sydney, N.S., and Ruby Boshkaykin of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and special children, Elaine McGillis and her partner, Clarence Johnson, of Seine River First Nation and Rose Marie Allen of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation.
Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Clara Boy; parents, John and A-bi-twe-we-ga-mi-gog; infant daughter, Susie Boy; brothers, Anson, Kesence, Pete, and Joe; and sisters Bessie, Mary, and Elizabeth, and an infant sister.
A traditional ceremony was held Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003 in the morning at O-da-mino-i-gamig (gymnasium) at Seine River First Nation. Elder Gilbert Smith officiated, followed by interment in the Seine River Fist Nation Burial Grounds.
A funeral wake was held Friday, Nov. 28, 2003 from 3 p.m. at O-da-mino-i-gamig (gymnasium) at Seine River First Nation.
The pallbearers were Mike Henderson, Chris Henderson, Stuart Boshkaykin, John Kabatay, Randy Kabatay, and Sky Boshkaykin.
The honourary pallbearers were all of Jim’s friends.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
