It is with great sadness that the family of Billy Wayash announces his sudden passing on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
He was born on May 1, 1943 in Mitaanjigamiing First Nation to John and Mary Wayash.
Billy worked as a trapper, logger and tourist guide for many years. He was also the school boat driver and then the school bus driver for over 17 years.
He enjoyed being outdoors, participating in pow-wows as a traditional dancer, hunting and fishing. Billy loved to work with children, teaching, attending cultural camps and passing on his knowledge.
He was a kind and humble man that loved to be surrounded by his family. His family will miss his great sense of humour and the way he kept them close; he was the glue that kept them together.
Billy will be greatly missed by his wife, Annie; four sons, Brian Sr. (Carrieann), Bill Jr. (Carol), and Colin and Garrett; two daughters, Sandra Wayash-Calder (Jay) and Pamela Johnson (John Y.); grandchildren, Kayla, Brian Jr., Ashley, Deanna, Ty, Chantal, Damon, William, Sebastian, Riley, Joel, Raiina-Summersett, Ray, JoAnna and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Evander, Nolan, Lyannah, Peyton, Piersten, Amariah, Cory, Kyrie, Merrick, Maverick, Miah-Rose, Phoenix, Peter and Zahara; nieces, Elaine, Roberta, Debra and Carol; and nephew, Ted.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary; brother, Robert; and grandfather, Pete.
A traditional wake will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 at 4 p.m. at the Mitaanjigamiing Community Centre. Traditional funeral ceremonies will follow in the morning of Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 with Elder Gilbert Smith officiating.
The pallbearers will be Brian Wayash Sr., Bill Wayash, Gary Wayash, Johnny Yerxa, Jay Wayash-Calder, William Wayash, Damon Wayash, Brian Wayash Jr., Ray Johnson and Elton Brown.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
BILLY WAYASH Zaagaateaash Adik Clan
