It is with great sadness that the family of Blair “Noo Waa Sin” Jack, Pizhew Clan, announces his passing on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 at his home at Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation.
Blair left a legacy and a teaching that we should never give up on life; that we should always fight to live.
He had been ill since he was five years old with kidney disease and doctors predicted he only would live until he was 12. He proved them wrong and in his lifetime he had medically flat-lined at least 25 times.
He was told he had six months to live when he was 28 years old; his response was that he would be very happy if he could make it to 32 years of age. He was 36 years of age at the time of his passing.
Blair was born June 8, 1980 in Fort Frances, Ont. The family relocated to Toronto, Ont. when he was nine so he could be treated at the Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital.
As he approached his 18th birthday, the hospital was going to transfer him to Toronto General Hospital and so his family made the decision to return home.
Blair never complained about his life. He faced every procedure, treatment, and setback in his illness with tremendous courage and optimism. He was grateful for every day he had.
He loved his family and the time spent with them. He especially enjoyed his time with his nephews these last few years.
Blair leaves behind his parents, Kathie Jack and Doug Sinclair; brother, Kevin Jack; nephews, Leelan Chiefson and Christopher Jack; and sister, Joanne Crate.
He also leaves to miss him his extended family brothers, Dan Jourdain, Jason Kelly, Rawn Beardy, Adam Jourdain, and Cedrik Jack; his extended family sisters, Talon Jourdain, Tesa Fiddler (husband, Alvin), Tracy Sakakeep (husband, Lloyd), Ashley Allan (husband, Paul), Rachel Big George, Jenny Fernadez (husband, Antonio), and Shelly Big George.
He also is survived by his uncles, Percy Tuesday (wife, Linda), Martin Tuesday (wife, Violet), Bobby Tuesday, Dave Paul (wife), Francis Paul, Conroy Paul, Bobby Paul, and Joe Jack; his aunts, Corinne Sylvestre (husband, Jacques), Virginia Big George (husband, Jim Spruce), Caroline Jack, Delores Kelly, Rosie Gunderson, Lorna Tuesday (husband, Jeff), and Sophia Paul; extended family aunt, Lorraine Shebahkeget (husband, Richard Swampy); as well as numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, Brian Tuesday; brother, Christopher Lee Jack; paternal grandparents, Martha and Robert Tuesday; maternal grandparents, Ida Jourdain and Dave Paul; and uncle, Ron Jack.
A traditional wake will be held Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 from 3 p.m. at the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, followed by a traditional funeral service on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 at 10 a.m., with Elder Lawrence Henry officiating.
The pallbearers will be Antonio Fernadez, Trevor Copenace, Julian Shebagegit, Joe Jack, Gerald Arch, and Jacques Sylvestre.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Riverside Foundation for Health Care–Dialysis, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
BLAIR ‘NOO WAA SIN’ JACK
