It is with profound sadness that the family of Curtis Medicine announce his tragic passing on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Curtis was born in Fort Frances on August 11, 1983, to Angeline Medicine and George Pitchenese. Curtis was raised in his home community of Rainy River First Nations, alongside his brother Jonathan and his sister Kristi. Although he moved between the town of Fort Frances and the community, Curtis always viewed Rainy River First Nations as home.
Curtis was many things to those around him – a son, a nephew, a brother, an uncle, a friend – but of above all else, he was a father. Curtis’s greatest accomplishment were his five children, Lucius, Hazel, Treyton, Calise, and Hadley, who he loved dearly and was so proud of. Despite the challenges of life, Curtis’s motivation to pick himself up when he stumbled were his children and his desire to be a part of their lives.
Curtis spent many years working in his home community as a general labourer and enjoyed his years working alongside family and friends at Manitou Forest Products.
Curtis was a fun-loving guy who could be found walking through town and the community, visiting and hanging out with his friends, enjoying a round of golf with family, or playing with his children.
Curtis will be remembered for his sense of humour, his hearty laugh and quick-witted sarcasm, the kindness he showed to his family and friends, his willingness to share what he had, and his love of his children.
Curtis is survived by his children, Lucius and Hazel, Treyton, Calise, and Hadley along with their mother Sherri Smith; his sister Kristi; his Uncle Joe (Florence); his Aunts Berla and Liza; siblings Marcel (Lisa), Tammy (Freddy), Heather; nephew Marcus; nieces Angel and Shurelle; and numerous other family and friends.
Curtis will be welcomed to the Sprit World by his parents, Angeline Medicine and George Pitchenese; his older brother Jonathan Medicine; siblings Derek and Darryl Horton and nephew Haiven Horton; along with many other family and friends who have gone ahead.
The family wishes to share their appreciation for the support received from Giishkaandago’ikwe Health Services and Behavioural Health Services, Weechi-it-te-win Family Services – Counselling Services, and Robert Horton and Seven Generations Education Institute.
The family also wishes to acknowledge the professionalism, compassion and respect for traditional Anishinaabe ways, demonstrated by the Ontario Provincial Police as they continue to support the family through this difficult time.
A traditional service was conducted by Elder Albert Hunter Jr. on April 21, at Rainy River First Nation Gymnasium.
Internment will take place on Rainy River First Nations in the family plot.
Pallbearers were Sean Smith, Tobin Leonard, Clifton Tuesday, Trapper Medicine Horton, November Bird, Eddie Horton, Mitchel Mosher, Jamie Leonard and Fabian Bird.
Honourary Pallbearers were Joe Medicine, Liza Medicine, Berla Horton, Sherry Smith, Robert Morrison, Alton Brown, Verna Debungie, Gordon Kelly, Tony Bombay, Kristina Bombay, Rob Shivers.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. Emo, Ontario.
