It is with great sorrow that the family of Ernie Bird announces his passing on Friday, Aug. 2, 2013 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Ernie was born May 23, 1929 in Couchiching First Nation, not far from his family home. He grew up in Couchiching and as a young man joined the Royal Highland Black Watch Regiment, serving in the Korean War.
After his discharge, he returned to this area, working as a logger, guide, and commercial fisherman. In 1968, he joined the Mando Mill in International Falls, Mn.
After battling with alcoholism, he became an addictions and mental health counsellor—first working with the United Native Friendship Centre and then joining the staff at Riverside Community Counselling Services.
He was very proud of being sober for 45 years and helping others battle their addictions. He was founding member of the Couchiching AA Survivors Group.
Ernie enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time at the cabin. He loved to watch Maple Leafs’ hockey, listening to classic country music, and sharing stories.
He also loved being surrounded by family and friends, particularly at Christmas. Christmas brought out the child in him every year; he was the one wanting to open presents on Christmas Eve.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Judy; children, Janice (Brian) Cullen of Brandon, Man., Gregory Bird of Couchiching First Nation, Ont., Carolyn (Michael) Henderson of Mitaanjigaming First Nation, Ont., Rodney (Maria) Whitecrow of Steinbach, Man., Denise (Brock) Cousins of Kemnay, Man., and Dean Whitecrow and Kyla Whitecrow (Jeff Savage); and grandchildren, Dave (Debbie) Roberts, Terry (Curtis) Ross, Randy (Cathie) Cullen, Trish (Carl) Watt, Jessica Bird, Jackson Bird, Aaron Henderson, Caitlin Henderson, Elizabeth Henderson, Brandon Saulis, Claudia Whitecrow, Keal Whitecrow, Brendon Cousins, Shaina Cousins, Nicholas Cousins, Aric Chapman, Benjamin Chapman, and Ayanna Savage.
Also surviving are his siblings Dick (Rose) Bird, Marion Bergland, and Ed (Betty) McLeod; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Ernie was predeceased by his father, Samuel Bird; mother, Agnes McLeod; stepfather, Ed McLeod; and brother, Bernard Bird.
Prayers were offered Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
A funeral mass was held Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Couchiching First Nation, with Fr. Victor DeGagne officiating.
Cremation took place following the service, with a private family interment.
The pallbearers were Gregory Bird, Rodney Whitecrow, Dean Whitecrow, Jason Mainville, Jeff Savage, Brock Cousins, Michael Henderson, and Brian Cullen.
The honourary pallbearers were Ernie’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close friends.
The family gratefully requests that in memoriam donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.
Online condolences may be offered at wwww.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
