GEORGE OTTERTAIL

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of George Ottertail, 81, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. with his family by his side.
George was born Nov. 5, 1927 at Lac La Croix First Nation.
George was predeceased by his wife, Clara Ottertail; parents, George Ottertail Sr. and Elizabeth Labott; two daughters, Janet (Angus Sr.) Oshawe and June Morrison; son, Ernest Ottertail; brother, Everett Ottertail; sister, Dorothy Labott; and granddaughter, Angel Ottertail.
Surviving are his five sons, Jerry Ottertail (Sheila), Leonard Ottertail, and Fred Ottertail, all of Lac La Croix First Nation, Wesley Ottertail of Fort Frances, Ont., and Eugene Ottertail of Grand Rapids, Mn.; three daughters, Alice Ottertail (Howard) of Seine River First Nation, Joyce Mainville (Bill) of International Falls, Mn., and Myrna Ottertail; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.
Also surviving are two brothers, Albert Ottertail and Bob Ottertail, and two sisters, Bessie Atatise and Roma Whitefish (Clifford), all of Lac La Croix. George also had numerous nieces and nephews.
George lived in Lac La Croix most of his life before relocating to Fort Frances for health reasons. George was a hard-working man, who worked as a fishing guide for Campbell’s Cabins and as a carpenter for Lac La Croix First Nation.
George enjoyed fishing and hunting with his life partner, Clara. He also enjoyed watching hockey, especially his favourite team, the Montreal Canadiens, and his favourite pastime was watching old western movies.
George practised and respected his traditional ways.
A wake service will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Lac La Croix Roundhouse, with interment, officiated by elder Peter White, on Thursday, June 4, 2009.
The pallbearers will be George’s extended family members and friends.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com