James Joseph Whitefish (Ogiimaabiinaysii), 72, of Lac La Croix First Nation, Ont., passed away Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
He was born June 19, 1938 at Lac La Croix First Nation to the late John and Doris Whitefish.
James worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources for a majority of his younger years. He then worked as a loyal guide for Campbell’s Cabins, where he worked until he retired.
James also had a passion for trapping. His culture and traditions were very important to him.
James enjoyed spending time with his family, enjoying laughs with loved ones, and had unconditional love for all his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. James always had a caring and loving smile for everyone.
James had many hobbies, but his favourite was fishing. James always lent a helping hand to those who needed it and he will be dearly missed.
He was predeceased by his sister, Beatrice Ottertail; brothers, Thomas and Brian Whitefish; and great-nephew, Phillip Whitefish.
James is survived by his brothers and sisters, Elmer Whitefish, Jane (Ralph Sr.) Ottertail, Reta (Tommy) Johnson, Sheila (Jerry), Wayne (Beatrice), Clifford (Roma), and Douglas Whitefish; and nieces and nephews, Duane, Jason (Linda), Lisa Whitefish, Mike, Cindy, Jackie (Derek), Ralph Jr., Crystal, Dawn, Darren, Chris, Cory, and Troy Ottertail, Gary and Blair (Alysha) Whitefish, Jonathan (Trisha) Ottertail, Les Whitefish, Dorothy (Curtis) Atatise, and Roberta, Ramsey, Delbert, Stacey, Barry, Joshua, and Saxon Whitefish.
Also surviving are his great-nieces and nephews, Tiffanie (Ted) and Tristan Whitefish, Madison, Leila, and Kanyon Ottertail, Rayna Whitefish, Brittany (Dan) Ottertail, John-Derek, Chad, and Ian Geyshick, Shania and Trey Atatise, Tye Jourdain, Aaliyah Ottertail, Brandy, Evelyn (Dylan), Elsie, and Alexandra Whitefish, Megan, Kenneth, Natasha, and Kelsey Atatise, and Brody Allen; and great-great-nieces and nephews, Damaris Whitefish, Phoenix DeBenetti, Rylan Ottertail, and Peyton Morrison.
A traditional burial ritual will be held Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 in the morning at the Lac La Croix First Nation Roundhouse.
Elder Peter White will officiate, with burial in Lac La Croix First Nation Cemetery at Lac La Croix First Nation.
A wake will be held Tuesday evening, Feb. 1, 2011, at the Lac La Croix First Nation Roundhouse.
Active pallbearers will be Jonathan Ottertail, Blair Whitefish, Les Whitefish, Lee Whitefish, Gary Whitefish, Barry Whitefish, Jason Ottertail, Ralph Ottertail Jr., and Mike Ottertail.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of James’ family and friends.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 or the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
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