Robert Medicine, 79, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances with his family by his side.
He was born Jan. 7, 1929 in Manitou Rapids to Dave and Maggie Medicine. He was raised in the Manitou Rapids.
As a young man, he worked as a logger, finding employment at the sawmills in Manitou and Kabetogama. He then joined the MD&W Railroad in International Falls, Mn., retiring at the age of 55 due to failing health.
He was united in marriage to Eliza Horton.
In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family; he loved to tease them and constantly was pulling pranks.
Robert also was proud of his connection to AA and recently had celebrated 40 years of sobriety. As part of his belief that alcohol addiction could be beaten, he often was seen down on the riverbank talking to others and offering his help.
He also enjoyed watching wrestling and picking blueberries.
He leaves behind his wife, Eliza, of Fort Frances, Ont.; daughter, Brenda Hyatt of International Falls, Mn.; grandchildren, Pedro Medicine, Cory and husband, Bruce Oakley, and Dakota and Taylor Hyatt; sisters, Lucy Copenace, Annabelle Hawk, and Annie Hawk; special niece, Barb Kaushagen; as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Dave and Maggie Medicine; sons, Robert Jr. (Sonny), Roger, and Wayne Medicine, in infancy; and siblings, Dave Medicine, Gordon Hawk, Sally Cowley, Bella Indian, and Betty Medicine.
A wake was held Monday, March 3, 2008 from 3 p.m. at the Rainy River First Nation gymnasium.
Funeral services were held in the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Rainy River First Nation gymnasium, with Elder Harry Windigo and Delbert and Laura Horton officiating.
Interment took place in the Rainy River First Nations Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Delbert Horton, Tony Bombay, Robin McGinnis, Larry Indian, Paul Hyatt, and Robert Horton.
The honourary pallbearers were Bob Fredrickson, John Carlson, Gerald Bruyere, Edward Hyatt, Bruce Oakley, Dale Kaushagen, and Craig Trott.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Eliza Medicine c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
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