ROBERT OTTERTAIL

It is with great sorrow that the family of Robert Ottertail announces his passing on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006 at his home.
Robert was born July 8, 1963 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Robert and Annie Ottertail. He was one of 12 children. The family lived in Lac La Croix First Nation before Robert moved to Rainy River, Ont. in 1993.
He was united in marriage to Sandra Armstrong on May 7, 1994.
While living in Lac La Croix, Robert worked as a guide for Campbell’s Cabins. He loved being outdoors, as well as fishing, hunting, and experiencing the wilderness.
After coming to Rainy River, he worked with Marvin Windows in Warroad, Mn. and then joined the Rainy River High School staff working as an education assistant for the native students.
Robert was a very creative man who enjoyed woodworking, drawing, and music. He spent many hours with his friends and bandmates in “The Messengers.”
Robert was very passionate about his family; he was always keeping touch with his numerous brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and their families, as well as making special time for his children. He loved them all very deeply.
He leaves behind his wife, Sandra; three children, Heather Anne, Tara Jeanette, and Joel Robert; father, Robert Ottertail Sr.; and siblings, Arthur (Connie), Edward (Alma), and Henry (Lillian) Ottertail, Irene (Alfred) Boshey, Stan Ottertail, Helen (Chris) Kakegamic, Anna, Fabian (Colleen) Ottertail, Karen (Robert) Ottertail-Geerken, and Kelly (Laura) Ottertail.
Also surviving are his father- and mother-in law, Gordon and Jeanette Armstrong; brother-in-law, Danny (Nicole) Armstrong and their children, Nathan, Cody, and Victoria; and well as other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family too numerous to mention.
Robert was predeceased by his mother, Annie; and brother, Ray Ottertail.
A funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Rainy River, with Pastor Mark Mast officiating.
Interment took place in Lac La Croix First Nation on Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, with Pastor Gordon Armstrong and Elder Gilbert Smith officiating.
The pallbearers were Robert’s brothers, Arthur, Edward, Henry, Stan, Fabian, and Kelly Ottertail.
The honourary pallbearers were Robert’s sisters, Irene Boshey, Helen Kakegamic, Anna Ottertail, and Karen Ottertail-Geerken, and good friends.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church, 305 First St., Rainy River, Ont.