Ozawa-Anung

He is survived by his children Charmaine Kelly (Darcy), Aiden Angus (Karlee), and Corbin Archie; Sam was the guardian angel to his special daughters Marisa Payne (Caroline) and Mackenzie Archie (Darren); his brother Robert Archie; and his sister Bridget Archie (Carl); his grandchildren Linkin, Huxley, Legend, Tessa, Caleigh, Samara, Simone, Matthew, Jamie, Chad Jr., Kael, Emerson, Anthony, William, and Westyn; and numerous nieces and nephews that he held close to his heart.

Born in Rainy River, Ontario, and raised in Big Grassy River, Sam was a proud Anishinaabe man and a survivor of the residential school system, having attended St. Margaret’s School until the age of 16. Despite the immense challenges he endured, he carried a heart filled with kindness and an unwavering spirit of compassion that touched everyone he met.

In 1989, Sam married the love of his life, Jean Perreault, in Fort Frances, Ontario. Together, they opened their home and their hearts, providing a safe and loving home for many foster children over the years. Sam’s deep love for children was a central part of his character; he found great joy and purpose in nurturing and caring for them.

Sam’s passion for education led him to the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, where he earned his Bachelor of Education degree and went on to obtain his Masters of Education. He dedicated his life to teaching elementary students in various First Nation communities, leaving a lasting impact on generations of young minds. He spent many years teaching Grade 7 in Kasibonika First Nation before returning to Big Grassy First Nation, where he served as the principal of Pegamigaabo School for two years. He also found immense joy in teaching his native language, Anishinaabemowin, at Pegamigaabo School until his retirement in 2023. As a first-language speaker, Sam was incredibly proud of his Anishinaabe culture, a pride he eagerly shared with all his students.

Above all, Sam’s greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, and he spoiled them every chance he got. His home was filled with their pictures, and he loved nothing more than reading books to them, going for walks, and attending their sporting events. We’ll always remember him singing and dancing in his seat when he watched them play. We often joked that he loved the snacks and music more than the game itself. 

Sam loved spending his summers at the cabin with his family going for boat rides, watching the kids tube, enjoying the sea-doo rides and taking in nature. He also cherished his adventures with his sister, Bridget, and her husband, Carl, enjoying trips to various casinos where Sam’s good fortune was widely known. He was always a social butterfly, making friends easily wherever he went and bringing laughter and joy to every gathering. His love for music and dancing was infectious, and he was always trying to get people on the dance floor with him.

Sam loved attending pow wows and would travel with Bridget and Carl throughout the summer, often staying until the very end no matter how late it ended. He enjoyed watching his grandsons dance and listening to them sing with their drum group Broken Horn. 

He was known for his impeccable sense of fashion and was lovingly nicknamed “Ralph Lauren.” With his million pairs of shoes, jackets, and hats and jewelry, he was always the best-dressed person in any room, and his signature song was fittingly “Sharp Dressed Man.”

Sam’s kind heart and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but he will live on forever in our hearts.

A traditional wake was held on Sunday, September 7, and funeral on September 8, 2025, at the Couchiching Multi-use facility. He was laid to rest near his beloved wife in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery on Agency One Lands.

Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.