William Joseph “Billy” Ottertail (Nowatagabow), 74, of Lac La Croix First Nation, Ont., passed away at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
He was born Dec. 23, 1938 in Fort Frances to the late Frank Hosler and Lizzie Kingfisher.
Billy lived all of his life at Lac La Croix, where he worked as a fishing guide for Campbell’s Cabins for many years.
He loved hunting and camping with his family and friends. Billy also loved travelling and seeing different places in the world with his partner, Gladys.
He was a very compassionate man and helpful to his family and friends in the community whenever they needed a hand.
Billy loved music, and was a gifted guitar player and singer in the band with Elmer and Clifford Whitefish. At other times, Billy also just enjoyed playing or singing to karaoke.
He was instrumental in establishing a square dance group, the “Namakan River Jiggers.”
Billy was loved and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Billy is survived by his partner, Gladys Geyshick; son, Gary Whitefish; brother, Ralph Ottertail (Jane); and special family, Corinne Ottertail (Brendon) and their children, Shantelle, Vanessa, Henry, and Brandon, all of Lac La Croix First Nation, Ont.
He also is survived by his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; step-children, Shelley (Ken), Derek (Jackie), Clint (Tanya), Lori (Sheldon) and Tina (Don); and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by one sister, Marie Ottertail; and one niece, Jennifer Ottertail.
A traditional burial service will be held Friday, March 22, 2013 in the morning at the family home in Lac La Croix First Nation. Elder Gilbert Smith will officiate, with burial in Lac La Croix First Nation Cemetery.
A wake will be held Thursday, March 21, 2013 in the evening at the family home at Lac La Croix First Nation.
The pallbearers will be Daniel Geyshick Jr., Stacey Whitefish, Stacey Boshey, Maurice Jourdain, Leslie Whitefish, Ryan Oshawe, Roger Morrison, Jonathan Ottertail, and Roger Fobister.
The honourary pallbearers will be Billy’s family and friends.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
